As a parent, you are constantly bombarded with information from all kinds of sources. Unfortunately, there is a lot of misinformation and misleading information on the internet. It can be extremely stressful and overwhelming at times. Ultimately, recruiting is about finding the school that is the best fit for your son or daughter.
At PRO Movement Basketball, we focus our efforts on finding the best FIT (Athletically, Financially, Socially, and Athletically) for our student-athletes and their families. But, what does finding the Best “FIT” mean? Here is a breakdown of some key questions and thoughts to consider when looking at schools to determine FIT:
Academics: Does the school offer your major or desired program of study? What student-athlete support services are available (Tutoring; Supplemental Instruction; Career Services; Study Abroad; etc.)? You may also want to look at the student-faculty ratio for each institution you are considering. Small class sizes allow for more interaction with your professors, but also require more class participation. If you are interested in pursuing a STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) major, does the school offer undergraduate research opportunities?
Finances: Is the school affordable? The average college student is graduating with almost $30,000 in student loan debt. In today’s world, you must be smart and strategic with your educational choices. Having a plan, but more importantly, executing the plan can significantly reduce the cost of your education. It’s important to do your research. I strongly encourage you to go through the process – do not let the sticker price (the cost listed on the school website) scare you aware. Speak with the financial aid office and submit your FAFSA as early as possible. Many schools have Financial Aid calculators on their website, which allows you to input your family financial data and get an estimated financial aid package.
Social: The location and campus environment can have a tremendous impact on your college experience. Are there student organizations on campus that match your interests? If not, is there an opportunity for you to create that organization? What are the campus demographics? The great thing about college is that it exposes you to people with different backgrounds, perspectives, opinions, and viewpoints. Most of the learning in college takes place outside of the classroom – you want to pick a place that will allow you to broaden your horizons.
Athletics: Is there an opportunity to compete for playing time? Does the style of play complement your skill set? Does the coach develop players? And perhaps, most importantly, were you a priority recruit for the coaching staff? If not, you may want to consider other options.
Choosing a school based upon the best FIT will give your child a much more fulfilling and enjoyable college experience than chasing a level will. PRO Movement Basketball is dedicated and committed to helping kids realize their dream of playing college basketball. For more information, please contact a member of our staff:
Jarrett Christian – @PROMovement_1
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