Choosing a college can feel like a monumental decision for both student-athletes and their caregivers. And in many cases, everyone isn’t on the same page about what to consider and what to prioritize. That’s why it’s so important to decide what matters most, ask lots of questions, and find a way to compare subjective and objective data about each school.
 

Here, Dr. Charron Sumler, TrueSport Expert and Assistant Director of Sport Psychology and Wellness Services at The Ohio State University, is sharing how to approach college comparisons before, during, and after a school tour in a way that helps you make the best decision possible.

1. Do Your Research

It’s usually helpful to start with a conversation about the athlete's values. Sumler says that it's easy for athletes and caregivers to be swayed by the bright and shiny things that a college will produce, like tantalizing scholarships and juicy NIL deals, but the right college should be about more than just the money. Is there a specific major that the athlete wants to pursue? Is having a close-knit team important? Are there certain resources, like dietitians or sports psychologists/mental health providers, that you know the athlete will need? Make a list of all the key objectives the athlete has for their college experience before you start to look at what each college has to offer.

"I like to encourage a conversation between athletes and families before they really get going down the recruitment path," says Sumler. "You may not all be on the same page, but it's helpful to have those values laid out beforehand so you're not arguing or confused when talking to a recruiter."

Once you have your values organized, compile a list of questions for the recruiter to report on. The broad question you can start with is: "How will the athlete be supported?" From there, get more specific and ask about the resources that will be available for your athlete, such as:

• Tutoring/student-athlete support

• Strength and conditioning coach access

• Sports psychologist/mental health access

• Registered dietitian access

• Sports medicine access

• Lawyers and other professional consultants who can help with NIL contracts, accounting, and questions about brand identity