As you can imagine, I get to talk with a lot of high school athletes’ parents while I am attending events around the nation.  One of the main topics discussed is “where” their student-athletes are considering going to college.  The overwhelming response I get from the parents is “somewhere close by” or “as long as they’re somewhere in our state”……

Most parents state that they are wanting to keep their kids close for financial reasons.  Florida, for example, offers the Bright Futures Scholarship program which offers up to 100% funding.  Many parents feel that their kids can obtain a partial athletic scholarship and have the difference picked up via the Bright Futures.  This is a solid plan, but obviously limiting.  If you have a student-athlete that can maintain a 3.0 GPA or even better, a 3.5 GPA, their opportunities for financial aid increases tremendously all over the U.S.!  If they are looking to play sports in college, they can expand their choices because their grades will certainly help get them financial aid that the athletic department may not be able to offer.

Another reason brought up is the simple fact of “safety”…..Parents feel that they can be more of a factor if they are in closer proximity to where their child is attending college.  This, in my opinion, is more of mental comfort than anything else…..Regardless of where your child is attending college, there are always going to be safety issues that you, as a parent, are not going to have control over……Let the baby birds get out of the nest and experience the big world out there!  In most cases, coddling your children at the collegiate level can do more harm than good.  You need to instill a sense of accomplishment in them and a reliable independence that will help them adjust to the real life that is waiting for them post-college.

By opening all of the United States up to your child, they not only increase their athletic scholarship opportunities, but also gives them a chance to see what the rest of the nation is like!  Expanding their horizons is very positive for the mental and physical growth of your “young adult”!  So, when sitting down with your student-athlete to discuss their college options, please consider the complete picture for this phase of their future and remember, it is “THEIR” future that you are planning……….

Enjoy using the College Directory on ViewMySport.com ( http://www.viewmysport.com/Colleges.aspx )  This directory allows you to sort colleges by state and division ( I, II, III, NAIA ).  There also is  a link there to view the junior colleges throughout the United States…..