Want to play college ball? There are a number of requirements you must first fulfill — and a number of things you can do to ensure that you're on a prospective school's radar. Follow these steps to improve your chances of snagging an athletic scholarship.

Contact the school formally
Once you have made a list of schools you're interested in, get the names of the head coaches and write to them. When you do, include:

• A factual resume of your athletic and academic accomplishments
• 10-to-15 minutes of video highlights (with your jersey number noted)
• Letters of recommendation from your high school and off-season coaches
• Your season schedule

Ace the interview
When you meet with a recruiter or coach, be sure to offer a firm handshake and maintain eye contact. According to recruiters, the most effective attitude is quiet confidence, respect, sincerity, and enthusiasm. These are qualities they'll want to see on the court and on the field.

Ask good questions
Don't think that you should refrain from asking questions. Not only will you impress the recruiter — you’ll get the information you need to make the right decisions about your athletic and academic future. Such questions might include:

• Do I qualify athletically and academically?
• If I were recruited, what would the parameters of the scholarship be?
• For what position am I being considered?
• What level of interest do you have in me?

Follow up
Timing is everything. There are four times when a follow-up letter from you or your coach can be extremely effective:

• Prior to the senior season
• During or just after the senior season
• Just prior to or after announced signing dates (conference-affiliated or national association)
• Late summer, in case scholarship offers to other athletes have been withdrawn or declined

Just like in sports, success in the scholarship application process is about persistence. Give it your all, and there’s a good chance it will pay off.