NCSA College Athletic Scholarships Blog

Just in time for Halloween, comes this article about a young man who graduated so deep in debt for his college education that he’s afraid to return to the United States.   The key paragraph in the article: “These are people new to borrowing and they didn’t understand what they were getting into,” says Mark Kantrowitz of Finaid.org, an online student loan information Web site. “It’s a very sorry situation that it comes to students feeling they have no option than to leave the country,” he says. “It’s a sign the system is broken.”

Why would anyone put themselves in that position?  More importantly, why would a student-athlete with some great athletic skills and good grades put themselves in that position?  If you know how to play the college recruiting game and apply a little effort, you can get a good portion of college paid for and get to play your favorite sport.  Now that’s a win-win. 

Parents, if your kids are good at sports and you don’t want them to be burdened by excessive student loans when they graduate, you should educate yourself on what is available to student-athletes in the way of financial aid.  You can begin here.

Gregg Easterbrook’s Tuesday Morning Quarterback is one of my weekly must-reads.  It combines his strong thoughts on football startegy with random but extremely thoughful remarks on society.  For the last few seasons he has been recapping the previous weeks Friday Night Lights television show episode.  This week he pointed out a common myth in the maistream media that often skews the thoughts of high school athletes.

The Real Way Many Kids Reach College: Here’s a spoiler that matters to public policy — a subplot of the current season of “Friday Night Lights” has Brian “Smash” Williams, graduated from Dillon High but without an athletic scholarship owing to an injury, rehabbing his knee and trying to get an offer from a college. Reader Robert Matranga of Orange, Calif., writes, “The show is giving the implication that a football scholarship is his only ticket to college — that without it, college is unreachable. Smash’s family cannot afford the tuition to Texas A&M, where he hopes to go — but what about an academic or need-based scholarship? The show’s implication that athletic scholarship is the only way Brian can attain college feeds the already poor awareness of federal aid in the form of Pell grants and subsidized loans, plus the need-based aid offered by many colleges directly.”

His points about the scholarship system are 100% correct.  However, what he fails to recognize is that many times athletes that aren’t offered full scholarships have the inside track to recieve as much funding from grants and other sources.  So,yes, many do get too hung up on the word scholarship, but athletics COMBINED with strong academics can be a ticket to college.

Did you watch the debate between Barack Obama and John McCain last night? If you or your children are planning to go to college, I certainly hope you did.

In 19 days, every United States citizen 18 years and older will have the opportunity to vote for the country’s 44th President. And when the next president takes the oath of office on Jan. 20, the USA hopefully will begin taking steps to a new and better direction.

Now, looking at the comments for today’s poll question, it appears as if the campaigning finally has reached our humble little blog! But in all seriousness, it’s important that you know where Obama and McCain stand on the issue of higher education so come Nov. 4, you or your parents will make the best possible decision.

You can see how the two candidates tackle higher education from Obama’s and McCain’s official Web sites. So if you’re a parent or 18 years old, make sure you read both candidates’ policies before you punch the little hole for either candidate. And if you’re under 18, still read the policies yourself so you can make your voice heard and inform your parents how the policies will affect you.

The first part of this series can be found here 

 This innocuous, yet powerful psychological tool further levels the negotiating playing field because it has a powerful psychological effect on the receiver of its message i.e., if the recipient of the message says “no,” then that person is unfair. This stealth psychological device is so powerful because generally the receiver of the message perceives himself as a fair person and instinctively wishes to maintain that perception. Thus he offers a “yes” answer; meaning: I’m a fair person. Additionally, the question is unexpected in an emotionally intense situation giving the recipient little psychological space to gather his thoughts and respond in his best interests as opposed to responding to the protection of an image of being fair. (I know it’s tough, but you need to be tough. Tough on yourself and your opponent.)  

If the coach refuses to budge, you’ve lost nothing. Don’t be afraid that the coach will become angry or withdraw the original offer. (You have the documents in your hands. Signing them legally compels the institution.) Most coaches expect people to negotiate and usually respect those that negotiate aggressively, yet fairly. Belligerence and threatening will accomplish nothing. Many parents don’t realize that it’s important to a Financial Aid Counselor whether you attend the institution as it may affect her keeping the job. (Another rule they know and you may not know.) Some Admission Counselors have to generate certain predetermined numbers. If they don’t, jobs can be lost. Sometimes, you may have to appeal the financial aid package with a Financial Aid Officer. If you feel that you’ve not been offered an amount that the institution should be reasonably handle or if you can cite new or changed financial circumstances that change your ability to pay, usually a Financial Aid Officer will hear an appeal. If the appeal is for the former, often the coach recruiting you will prepare you for the appeal interview. If it is the latter, normally you would handle this yourself.

Remember, that the awarding of financial aid is a marketing tool used to increase or sustain enrollment. If a small to medium-sized private college is recruiting you, the following bold question often provokes outstanding results: Isn’t it better for the college to have a student enrolled who is receiving enhanced financial aid rather than having an empty classroom seat or an empty dorm bed? Then be quiet. Pleading and groveling are counterproductive.

You must always be reasonable and calm, yet in control. As you can appreciate, there will be certain schools where negotiations will be less productive than at others. There is a waiting list at many prestigious schools so they don’t need to give discounts to attract students.

Excerpted from The Sports Scholarship Insider’s Guide by NCSA Educational Speaker Dion Wheeler. 

 Because you are now engaged in a contest where only the opposition knows the rules, the coach and the institution are generally in a position to place significant psychological pressure on you. They recognize (utilizing rules that they know and that you probably don’t know) that they are in a position of power and control and are usually quick to take advantage of the psychological stress you feel. You need a psychological counter-force (using their rules to compete against them) to level the playing field.  

Successful salespeople know what devices to employ when they want to put the ball into the customer’s court: i.e., make them buy the product or service they are selling. A simple counter-force device is one of the most powerful psychological stressors known to mankind: silence.

A salesperson will asking a closing question like, “Would you like to take the shoes home?”  When the customer doesn’t answer quickly, say fifteen seconds, the timid saleperson can’t stand the pressure of no one talking and breaks the silence. The moment he or she starts talking, the sale is lost. The wise and courageous salesperson remains silent and forces the customer to talk first. When the customer talks first, often he or she says, “yes.”

 Sometimes a coach will ask a question. This is normally a good sign.

• It demonstrates the coach’s interest in you.
• It provides you the opportunity to ask a closing question

A coach may ask a question similar to, “I can’t go $2,000. If I could increase the award letter by $1000, would that be OK?” Now the coach has asked a closing question. That is to say, he wants you to say yes; the deal is then closed as that’s in his best interest. Only you know the answer to this or a similar question. If your answer is no, say no. Now the ball is back in the coach’s court. If you sense the coach is bluffing with that type of question, be quiet. The first one that talks losses!

America’s colleges give away over $12 billion of their own funds for financial aid each year. If you want more money (a discount on tuition) than what your are initially offered, you must ask for it. Otherwise, the financial aid package will not be increased. And if there is additional financial aid available, it will go to someone else that did ask for it.

If the coach suggests that you sign either an Athletic Tender or Financial Aid Award Letter separately, you must decline. “Well, go ahead and sign the award letter and I’ll see what I can do.” Your answer should be, “Coach, I don’t mean to be offensive, but it’s important to me to see if you can secure the increase with a new Financial Aid Award Letter. If you can, both the Award Letter and the Athletic Tender will be signed at the same time. Is that fair?” OR – “Coach, I mean no disrespect, but I’d rather sign an Award Letter and the Athletic Tender that both show the additional amount as awarded. Is that fair??” Then be quiet.

Part II

Excerpted from The Sports Scholarship Insider’s Guide by NCSA Educational Speaker Dion Wheeler

  Can’t pay for college? Maybe Uncle Sam can help you. Getting accepted into a military academy or ROTC (Reserved  Officer Training Corps) program may be the most rewarding experience a young man or woman can receive. In this blog entry I want to distinguish between the two elements of government academic training and possibly assist you in the benefits of applying and competing for a military academy or ROTC program.

The Academies

Acceptance: Military academies such as West Point and Annapolis have a prestigious history of fielding some of the best athletic teams our country has ever seen along with first-class education. One thing prospective student-athletes need to understand is that it is tuition free. That’s right it’s free! However, getting accepted into West Point, Annapolis, or Colorado Springs is not an easy task. The academies are very selective in the acceptance process and certain documentation needs to be in order before applying. These documents include letter of recommendations from your state congressman, outstanding GPA, test scores and proof that you are a leader in your community. If you are getting recruited by a coach from one of the academies, I highly recommend you communicate over what is needed to be accepted.

Commitment: Understand that this decision is a commitment. The next four years of your life will be dedicated to earning a degree of your choice and learning the principles of leading our country. After graduation you will be considered a commissioned officer and have a six year enlistment to your branch. The Naval Academy is the only academy where Midshipmen have the option of either serving in the United States Navy or the United States Marine Corps. To learn more about the academies click on these links below:

United States Military Academy

United States Naval Academy

United States Air Force Academy

Reserved Officer Training Corp

Acceptance: The ROTC program is also another great program offered by our military which gives prospective students the opportunity to select the college of their choice while the government picks up the tuition bill. The ROTC program is not as selective with prospective students as the academies, but it is highly recommended that an applicant have outstanding academics and athletic performance. During your four year college commitment students in the program will be enrolled in a series of military science courses and be required to attend military sanctioned events over the first two summers while attending OCS (Officer Candidate School) their third summer and TBS (The Basic School) in their fourth summer.

Commitment: Your commitment after you earn your degree is similar to that of a midshipmen or cadet. You will embark on a 6 year enlistment. If at any point you decide that the military is not for you, you will owe the government the money that was paid for your degree. To learn more about the Reserved Officer Training Corps Click below.

ROTC 

Your role as an athlete

Athletics play a huge role in the image of the military academies. Every year the Army versus Navy game is one of the biggest rivalries in our country. As an athlete, not only do you have your responsibilities preparing week to week against opponents, you also have a series of inspections, assignments, and studies.  Organization, time management, and being squared away will separate you from the pack.

Merchant Marine Academy, New Mexico Military Institute, The Citadel, & the Coast Guard

The Merchant Marine Academy, New Mexico Military Institue, United States Coast Guard Academy, and The Citadel are also fine insitutions that offer first class education. After speaking with representatives from each institution this is the information we found.

   Merchant Marine Academy: The Merchant Academy encourages their student’s to serve as civilians after graduation in the Maritime Industry. These positions include deck officers, engineers, security, and logistics. Students are required to serve an 8 year reservist enlistment which is broken down to 2 weeks per year. 75% of the Merchant Marine Students will be placed in this job industry while making lucrative salaries. 75% enlist in the Naval and Marine Reserve compononent, while 25% enlist into one of the four military branches. The Merchant Marine Academy has 23 varsity sports. Rugby is nationally ranked, and 85% of the student body participates in sports. To learn more about the Merchant Marine Academy click here

New Mexico Military Institute: All students who attend New Mexico Military Institute do not have a military commitment after graduation. They do encourage students to attend military academies after graduation and compete at the junior college level. NMMI offers an ROTC program where students voluntarily sign up and are required to serve a 4 year enlistment in the branch of their choice. To learn more about the New Mexico Military Institute click here

The Citadel: The Citadel is located in Charleston, SC and competes at the Division 1-AA level. There is no mandatory enlistment after graduation. They also offer an ROTC program that does not have a binding contract to serve after your schooling is complete. They do encourage students to serve in one of the four military branches. To learn more about The Citadel click here

The United States Coast Guard Academy

The United States Coast Guard Academy is tuition free. However, there is a $3,000 initial fee which includes a laptop and uniforms. There is a 5 year enlistment that is involved after graduation. Students will receive their military occupation specialty after their second year in the academy. Teams who compete for the academy compete at the Division 3 level. 65% of their students graduate from the academy. If at any point a student has a change of heart the situation is handled case by case and certain money will be owed back to the institution. To learn more about the United States Coast Guard Academy click here

 Serving our country was one of the best career decisions I have ever made. During my enlistment as a young Marine I learned discipline, leadership, and achieved goals I never would have done on my own. These tools helped me become the person I am today and set me up for a wonderful job. To learn more about military life or questions please comment on this blog below and an NCSA Recruiting Coach will be in touch with you.

 I was speaking with a parent of a soccer player recently and she made the comment “it’s a state school so it will be much more affordable”.

Many people are under the misconception that public colleges and universities are less expensive than private institutions. Sticker prices at public colleges are often less daunting than those of their private counterparts, however, once academic, athletic and need based aid is taken into consideration the final financial package often tells a very different story.

Most private colleges and universities provide financial assistance for many of their students. Yale University, for example, is reducing the average cost of sending a student to Yale College by over 50% for families with financial need. This new policy will apply to all students returning to campus in the fall as well as entering freshmen. This represents the largest increase in spending for financial aid in the University’s history.

The reduction in costs will be spread across a broad range of incomes. Families with incomes below $120,000 will see their contributions cut by more than 50%, while most families with incomes between $120,000 and $200,000 will see cost reductions of 33% or more.

Families earning less than $60,000 annually will not make any contribution toward the cost of a child’s education, and families earning $60,000 to $120,000 will typically contribute from 1% to 10% of total family income. The contribution of aided families earning above $120,000 will average 10% of income.

According to a recent study conducted here at NCSA, the average scholarship (academic, athletic and need-based funds) at public schools totaled $12,850.19. The average private school award totaled a whopping $21,266.10.

Do not be misled by the figure you see on a college website. Once you dig deeper and take advantage of your academic and athletic talent there is a lot of aid available.

You may win a scholarship from an entity outside the college’s regular financial aid sources. If you do, most colleges ask that you report or even send the award to the school’s financial aid office.  Typically, the financial aid office will reduce your financial aid package by the amount of the award. This saves the school money, but won’t improve your overall financial aid package. Ask the organization to give the award directly to you so the school won’t reduce your financial aid package by the outside entity’s award amount.

Excerpted from The Sports Scholarship Insider’s Guide by NCSA Educational Speaker Dion Wheeler

One of two articles I’m going to write about from the Chicago Sun-Times. Sometimes, you don’t have to look too far for a good story or two.

Chicago public schools are offering a new incentive for freshman and sophomores in high school for good grades and stay in school: cash money. From the article:

Every five-week reporting period, freshmen and sophomores can earn $50 for each A, $35 for each B and $20 for each C in five subjects: English, math, science, social science and physical education.

But kids will only get half their earnings upfront. They have to graduate to receive the other half.

So according to the article, for straight A’s, a student can earn $4,000. Straight C’s only get you $1,600 (feel the sarcasm).

Now, this is obviously something that probably will get kids motivated — I was completely broke in high school (and college, for that matter), and any chance to earn extra money gets me excited!

This would also make things easier for me during evaluation calls. Rather than telling kids they need good grades to get into college and have more open doors as far as where they can play, now I can tell them (at least the kids in Chicago) that they can get $50 per “A”!

Uh … don’t expect that to be happening anytime soon. There’s a group called Parents United for Responsible Education (PURE) that thinks this is a terrible idea, and I for one agree.

Like I said, it’s a good way of getting these students motivated, but it’s also teaching them one of the seven deadly sins — greed. Now, rather than trying to get good grades to better one’s self and to learn, the main reason for these students to do well is because they want to be rolling in the dough! Sure, they still might learn a thing or two, but there’s a reason why money is often called “the root of all evil.” It’s one thing to start giving out $50 here and there, but eventually, money might be the only motivator for our nation’s future.

There are more important things, like being a more intelligent person, landing a better job and being happy.

So, I’m going to continue preaching good grades in my evaluations, but because of the reasons listed above — they are vital if you want to get into a good school, and they’ll eventually open more doors for you. And who knows, you might still see some money out of it — a college scholarship!

Among the many reasons to enter the college sports recruiting process earning an athletic scholarship to pay for college is always at the top of the list. Playing in college offsets the burden of paying for college. After all, who wants to be paying for college 10 years after they graduate because of student loans? In May 2007, testimony before US congress revealed that a quarter of all students graduate with too much debt to pay back on a starting teachers salary. That is way too high.

If that’s the case, shouldn’t you be knowledgeable in the ways of Financial Aid?

I earned my MBA from one of the top business schools in the country and traded sophisticated financial instruments for over 20 years. I thought I could figure this financial aid thing out. I couldn’t. I needed help. I’m very glad I invested in professional advice that helped maximize the grants and scholarships my daughter received. One of the great things about NCSA is that their advice on how to maximize scholarship dollars actually works. And it continues to work. Except for the less than 1% of college athletes who have “full rides” (tuition, books, room & board, fees, transportation), most families must negotiate their financial aid package on an annual basis. Paying for that expert advice helped – a lot! As she enters her junior year, my daughter has received over $135,000 in financial aid. Not one penny of that is a student loan. It’s all grants that don’t have to be paid back. Do you think I’m happy with the professional advice I received? My return on that investment was over 6700.00 per cent!