It is that time of the year that high school students start looking for the college or University they are interested in attending. Every year College rodeo coaches hear from a lot of students who are interested in their programs. And College Rodeo coaches contact many students about their program. The process can be confusing and sometimes difficult.
Here are a few tips that may help you:
Have a plan for your future.
Know what you want to study. Even if you are just plan on taking general studies for your first two years, have a plan. Most college rodeo coaches want to see you do well academically and it is much easier if you have a plan. When you visit schools the coach should ask about what you plan on studying in your two or four year stay. If you can pick up a copy of the degree plan you are interested in.
Do your research on the rodeo programs you are interested in.
Talk to current and former athletes in the program. Ask the coach about graduation rates or how many students transfer to other schools if it is a two year school. Ask the current students about the coaches and the practices. Check back the past several years to see how well the program has done. How well have the students done after they have been through the program. You can learn a lot from current and former students.
Check your options. There are a lot of schools with good rodeo programs. Don’t go to the first one you look at, or the first one to make an offer. Check different schools, visit with coaches. Go on campus visits, stop by practices. Maybe even go to one of their regional rodeos. At the rodeo you will see different schools, coaches and athletes. Find a fit that is good for you.
Do not let your parents take control of the recruiting/decision process. Speaking for myself and a few other coaches that I know, nothing throws up a red flag more than over involved parents. We want you to choose our school because you want to be here, not because you mom and dad want you here. You will be the one spending several years at the school, make sure it is your choice.
Come to the campus visit prepared. Have thoughtful questions. Ask about financial aid. Ask a lot of questions about practices. Ask about travel money. Ask about stalls. Prepare a list of questions. Don’t be afraid to ask the tough questions. Ask. Ask. Ask. The more prepared you are with questions, the more knowledge you will have to make your decision with.
Narrow your schools down and go on campus visits.
Check out some of the classes; see how many students are in them. Meet instructors in areas that you are interested in studying. Make sure you will feel comfortable at the school. See how well you will fit in with the team. Try the cafeteria. Go by and get an admissions packet. If you have any duel credit classes from high school meet with a counselor to see how they will transfer.
Choosing the right school is a big decision. Most college students just base their decision on academics. As a student athlete you have many more factors that will play into the decision. Take the time to educate yourself and make a decision that will benefit you, hopefully for the rest of your life. The more information you have the easier it will be to make a decision on March 1st.
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C.J. Aragon was named the 2008-2011 Grand Canyon Region Coach-of-the-Year. 2014-2015 WJCAC Coach-of-the-Year, 2016 Southwest Region Coach-of-the-Year, and 2010 National Intercollegiate Rodeo Association Coach-of-the-Year.
