How to get a swimming scholarship

Secure Your Future in Collegiate Swimming Expert guidance for athletes seeking swimming scholarships at Division I, II, and III colleges. Transform your swimming career with professional consultation and proven success strategies.

The Complete Roadmap to Securing Your Swimming Scholarship

Getting a swimming scholarship requires more than just fast times in the pool. This comprehensive guide will walk you through every step of the process, from early preparation to signing your scholarship offer.

1. Early Preparation (Ages 14-15)

Essential Steps to Secure Your Swimming Scholarship

Success in securing a swimming scholarship starts well before your senior year:

Prioritize good diet and sleep habits
Focus on developing proper technique and training habits
Start building a strong academic foundation
Start preparing for the SAT/ACT

2. Academic Excellence

Coaches look for student-athletes who excel both in the pool and classroom:

Maintain a GPA of 3.0 or higher (depending on the selectivity of the college)
Take college preparatory courses
Complete NCAA-required core courses
Prepare for SAT/ACT early
Consider advanced placement (AP) classes
Keep organized academic records

3. Athletic Development

Meeting competitive swimming standards is crucial:

Prioritize good diet and sleep habits
Train consistently year-round
Implement dryland/weights/stretching as age-appropriate
Work with experienced coaches
Develop versatility in multiple strokes

4. Creating Your Swimming Profile

Build a compelling athletic resume:

List personal best times
Include the progression of times
Document meet results
Add academic achievements
Include extracurricular activities
Highlight leadership roles
Add coach recommendations

Eligibility Checklist

Meeting NCAA Requirements

□ Register with NCAA Eligibility Center
□ Complete 16 core courses
□ Achieve minimum GPA requirements
□ Meet SAT/ACT score standards
□ Maintain amateur status
□ Graduate from high school

Time Standards and Expectations

Times vary dramatically from Division to Division and within Conferences. Some Division III programs are faster than some Division I programs. The key to a successful recruiting process is pinpointing the conferences where a recruit could score points and then drilling down to the colleges that need to backfill the events the recruit is strong in. College Swimming Consulting is the expert in finding the colleges that a High School swimmer fits best at.

Strategic Communication with Coaches

Initial Contact

Research programs thoroughly
Personalize each email
Include relevant times and achievements
Demonstrate knowledge of their program
Express genuine interest
Follow up appropriately

Maintaining Communication

Update coaches on achievements
Respond promptly to inquiries
Share academic progress
Keep communication professional
Document all interactions

Showcasing Your Talent

While not common, some coaches may ask for video. Here are some tips for creating a Recruiting Video

Include underwater and above-water footage
Show starts, turns, and finishes
Demonstrate multiple strokes
Keep video length under 5 minutes
Include time stamps for each segment
Ensure good video quality

Competition Strategy

Focus on important meets
Compete against quality competition
Maintain consistent performance
Show improvement over time

Financial Planning

Understanding Scholarship Types Full Scholarships Include:

Tuition and fees
Room and board
Required course-related books
Additional athletic benefits

Partial Scholarships Cover:

Percentage of total costs
Specific expenses
Combined with academic aid
Merit-based additions

Timeline for Success

Freshman Year (Grade 9)

Focus on academics
Research colleges
Prioritize good diet and sleep habity
Train at a high level

Sophomore Year (Grade 10)

Meet with College Swimming Consulting
Create athletic profile
Train at a high level
Maintain grade point average
Prepare for SAT/ACT
Unofficial college visits

Junior Year (Grade 11)

Contact college coaches
Take SAT/ACT
Begin official visits
Train at a high level
Maintain strong academic performance

Senior Year (Grade 12)

Complete applications
Submit FAFSA
Finalize eligibility
Consider offers
Make informed decision

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Starting Too Late
1. Begin preparation early
2. Follow timeline strictly
3. Maintain consistent progress
4. Plan ahead for each step
Poor Communication
1. Respond to all coaches
2. Keep communication professional
3. Follow up appropriately
4. Document all interactions
Neglecting Academics
1. Balance swimming and studies
2. Maintain strong GPA
3. Complete required courses
4. Prepare for standardized tests

Success Tips from College Coaches

What Coaches Look For:

Consistent improvement
Strong work ethic
Team leadership
Academic success
Positive attitude
Coachability
Time management skills

Next Steps to Secure Your Swimming Scholarship

Immediate Actions
- Assess what you want in a college
- SAT/ACT preparation
- Meet with College Swimming Consulting
Short-Term Goals
- Continue training at a high level
- Build academic strength
- Contact coaches
- Fill out recruiting questionnaires
Long-Term Strategy
- Maintain strong academic performance
- Build coach relationships
- Plan college visits
- Prepare applications
- Continue training at a high level

Ready to start your journey toward a earning a swimming scholarship? Contact our expert consultants today for personalized guidance and strategies to maximize your chances of success.

Schedule your consultation to learn how we can help you achieve your swimming scholarship goals.