Official visits (or recruiting trips) are perhaps the best way for you to find out where you will best fit in, and where you want to study. An official visit is an expenses-paid visit for recruits and programs to learn more about each other. The rules regarding official visits differ upon the school’s division. See the “Recruiting Rules” Section for more information.If you are going to apply early, make sure you plan your trips as early as possible, to leave yourself enough time to make an informed decision.

You only have 48 hours to visit the campus, so make the best of every minute. Try to plan your trip so that your official visit starts on a Friday morning. This allows you to see what a typical weekend is like. If you plan your visit far enough in advance, you should make sure you can sit in on some of the classes that interest you. Make sure to inform the coach of your preferences.

While attending classes, notice their size and atmosphere. Notice the ability of the professor. Would you feel comfortable learning in this environment?

Important Questions to Ask:

• Ask about which classes are interesting or fun.
• Ask about how difficult it is to balance academics, athletics, and social life.
• Ask the team members about the practices and weight program.
• Ask athletes if they have improved while at this school and whether or not they have enjoyed themselves.
• Ask what other schools team members applied to and why they ended up at that particular school.
• Ask the coach what the average GPA and SAT is on the team and the university as a whole to see if you could handle the academics of the school.
• Ask the coach what percentage of his/her players stay on the team all four years.

Ask Yourself:

• Is the coach’s style is compatible with your personality and with my goals? See where your athletic ability would put you on the roster and in conference play.
• Will I be happy here, and can I see myself living at the college for the next four years? Look around you and see if people are enjoying themselves.

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