Everything Matters in College Placement
By Tom Simpson , Director of Student Development and College Placement
The most important thing to keep in mind in college placement is that EVERYTHING MATTERS ! That may come across as speaking in very broad and wide sweeping terms , but a more accurate phrase may have never been written . The “ EVERYTHING ” that I have referred to can be both objective and quantitative and / or subjective and qualitative . Both categories have elements that can enhance or hinder your teenager ’ s ability to be recruited by universities and colleges in the United States .
I have heard it said that college recruiting in golf is the most objective / quantitative sport in all college sports . The numbers don ’ t lie and they are what they are . The top four set of numbers that colleges look at are the SAT , TOEFL , GPA and the NJGS golfing average .
The first three categories are made up of the most widely used College Placement Standardize Test , the test to calculate the English proficiency of all students coming to college from countries where English is not their first language , the grade point average from 9-12 grade for the 16 core classes required from the NCAA and the scoring average of certified golf tournaments . The players scoring average is a proven average in a competitive environment . The coach is looking for players who can consistently perform and help the team to win .
There are a few other objective criteria that may be used but these are paramount in opening or closing doors for prospective recruits .
So , what else matters ? The subject / qualitative items are made up of categories such as :
• Personal involvement
• Personality
• The interview process
• Chemistry between the future teammates or coach
• Personal grooming and manners
• Along with many other possible criteria
These items are the final areas in which all students are evaluated by coaches .
To help prepare our student athletes at BGGA for the college recruitment process , we equip them with a college manual and hold three seminars to present the information . We also meet one-onone with each student both on the golf course and in the college office to accurately direct them to colleges that best fit their abilities .
Remember “ EVERYTHING MATTERS !”