In Asking Questions That Matter to You Part 1, we shared a list of questions that potential players should ask coaches to make sure that they can find out more about the things that really matter to them. This time, we’ll share some questions that parents might ask to make sure they have the information that they need. Some of the most important advice that we can give parents who are planning to visit schools and meet with recruiters and coaches is this: go into your first meeting ready to ask coaches a lot more than you tell them. It is best to get all the information first. You’ll have time to talk more about your son and your perspective later on, if you and your son decide to continue the recruitment process with each school.
Parent Priorities: Academics, Cost, and Playing Time
Most major parent questions during the recruiting process fall under academics, cost, or playing time/playing experience. Since you go to college for the education, it’s important to determine academic fit and understand what academic support systems are in place for baseball players. Understanding a program’s academic culture is important. Questions about things like available majors (that work with the baseball schedule), careers of baseball alumni, and support systems in place often get skipped over for topics that matter much less in the long-term impact the college experience will have on a player (gear, facilities, etc.). Cost is also a primary concern for parents, and rightfully so. It’s important to get ALL the information about costs whether or not your son is being offered a scholarship or other kinds of financial aid. It’s not like what you see in the movies, no scholarship or financial aid package will cover every penny needed to attend college. What’s left over will have to come from you, or your son. And of course, parents often want to know about the baseball experience and how much playing time can be expected at various stages of college.
We’ve put together a list of questions that parents can choose from before they meet with representatives at the school. If nothing else, this list can help get you started with things that are important to you. It will be important that you go over your questions with your son before you speak with any recruiters or coaches. You’ll want to be on the same page throughout the process.
Cost
- Is there someone in the financial aid office who can walk us through expected need-based support and qualifications?
- If there is a scholarship offer – what exactly is the amount and what does it cover?
- If there is scholarship interest but not an offer, what kind of support is the coach considering offering to players this year?
- What is the current cost of tuition? How much is it expected to change while my son attends the school?
- Will my son need to pay out of state fees or tuition?
- What student fees must be paid and what are the current amounts?
- What are the rules about student health insurance? How does my son opt out if he has other insurance?
- Can my son bring a car to school? If yes, how much does parking cost?
- If my son is in a dorm, are there different meal plans to choose from?
- Is special clothing needed for travel that we will need to purchase?
- How much travel is involved in the game schedule? Are there costs that parents must pay for this travel?
- Is there help at the school to find other sources of financial aid?
- What happens to my son’s aid or scholarship if he gets injured?
Academics
- How is the admissions process different for baseball recruits?
- What is the general acceptance rate at the school?
- What is the GPA for incoming freshmen and transfers?
- What is the most popular major on the baseball team? Are there any majors that you prohibit based on schedule conflicts?
- How long do players in your program typically take to graduate? What percent of players complete their degrees?
- What is the typical student to faculty ratio?
- What is the average class size?
- What is the average class size for upper level courses?
- How many weekends off do players typically get in the fall?
- How are students supported to meet their academic responsibilities? Is there tutoring available?
- How many players have transferred out in the last few years?
- How many players have failed to remain academically eligible?
Playing Time
- What is it about my son that makes you think he is a good fit for your program?
- What do you see as the greatest barrier for my son to get playing time?
- Do many freshmen in your program get playing time?
- How many returning players do you have at my son’s position?
- What balance of junior college transfers, portal players, and freshman do you have in a typical recruiting class?
- How many players do you plan to bring in to compete at my son’s position?
- Do you usually red-shirt freshmen?
