During the college recruiting process, you might find yourself wondering what some of the words and phrases often used by coaches actually mean. To make things easier, we’ve put together a college recruiting glossary with some of the common college language every student-athlete should know.

 

SAT: Standardised Test for College Admissions

The SAT is a standardised, multiple choice test widely used for college admissions in the US. It measures a prospective student’s skills in reading, writing and maths to help colleges evaluate a students academic readiness.

The test is scored on a scale of 400 to 1600, is multiple choice and includes 2 main sections:

• Sections: Reading & writing, maths
• Score range: 400-1600

Some colleges are now test-optional, meaning the SAT isn’t required from admission. However, taking it can help your chances of earning academic scholarship.

 

ACT: Another Standardised College Test

The ACT is another type of standardised test used by college admissions, similar to the SAT. The ACT is scored on a scale from 1 to 36 and includes 4 main sections:

• English
• Maths
• Reading
• Science
• Writing (optional)

Each section is scored individually and then averaged to create your overall score. Like the SAT, a strong ACT score can boost academic scholarship opportunities.

 

TOEFL: English Proficiency for International Students

The TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) measures the English language skills for non-native speakers in an academic setting. Most international students applying to US colleges are required to take it unless English is their first language. The TOEFL has 4 sections:

Sections: Reading, Listening, Speaking, Writing

Score range: 0-120

Some schools may accept alternatives like the Duolingo English Test so check the requirements before registering.

 

Dead Period: Restricted Recruiting Times

In college recruiting, the dead period is a timeframe when college coaches are not allowed to have any in-person contact with perspective student-athletes or their families. This includes:

• In person visits
• Watching a player compete in person

They are allowed to contact recruits via phone, email or any other digital communication channel.

Dead periods are set by the NCAA and usually coincide with signing days or national holidays. It gives athletes and coaches a break during busy recruiting times and keeps the recruiting process fair.

 

Official Visit

An official visit is a college-funded trip, covering transportation, accommodation as well as food and drink for you and your family. These visits allow you to experience what life is like on campus and meet the team.

We’ve found that these visits are becoming increasingly uncommon in recent years. Coaches are less willing to take a risk and pay for an official visit to their program when an athlete is also talking to other programs knowing there’s a chance the athlete might commit somewhere else.

We have found that coaches are offering an official visit once they have received a verbal commitment from the athlete.

 

Unofficial Visit

An unofficial visit is any campus visit that is entirely paid for by the student-athlete or their family. You can go as many unofficial visits as you like but it’s important to communicate with the coach to make sure that it’s a convenient time to visit their facilities and meet the team.

 

Verbal Commitment

A verbal commitment is when an athlete verbally agrees to join a college program before the official signing period. While not legally binding, it indicates serious intent to accept the scholarship and stop communication with other programs.

 

Grant in Aid

The Grant in Aid has replaced the National Letter of Intent and is a binding agreement between a prospective student-athlete and a college. It will only outline the athletic* scholarship that has been promised to the athlete from the coach.

It also means that coaches from other programs can no longer continue to recruit the athlete once they have signed a Grant in Aid.

*It will not include details of the academic scholarship you will be receiving.

 

Athletic Scholarship

An athletic scholarship is an amount of financial aid given to a student-athlete based on their athletic ability and how they to contribute to the team. Coaches determine recipients and award amounts.

 

Academic Scholarship

An academic scholarship is financial aid given to students based on their academic achievements including high GPA, SAT or ACT scores or exceptional academic accomplishments.

 

I-20 form

The I-20 form is required for all international students when applying for your F1-Student visa. This document is issued by the college after admission and proves that you are enrolled in an accredited US institution.

 

Redshirt: Extending Eligibility

A redshirt season allows student-athletes to train with the team, but not compete in official college competitions. This allows them to extend their athletic eligibility. The benefits:

• Extend eligibility (4 seasons over 5 years)
• Recovery from injury (medical redshirt)
• Adjust to college life whilst remaining a part of the team

Understanding these terms will give you a head start in the college recruiting process. Knowing all the lingo ensures you can make informed decisions every step of the way.

 

If you have any further questions about college language, scholarships or eligibility requirements, our team is here to help. Contact us today for help from experienced college recruiting professionals.