Can You Get a Scholarship for Track?

I'm a junior in high school and I've been on the track team since freshman year. I'm curious about the possibility of getting a scholarship for track in college. I know that athletic scholarships can be quite competitive. What requirements do I need to meet and how does the process generally work? Are there specific colleges known for offering good scholarships to track athletes?

Definitely! Many colleges and universities offer athletic scholarships, including those for track and field. However, remember that these scholarships are competitive and often require high performance at the national or state level.

Collegiate athletic scholarships function differently depending on whether the college participates in NCAA Division I, II, or III athletics. Division I and II schools are allowed to offer athletic scholarships, with Division I scholarships often being more substantial. Division III schools, however, cannot offer athletic scholarships though they can provide other forms of financial aid.

To be eligible for a track and field scholarship, the first step is always to perform well in your sport. This might mean consistently placing in top positions in your events, demonstrating significant improvement over time, or showing notable talent and commitment.

Next, you need to follow the NCAA recruitment rules, which may include reaching out to college coaches, sending them footage of your performances, and filling out recruiting questionnaires online. A track coach will want to see your Personal Records (PRs) for your events, as well as any notable accolades or achievements. So, make sure you're keeping a log of these things.

Regarding specific colleges, this can heavily depend on your own interests in terms of school size, location, academic rigor, and level of track and field competition. Universities with strong track and field programs often include LSU, University of Oregon, USC, and University of Georgia, among others.

Also, remember to maintain strong academic performance, as this will not only make you eligible for academic scholarships but also be a key component to get admitted into some universities.

Lastly, also consider other types of scholarships such as merit-based scholarships or need-based financial aid. Ensuring that you're exploring all your options can help maximize the financial aid you receive. Overall, the path to getting a track scholarship requires hard work, athleticism, and consistent outreach to college coaches.