Tips For Choosing The
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The process of selecting a college is both challenging and
consequential. When forced to consider swimming as well, the task becomes even
more daunting. While attempting to find the ideal fit academically and
athletically, it is necessary to set certain criteria for potential
colleges and swimming programs. Perhaps overwhelmed by the plethora of
possibilities, high school swimmers must focus their college search by first assessing
their abilities and desires. After reading this article, begin to formulate
your very own college criteria and hopefully even find several matching
colleges and/or universities.
COLLEGE
Academics/Reputation
The most important aspect of a college is its academic program and
philosophy. Students must find a college or university that best matches their
academic abilities and goals. For instance, potential architects should seek
colleges that provide an architectural program or the opportunity to explore
this discipline. Many schools only offer a liberal arts education; thus, those
pursuing unique degrees (like engineering) must find schools that cater to such
interests. Furthermore, colleges provide statistical profiles of current
students and admissions criteria. Compare your GPA and SAT scores to assess
compatibility with these profiles.
Size and
Location
Size and location are integral components of a school’s character. State
universities, for instance, tend to be rather large, while liberal arts
colleges tend to be much smaller. Class sizes can range anywhere from a couple
of hundred to several thousand students. Often, smaller colleges offer a more
intimate classroom setting and a lower teacher-to-student ratio. Classes at
larger universities are frequently taught in a lecture style.
A school’s location is as defining as its size. Many students attend
in-state colleges while others travel across the country each semester. Decide
where you are most comfortable geographically. Furthermore, the potential
college student must choose either an urban, suburban, or rural setting.
Price
Tuitions range from a few thousand to tens of thousands of dollars.
Explore academic as well as outside, privately-sponsored scholarships.
Furthermore, research the possibility of student employment, as many colleges
offer work-study positions. Most importantly, though, many schools offer
financial-aid through both grants and loans.
SWIMMING
Coaching
Much of a team’s success relies on its coaching staff. Because each staff
is different, be sure that their philosophies are compatible with yours. Ask
coaches to describe a typical practice and week. Meanwhile, try to assess each
coach’s style and personality. Furthermore, some teams have the same head coach
for both the men’s and women’s teams; others have completely separate staffs.
Be sure that you are comfortable around and with each coach. After all, you are
commencing a four-year relationship.
Program
All collegiate swimming programs are markedly different. A program consists
not only of swimming but also of weight and dry land training. Some teams work
exclusively with weights, yet others use various tools such as medicine balls,
power racks, and stretch cords. Moreover, some programs completely separate men
and women. Also, pay careful attention to a school’s facilities. Are the pool
and weight room adequate? Is there ample lane space? Is there a separate diving
well? Be sure to comprehensively research each swimming program before
assessing your compatibility.
Scholarship/Division
There are collegiate swimming programs of varied ability. By comparing
best times, develop a list of colleges with programs that suit your skill
level. Many swimmers are content to compete on the Division III level; others
desire Division I competition. Whatever your ability may be, there is certainly
a matching program. Remember, however, that only Division I and II schools may
offer athletic scholarships. If college appears a financial
burden or impossibility, contact programs that provide scholarships.
Begin to formulate a list of schools and programs that are compatible with your academic and athletic abilities.