Student-centric advice and objective recommendations
Higher education has never been more confusing or expensive. Our goal is to help you navigate the very big decisions related to higher ed with objective information and expert advice. Each piece of content on the site is original, based on extensive research, and reviewed by multiple editors, including a subject matter expert. This ensures that all of our content is up-to-date, useful, accurate, and thorough.
Our reviews and recommendations are based on extensive research, testing, and feedback. We may receive commission from links on our website, but that doesn’t affect our editors’ opinions. Our marketing partners don’t review, approve or endorse our editorial content. It’s accurate to the best of our knowledge when posted. You can find a complete list of our partners here.
What is NCSA Athletic Recruiting?
Recruitment is an integral part of the college application process for student athletes. You’ll likely want to attend a school that allows you to keep playing the sport you love at an affordable price. One of the first resources student athletes check out is the Next College Student Athlete (NSCA). Keep reading to find out how the NCSA website can benefit you!
What is the NCSA?
The Next College Student Athlete (NSCA) is a popular recruiting platform that allows students to create a recruiting profile as well as gain access to resources to help during the process. There are also free recruiting experts available on the website that provide advice and personalized strategies. It is known as one of the best options for students considering college recruitment. The NCSA isn’t limited to a specific athletic conference, so you can view and reach out to schools from the Big East, Pac-12, SEC, and more!
Also see: Do college athletes get paid?
How does the NCSA work?
The NCSA was founded by athletes, so they approach recruiting from a student-athlete’s vantage point. Using this platform should make the process simpler and a lot less stressful for you and your family.
The NCSA aims to maximize your skills and present you as the best possible candidate for the college of your choice. They even connect students with sports camps in their area to increase the likelihood of being recruited.
What do I need to do?
First things first– it’s time to create your NCSA recruiting profile. You’ll be able to include highlights of your best performance and input important information for coaches. After you’ve finished up, NCSA will prompt you to complete the recruiting assessment.
The assessment needs to be scheduled and allows the NCSA team to see where you are in the recruiting process and how best to help you. It’s also important to make sure you’re eligible for NCSA recruitment, which includes a GPA requirement.
You should also apply for aid. Even though colleges can offer athletic scholarships as part of your recruitment, additional financial aid can cover any leftover expenses you might have.
Can athletes be recruited without using NCSA?
NCSA is one of the many recruiting routes that you can take, but it is a common option for student-athletes. Another route you could take is reaching out independently to coaches and attending camps and events to show off your skills.
Student athletes could use a completely different recruiting platform such as Prep Hero or Hudl. It might be easier to use one platform over the other or a coach recommended a specific website. Overall, it all depends on your preference and what feels right for you.
Also see: Top athletic scholarships
Additional resources
Even if you’re focused on athletic scholarships from recruiting, don’t shut yourself off from other forms of financial aid. It’s still important to fill out the FAFSA and CSS Profile applications during your college application process. You should also start thinking about your major and what career you want to pursue. The possibilities are endless, and depending on your major, you can even stick with sports after you graduate!
Also see: What is a D1 athlete?
Key Takeaways
Frequently asked questions about NCSA
