To swim or not to swim?

That is a question asked by many high school students. Here is your guide to swimming ( playing any sport ) at University or College level after finishing high school.  There are different opportunities in different countries to continue to play sports in tertiary education with or without athletic or academic scholarship. Follow the side panel links, or continue reading through.

This is a guide for high school students who wish to continue their sport at University/College level. There are approaches listed and ways to understand different systems at university level.

The side menu helps you to look through different topics and advise.

On this page, I am starting with a simple guideline (recommended by the NCAA – National Collegiate Athletic Association – USA). Have a look at what the NCAA is – click here

What you will need to understand as a student-athlete is, that you will still have to go through the application process and adhere to all application deadlines as any other student no matter where you apply.

Student athletes who are planning on studying and competing for an American university should complete
the NCAA Eligibility Center at the beginning of their junior year. Once students have completed this, they will
be assigned an NCAA ID number

The NCAA Eligibility Center website also contains minimum academic requirements, click here to access it reviews eligibility requirements for each student athlete, and provide individualized information to parents early to help student athletes maintain academic eligibility.

Parents or student-athletes may prepare questions for the coach such as:

• What type of academic support will my student athlete receive at your college?
• What is the college’s graduation rate for athletes in my student’s sport?

• How long have the coaches been coaching at this university?

• What does an average day for an athlete on your team look like?

• What is your coaching philosophy and how many hours a week will my student train or compete?

Throughout the recruitment process, encourage student athletes, parents and coaches to keep meet statistics and videos.
Student athlete recruitment is enhanced greatly when there is a body of evidence to support the student’s ability.

Here is a step by step approach click here

Here are some ideas on how to increase visibility as an athlete.  When planning on competing at university level (especially in the US and Canada), you would want to make sure future coaches or athletic directors notice you. Increase visibility as an athlete

On the next page, I am offering ideas on how to find out whether a coach / team is needing new swimmers / players and when they potentially would need them.  This applies mostly to the US (their rosters are usually listed online).  This would also be good way to find out at other Universities which swimmers / players will graduate soon, and which stroke is needed. – You may have to contact the coach directly if this is not listed). Understanding where and what to look for

On the following pages, I am offering an overview of the American system for college sports (swimming).

There are 3 different associations in the US, for the NCAA, you will find 3 different divisions. Overview -USA Sport Associations for College / University. On that page there are links that explain in detail the differences of these organizations.  For student-athletes who do not consider going to the US/Canada, can consider looking into the Overview – European University Sports Association or you can check out the Overview – International University Sports Federation.

There are several examples of universities that I have researched which have swim programs.  These are divided by continent: Universities: Asia, Universities: North America, Universities: Europe and Universities: Oceania.

At last, I have received Student Voices of students who talked about their experiences in preparing for college and sports in college.  One of them is a graduate from Nanjing International School, the other one is from Suzhou SSIS, enjoy their voice recordings.  At the bottom of the side bar menu, you can find a selection of Resources for swimming at College / University

I hope you will find this useful.

 

Kathrin Lammers

(Aquatic Director at Nanjing International School)