Every fall, I sit down with athletes and their families who are both excited and overwhelmed. They’ve spent years on the field, at meets, or in the pool — and now they’re staring down the complex world of college admissions and athletic scholarships. For many student-athletes, the dream is clear: to keep competing in college and to get help paying for it. But the path there? Not always so obvious.
Whether you’re a high school junior already being contacted by coaches, or a senior scrambling to email your highlight reel, I want you to know this: you’re not alone. I’ve walked through this process with swimmers from small towns, soccer players from inner-city schools, and first-generation students who had no one else to explain how NCAA eligibility works. There’s a way forward, and this guide is here to help you find it — every step of the way.
Athletic Scholarships and College Admissions for Student-Athletes
Athletic scholarships and college admissions are deeply connected — but they don’t always follow the same rules. A strong athlete might not get into their dream school if they don’t meet academic requirements. And a student with a 4.0 GPA might not get recruited without consistent athletic performance or visibility. Understanding both sides of the equation is key.
How Athletic Scholarships Work
Athletic scholarships are awarded by college athletic departments, not by the admissions office. These scholarships fall into two basic categories:
- Full-ride scholarships: Typically offered in revenue sports like football and basketball at Division I schools.
- Partial scholarships: Common in sports like soccer, swimming, track, and baseball, where scholarship funds are divided among several athletes.
There are also differences by division:
- Division I: Offers both full and partial scholarships. Highly competitive.
- Division II: Offers partial scholarships and a more balanced athletic-academic lifestyle.
- Division III: Does not offer athletic scholarships, but many student-athletes receive merit or need-based aid.
It’s also worth noting that the NCAA Eligibility Center plays a major role for D-I and D-II athletes. You must register and meet both academic and amateurism standards to be recruited or receive a scholarship.
Admissions Considerations for Recruited Athletes
Recruited athletes often apply through a different lane than regular applicants. Coaches can advocate for you, but they don’t make final admissions decisions. You still need to meet the college’s academic standards.
For example, when I worked with Emily — a cross-country runner from a rural high school — she had a 3.4 GPA and strong ACT scores. Her performance got her recruited by a D-I university, and the coach put her on the admissions “support list.” The admissions office still reviewed her file, but the coach’s backing made it more likely she’d be accepted.
This doesn’t mean it’s a free pass. At academically rigorous schools, even recruited athletes need strong transcripts. If you’re applying Early Decision and you’re a recruited athlete, you might want to read what to do if you’re deferred — yes, it happens to athletes too.
Walk-Ons and Non-Scholarship Athletes
Not every athlete gets recruited or receives a scholarship. Many students “walk on” to teams after being accepted through the regular admissions process. These students may later earn scholarships or contribute significantly to the team.
One student I worked with, Jamal, applied to a D-III college for academics, not athletics. But once on campus, he tried out for the basketball team and eventually became a starter by his junior year. While he didn’t receive athletic aid, he earned a generous merit scholarship and built a network that helped him land a job after graduation.
Whether you’re recruited or walking on, it’s crucial to understand how athletics fits into your broader admissions strategy. I often share this reminder: a college has to be a good fit for you, not just your sport.
How to Get Noticed and Maximize Scholarship Opportunities
Unlike academics, athletic recruiting doesn’t come with a Common App. It requires you to be proactive, organized, and strategic. Let’s walk through how to stand out and earn those critical scholarship dollars.
Build a Recruiting Profile and Highlight Video
Your first step is to create a digital profile that includes:
- Academic stats (GPA, test scores, class rank)
- Athletic stats (times, rankings, key achievements)
- Highlight videos (2–5 minutes of your best plays, skills, or races)
- Contact information and coach recommendations
Use platforms like NCSA Sports or BeRecruited to host your profile and reach coaches. But don’t rely solely on them. Direct outreach is still key.
Email Coaches Thoughtfully
Sending personalized emails to coaches can make a big difference. Include your academic and athletic resumes, your highlight video, and a short message explaining why you’re interested in their program. Follow up respectfully and keep them updated on your performance.
One student I helped, Sofia, was a soccer player with dreams of attending a liberal arts college in the Northeast. She emailed coaches at five D-III schools, and only one replied. But that coach came to see her play, invited her to an ID camp, and eventually offered her a spot on the team. It only takes one “yes.”
Attend Camps, Showcases, and Tournaments
Visibility matters. Coaches need to see you play. Attending recruiting showcases or college ID camps can be critical, especially if you live in an area with limited competition. These events also give you a feel for coaching styles and team culture.
While these events can be expensive, many offer fee waivers or travel stipends for low-income students. Don’t be afraid to ask. And if you’re a first-gen student, read our guide to navigating college as a first-generation applicant — it’s packed with resources that can support you through this process.
Apply for Supplemental Scholarships
Even if you get an athletic scholarship, it may not cover everything. Combine it with other aid:
- Merit scholarships based on SAT/ACT scores
- Private scholarships with essay requirements
- Military and ROTC scholarships
Also, never forget to file the FAFSA form — athletic aid can be stacked with need-based aid in many cases.
Balancing Athletics, Academics, and Admissions
Being a student-athlete means juggling competing priorities. You’ll need time management, resilience, and support — both during the application process and in college.
I always tell students: athletics should open doors, not close them. Choose a college where you’d be happy even if you couldn’t compete. Injuries, burnout, or coaching changes happen. Your college experience should still be meaningful without your sport.
If you’re homeschooled and unsure how to present your transcript to the NCAA, check out our guide on college admissions for homeschooled students.
And as you build your college list, don’t just look at rankings. Think about things like:
- Team culture and coaching style
- Academic support for athletes
- Balance between sport and school
- Opportunities after graduation
Remember, you’re not just choosing a team — you’re choosing a community for the next four years of your life.
FAQ: Athletic Scholarships and Admissions
Can I get a full-ride athletic scholarship?
Full rides are rare and mostly reserved for revenue sports like D-I football and basketball. Most athletes receive partial scholarships combined with academic or need-based aid.
Do coaches decide who gets into college?
No. Coaches can advocate for you, but the admissions office makes the final call. You still need to meet academic requirements.
What if I’m not recruited — can I still play in college?
Yes, many students walk onto teams or play club/intramural sports. Some walk-ons eventually earn scholarships.
What academic GPA do I need to be NCAA eligible?
The NCAA requires a minimum 2.3 GPA for Division I athletes, along with core course completion. Learn more at the NCAA Eligibility Center.
Final Thoughts
If you’re a student-athlete, you’re already used to putting in work when no one’s watching. The recruiting process is similar — it takes effort, resilience, and initiative. But here’s the truth I’ve seen again and again: sports can open doors to incredible opportunities, both athletically and academically.
Whether you’re aiming for a D-I scholarship or a chance to play D-III while earning a top-tier education, there’s a path for you. And if you ever feel lost along the way, just know that you don’t have to do it alone. Lean on your coaches, counselors, and people like me who believe in your future beyond the scoreboard.
And when you do get that offer — that email, that call, that handshake — it won’t just be about the sport. It’ll be about everything you’ve worked for, on and off the field.