With over three decades of giving college recruitment and scholarship advice, Anthony Uva knows how to guide students and parents through the daunting process of college admittance. On his national television show “Secrets of College Planning” he interviews experts in the area of college admissions and other department heads. A former college athlete, Uva specializes in teaching high school students and their parents how to navigate the college application process.
We asked Uva to discuss what student-athletes should consider.
When should you start college planning?
The earlier the better. If you start in freshman year, you have four years to learn everything about the college process. Everyone thinks they have a lot of time, but they will be behind if they wait until senior year.
How should student-athletes narrow their college search?
I base it on three considerations: geography, education and the sport. Where do you want to live: Northeast, Southeast, West Coast? What schools match your education? For example, a C student will not be attending an Ivy League school. What schools match your sport, whether team or individual?
Look at rosters. If they are filled with juniors and seniors who will have graduated when you enter, you’ll have a better opportunity of playing—and perhaps get scholarship money—when you’re a freshman. Remember, colleges need students who play in non-revenue sports like field hockey, swimming, tennis and golf. You’ll get a better opportunity because there are not as many people who want to play those sports at the college level. While in high school, try out different sports. You may be good at something you did not realize.
What are some mistakes parents make?
Not starting to save early. I tell parents to start saving as soon as their child is born. Also, parents should not push their child to attend their alma mater or a school they think they “should” attend.
What other advice do you have for students?
You want to get a sense of what it will be like to live at the school. Visit the campus and talk to the coaches and players. Also, market yourself—as much as you can and as early as you can. Use a recruiting service and create a resume with your picture and information and send it to colleges, coaches and admissions representatives. You need to market yourself and tell the schooland coaches who you are, what you’re doing and why you belong at their institution.
Learn more strategies at SecretsOfCollegeplanning.com.
