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Various Questions to Better Know the School You're Visiting

The opportunity to have a discussion with your potential coach is a critical step in making sure that program would be a good fit for you. These may be phone conversations or discussions that take place in person during your visit. It is likely that you will be a bit nervous for these discussions, so it is best to gather information ahead of time a create a list of questions that will provide you with information to help you make the best decision for your future.

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First Steps:

  • BE PREPARED! You should create a list of at least 10 questions you want to ask the college coach and be well versed so it does not seem like you are reading them for the first time when you are in the discussion.

  • If it is the first conversation you are having with the coach, it is not a good time to ask if you are receiving a scholarship.

  • You should not waste this important time during this discussion by asking questions that are “general” to the college, for example,  “How many students attend your school?”  Focus on questions relevant to the soccer program as well as the coach herself/himself.

 

There are several general categories of questions that will be helpful as you plan your discussions. You do not need to ask EVERY one of these questions. Select the ones that are best for you in your particular situation.   

Questions to Ask a College Coach

QUESTIONS FOR COLLEGE COACHES

Academic Questions:

Remember that THIS is the reason you are attending college! While it is a tremendous opportunity to play collegiate soccer, you are there to obtain a degree and prepare for life, so the academic situation is some of the most important information you will need to obtain before you select a school.

  • What are the admission requirements for an athlete - GPA/ SAT/ ACT Scores?

  • Should I apply early action?

  • Will my major interfere with the athletic schedule?

  • What are some of the most common majors for athletes on your team?

  • Does your team have a full-time academic advisor and what other assistance can athletes receive?

  • What percentage of your players graduate in four years?

  • What is the team average GPA?

  • How are conflicts between soccer and academics handled?

Athletic/Soccer Specific Questions:

 While being part of a college team, you will be spending an extraordinary amount of time with the coach and players over these four special years.  It is important to find out as much about the program before you make your decision.

  • How many players are you recruiting at my position?

  • How many players have you committed to my recruiting class?  And how many are you hoping to commit?

  • How many seniors are you graduating from the team?

  • How would you describe the team's playing style?

  • What is the season/off season practice schedule like?

  • What does a typical day look like for your athletes?

  • Do you have any fitness or off-season tests?

  • What is the travel schedule like?

  • What is your policy on playing time for freshmen?

  • What are your expectations of me?

  • Where do you see me fitting in the lineup?

  • How do you think the players would describe your coaching style?

  • What are the team's short term and long term goals during my four years on campus?

  • Which events will you recruit this season/year?

Campus Environment:

There is more to college life than the team you will be playing on, so you want to get a feel for the coaches view of life on that campus and how being an athlete will impact your experience at that school.

  • What percentage of students live on campus?

  • What do students do for fun during the week/on the weekends?

  • How is the food on campus/How is the food off campus?

  • Are there separate dorms/dining halls/gyms for athletes only?

  • How long do you have to stay on campus living wise?

  • How would you describe the local environment outside of the campus?

  • Is there public transportation for kids on campus?

  • What’s the campus crime rate like?

  • What is your favorite thing about this school?

  • What type of job opportunities are offered for students on campus?

Next Steps:  As the conversation wraps up, you should be sure to inquire as to what is next and what is needed in order to move forward in this process.

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You will likely not have enough time to ask all of these questions, so review these first and select the ones which are most critical to you and your family.  Any opportunity to communicate with a college coach provides you with a valuable opportunity to get to know the person who you will be potentially spending a great deal of time with, so make the most of it!

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