Recruiting Roadblocks - Academic Eligibility

There are academic standards in place for all levels of volleyball. This usually isn't an issue for most volleyball athletes, but it does come into play sometimes. Based on your GPA and test scores you might miss the mark when it comes to your NCAA eligibility.

When this does come up I almost always feel like it's an issue we are dealing with later than we should. I think the same way about both of these extremes. Athletes that are going to struggle academically and athletes that are going to excel academically and want to go to an Ivy League or similar academic caliber school. The earlier for both that we start the process the better.

If you're going to struggle with your academic eligibility, the sooner we know and be proactive about what we do going forward the better. If you're planning on attending or if you want to attend a high academic institution, knowing what you need to do and where you stand going forward is important.

How much help do I need?

What score do I need to get to?

Am I far behind?

What classes am I missing?

When it comes to Ivy League schools there are two things that I find myself often repeating to families: 1) They don't give athletic scholarships and 2) they are more talented then I think people give them credit for. A common misconception I hear from this side is that because the Ivy League doesn't give scholarships that they are "more of a D2 level program." Now, I don't really know what that even means, so it's hard to know where to start. But I will say that these schools are recruiting elite level athletes and students.

If you are an athlete that is going to struggle academically, it's usually not an issue for most coaches honestly. Depending on the school, it might not be an issue for admission as long as you ARE academically eligible. That is just going to depend on the school. But I will say that the sooner you bring this situation to the forefront the better. Letting coaches know before you go on a visit, giving them the information they need to know to figure out where you stand academically puts them in a better position to help you, even before you get to college.

Your transcripts are going to be important. Make sure you are sharing that information with college coaches when you can. Ask for help! There are ACT courses, tutors, teachers and admin that will WANT to help you succeed. Be willing to ask for help. Even if you are doing well academically, getting a little extra nudge from those around you can help you get to where you are wanting to go.

Be proactive about this process regardless of where you are academically and you will see the benefits of that.