By Pat Grecco

The process of making a decision when choosing a college can be much easier for the student-athlete if she has options. That single word is part of my mantra when working with the college bound student-athlete. You have to have a Plan A, Plan B, and Plan C! For example, I usually tell parents and students alike to work with 6-8 schools in the final selection process using the following points as a guide

* A school that is affordable, as in a state school. If scholarship grants do not materialize you need to have an affordable school to fall back on.
* An academic reach school
* A few schools in your academic comfort zone where you are likely to receive academic grant money, as well as athletic grants that will create a generous package.
* Be sure your final choice offers your intended major.
* Parents, make sure you know all about the academic support programs (tutoring) and percentage of those who graduate in four years.

A good question to ask yourself is: “Would I really chose this school if I could never play soccer again?”

Truly, it’s all about the education and using your sport to get into the best academic situation you and your family can afford. Samantha B. was accepted early action by Tufts University. Samantha truly loves the school, but her parents don’t know yet what kind of package she will receive. Since Tufts is a Division III athletic school, they can hope for academic grants, perhaps an institutional scholarship, and maybe some outside money from places such as local community organizations. In this case, it would be wise to have a plan “B”; that is unless you are willing to pay the full tuition, room, board, and books, which can be extremely pricy.

Last year, a well known liberal arts college in the Boston area, heavily endowed by alumni, was able to match what it would cost Jimmy B. for a top state school. Jimmy decided to attend the private liberal arts college. Of course, Division I and Division II athletic institutions can offer athletic money, as well as academic or financial aid that can offer a more competitive financial package.

With that being said, your best chance at being accepted to a good school and receiving any kind of financial award is by being the best student you can possibly be. This allows the coach who is recruiting you to be creative and obtain money from the school and not from his budget.

When you do receive that first financial offer, don’t make a final decision without appealing for more money. Don’t ever take the first offer. Always be up front and honest with the coaches who are recruiting you, and make sure they understand your financial situation.

Another thing to think about when deciding where you want to play your college soccer is that players who receive an athletic grant for their sport in D-I or D-II usually get playing time. Players who receive no athletic money usually sit on the sidelines for a while. That’s not a hard and fast rule, and it certainly isn’t written in stone, but more often than not, it tends to be the case. Be sure you are comfortable with the situation you are entering with your new team and coach.

That brings me to my final point. Before you sign that Letter of Intent or make that verbal commitment, be sure you ask all the right questions and see your package in writing on the letterhead of the university or college you will be attending. Don’t agree to anything until you are comfortable and completely clear on all the academic, athletic, and financial aspects of your acceptance.

Questions, concerns, I’m just an e-mail away, at soccervol@aol.com.