College visits

OFFICIAL VERSUS UNOFFICIAL VISITS TO NCAA COLLEGES

by Catharine Aradi

www.fastpitchrecruiting.com

I am frequently asked questions about the difference between an official and unofficial visit, how many schools a player should visit,

what they can expect on a visit, and so on. Much of this is covered in my book, Preparing to Play Softball at the Collegiate Level, but

it seemed like a good idea to go over the basics for anyone who visits my web site.

You need to know that there is no limit to the number of times you may visit a college at your own expense. This is called an

unofficial visit. While you are there, you may tour the campus, meet with the coach, watch the team practice, and so on. However,

the coach cannot pay any of your expenses.

Once you start your senior year, you can begin taking official visits to Div. I colleges. You can take official visits to Div. II schools as a

junior. You are allowed a total of five official visits to NCAA Div. I colleges. (This applies even if you’re being recruited in more than

one sport.) There is no limit on the number of official visits you may take to NCAA Div. II or Div. III colleges, but you may take only

one official visit to any college, regardless of its affiliation.

On an official visit, the college may pay all or some of the following expenses:

• Your transportation to and from the college

• Room and meals (three per day) while you are visiting the college

• Reasonable entertainment expenses, including three complimentary admissions to a home athletics contest.

As of now, you may not take an official visit to a Div. I or Div. III college until after you start your senior year. You may, however, take

an official visit to a Div. II school beginning June 15 following your sophomore year. Before taking any official visit to a Div. I school,

you must present a copy of your transcript and proof that you have taken the SAT/ACT or PSAT/PACT. Before taking an official visit

to a Div. II school, you must be registered with the NCAA Eligibility Center and have been placed on the school's IRL (Institutional

Request List.)

One key thing for parents to remember is that many, if not most Div. II, Div. III and NAIA colleges will not pay your transportation costs

to the school. Even if they offer you an official visit, it probably won’t cover plane fare. This isn’t personal; it’s simply that these types

of programs rarely have large recruiting budgets.

Since you obviously can’t commit to a college you haven’t visited, it’s a good idea for parents to set some money aside for college

trips. And no family should assume that all of their player’s visits will be official and that all the costs will be covered. This will happen

for only a few high profile athletes.

When you visit a college-whether officially or unofficially-make the most of your time there. Use the checklist in my book to track your

experience, and try to see as much of the campus as you can. Try to get a feel for campus life, and if possible, spend some time

with the softball team so you can decide whether or not this is the school for you!

(See my book, Preparing to Play Softball at the Collegiate Level, for a checklist to take with you on a college visit.)