Lesson 2: Selecting a College
Abilities: Mental and Physical
Scholastic Ability
This is where it boils down to success, academic probation or failure. If your child has always been a solid C student, there is no reason to expect a miraculous jump to As during his college career. There will be occasions when your child takes a course, usually in their area of concentration, where s/he will excel because of love of the course, ability of the professor and so on. There will be required courses where your former A student receives a C. I have never heard of a job interviewer asking for your grades. Certainly, graduating “cum laude” or above is a great honor and will look good on your resume, but in the end, a degree of all Cs is still the same degree as a degree of all As. The difference in marks is usually a factor in awarding fellowships, upper class scholarships and for entrance to highly competitive masters’ or doctorate programs.
Of course you want your child to excel, but please put it all in perspective. Another thing to think about when applying to college is the fact that your child may be #1 in your high school of 500 students. If everyone who attends a prestigious university was #1, your child may now have to accept being #250. College mimics life. There will be areas that your child shines in and others where s/he just muddles through and that is OK.
Athletic Ability
Many schools offer partial/full scholarships based on athletic ability. In the United States this is based on a complicated formula of Divisions, with Division 1 schools being the largest with the nationally ranked sports teams. Division 1 schools have the most money to offer and recruit high school talents. There are all sorts of rules governing this process. It is sad to note that the process of sliding athletes through college still exists. This problem has largely been corrected, but many schools will still offer admission to a terrific athlete who doesn’t meet the academic qualifications. Again, this is open for family discussion. If you don’t care what type of generic degree your child graduates with, then perhaps ignoring his academic ranking is OK. Most high school/college athletes do NOT make it to the professional ranks. What will your child do post-college if he merely sat in classes for 4 years?
One of the benefits for most athletic scholarship recipients is preferential treatment. They can usually register as a group and get their class schedule adjusted around practice/team travel time. They often are offered amenities such as laundry service. If your child is truly a gifted athlete (and you will know if the recruiters come scouting the high school games), then s/he deserves the perks. Athletes work and train hard. If your child is a good athlete, but not one of the select few named to “All-State” or “All-National” team status that is OK. Many colleges have outstanding athletic programs that are not nationally televised. Their scholarship offers many be smaller, but the education is still quality. Just like the #1 high school student, your star athlete may find himself bench-warming on a nationally ranked team. Many athletes would rather play on a lower level and get more playing time. Please note that athletic practice, training, travel and games take a lot of time. Your child now has to be able to adjust to college courses, dorm life and the freedom of being away from home. Athletics may be in the spotlight, but sports take dedication, commitment and great time management skills. Still, if your child is devoted to his/her sport and excels, this could be a terrific opportunity to further his/her education.
