Questions To Ask During Your Visit

Before you decide to make your first visit, it's a good idea to think carefully about the kind of information you are going to need to eventually make a decision. Once you do, you'll be able to ask the right kinds of questions. Remember that coaches will only show you what you want to see. In addition, once you sign a letter of intent, it is a contract! Following are some good ones to get you started.

Ask the Recruiter:

1. What position do you want me to play, and how many others are you recruiting for the same position?

2. What is your philosophy on offense? Defense? Are you considering any changes?

3. Will I be red-shirted?

4. If I need a fifth year, will you finance it?

5. What happens to my scholarship if I'm injured or ineligible?

6. Whom do I see if I have academic problems?

7. Has drug use been an issue at your school? Athletic Program?

8. Are all injuries handles by a team insurance policy?

9. If injured, may I use my family doctor? Who determines my fitness to compete after an injury?

10. What is expected of players during the off-season?

Ask of the player at the school:

1. What does your typical daily schedule look like? In-season? Off-season?

2. How is the relationship between the coaches and players?

3. Approximately how many hours a night do you study?

4. What generally are the attitudes of professors in different fields of study? In my field of study? Toward athletes?

5. How do you like the living arrangements?

6. Do you have an academic advisor? Is he/she any good?

7. Are the coaches available to help if you have academic problems?

As of non-athletes at the school:

1. What do you think of the quality of education you are receiving at this school?

2. If you had to do it all over again, would you choose this school to attend? Why or why not?

3. What is the general opinion of athletes on this campus?

As of School Officials/Admissions Officers:

1. What are the different graduation rates for athletes? In my sport

2. About how long does it take someone in my sport to earn a degree from this school?

3. What is the placement rate and the average salary for graduates in (your field of study)?

4. What is my eligibility for additional financial aid?

Other questions to ask yourself:

1. Does this school have my major?

2. How is the campus life?

3. How are the facilities for both sports and academics?

4. Would I attend this school if not for volleyball?

5. Would I attend this school if I did not receive any scholarship money?

6. Can I picture myself living here for four to five years?

Additional Tips:

• Spend some time alone walking through the campus doing your own research.

• Read the school newspaper

• Don't make any verbal commitments on your visit

• Never sign a letter of intent without an official visit

• Schedule to see a practice or a game

• Make sure you attend a class