Contributor, Rick Paine, is a friend and an expert on the college recruiting process. He is also the Director of Swimming at American College Connection.
Most college coaches will recruit a large number of swimmers each year in hopes of getting a few. The coaches have an “A” list, a “B” list and maybe a “C” list of recruits. The top of the “A” list will receive official visit offers first.
If you find that you are not near the top of the “A” list here are some suggestions on how to get an official visit.
Example:
Hello Coach _______,
I have enjoyed our email and phone conversations very much. I also like what I have read on your website and in mailings about your school and your program and think it could be a good fit. I am very interested in visiting your campus this (FALL or SPRING).
For your recruiting files, I have attached copies of my unofficial transcripts and test scores to this email. My NCAA ID# is _____________.
Can you please let me know how your school handles recruiting trips? Are they sponsored in part, or in total, by the athletics department? What costs, if any, would my family incur?
I am available these dates to visit; do you have any recruiting weekends planned this FALL or SPRING?
This type of email essentially serves the following purposes:
- Provides Coach with documents needed to make an official visit (transcripts, test scores, NCAA ID)
- Provides Coach with information needed to do a preliminary admissions evaluation (if required or needed).
- Invites coach to tell you whether or not you would be on an official or unofficial visit.
- Before committing to, or scheduling, or purchasing tickets for visit, you should get an idea of what it will cost you to attend the school.
American College Connection is a swimswam partner.
I’m not a swimmer but I need help understanding a signed letter from the head coach. In the letter it says, “we should set a time for you to come on a visit in the fall, or a time that we can visit you after or during your summer of rowing.” Is this hinting at an official?
I am new to the process and just wondering… How important is the NCAA #? I am registered on collegeswimming and haven’t finished the NCAA registration yet. Can coaches find me on it?
It’s important because without it, you won’t be able to compete in the NCAA. Coaches want this info so that they can see if a) you’re eligible, or b) if you still need to complete the process. Also, you’re required to be registered with the NCAA Eligibility Center (where this number comes from) to be allowed to have an official recruiting trip.