Grades and Their Influence on College Recruiting

---

---

We cannot overemphasize the impact of grades on the college recruiting process.

Athletic ability is a coach’s prime target, but without the grades to support and complement an athlete’s resume, a prospect will be passed over.  That is the reason prospects, and their parents must understand the importance of focusing on core course grades throughout high school.

The four questions coaches ask

College coaches answer four questions when they discover prospects they may want to recruit:

1. Can the athlete compete at our level?
2. Can he or she improve our team?
3. Will the athlete be admitted to and thrive at our college?
4. If so, how much academic money will he or she qualify to receive?

Grades closely trail athleticism

Of course, coaches want to recruit athletes capable of competing at their level.  That may sound like a “duh” statement, but it is the foundation of any successful program.  Every roster spot is precious to coaches, and each recruited athlete is expected to contribute.  The scholarship money they spend on recruits is a true investment in their programs and their institutions.

But what comes next?  The answer is hugely important.

A respected coach’s perspective

We spoke to a veteran NCAA Division II coach whose school requires higher than the NCAA minimum grades and test scores.  We wanted to know how she went about selecting prospects to recruit.

“I watch the game first, look at the brochure, then eliminate the kids that have less than a 3.0 because, usually, even the girl who has a 3.0 is including A’s in gym class.  A team’s brochures inflate grades sometimes.  For those reasons, I like to see 3.5 and higher,”  she asserted.

Every college has its admission standards.  Many are loftier than the NCAA’s baseline eligibility requirements.  That leaves kids with passable or middling grades in a bind – only so many coaches can recruit them since those athletes can’t get into their schools.

Grades – a link to athletic opportunities

Here’s what we know:  the higher a high school athlete’s GPA and test scores, the more college doors that will open.  And the more doors that open, the more opportunities there can potentially be for the athlete.

Our coach friend said, “We mix athletic with academic money, along with need-based dollars, grants, and loans to come up with financial packages for our recruits.  The better their core GPA and test scores, the more academic money we can throw their way,” she said.  “Our school is expensive, so while we try to reduce the amount families pay, the best way athletes can impact that is to maximize their grades and test scores,” she added.

College Scouts on Grades

Look through NSR’s prospects.  You will see a common denominator, regardless of the sport you choose.  That commonality?  Good to superb grades.

At NSR, we intentionally identify athletes with above average grades because our scouts know that those kids are far more attractive to coaches and more likely to land scholarships and roster spots.  It is a time-honored strategy which only makes common sense.  Coaches appreciate that NSR offers them top students as well as accomplished athletes for consideration.  Conversely, if we were not picky and allowed any kid to enroll with NSR, we would not be properly serving coaches.

Grades to us are just like they are for college coaches – second on our list of desirable traits in prospects.  It is a standard which has worked well for us for 37 years, and we are not about to change so that we line our pockets by enrolling a few more kids.

It is the right thing to do for our prospects and college coaches.

If you feel you have the grades and ability contact NSR today.

---

---