9.   I’m Only Applying to My First-Choice School.

It’s the only place I want to attend. Even if your heart is set on attending one particular school and the coach has expressed interest in you, you should still promote yourself to other schools. It will give you leverage when it comes time to discuss academic and athletic scholarships, or financial assistance, with the coach and admissions office.

The coach at your first choice school has all the bargaining power if he finds out that you are desperate to attend his school. Plus, you might find that a different school-one you might not have thought of before-is a better fit for you.

LESSON LEARNED: Leverage is crucial if you want to increase your worth and potentially attain a better option. Avoid the temptation to prematurely tell a coach that you’ve made your decision to attend his school.  Show the coach that you are interested but are still undecided. 

10.  I’m Regularly Told by High School or Travel Club Coaches that I have the Ability to Compete at the Division I Level.

Constant praise from influential people is nice to hear, but it can also be dangerous. It may cause you to sit back, wait for college coaches to come to you, and not be aggressive in your search.

LESSON LEARNED: Always strive to improve your skills. Never stop learning. And, as they say in the business world, don’t believe your own PR!

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