Assets play a significant role in determining a student’s eligibility for need-based financial aid through the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). The FAFSA uses a formula called the Federal Methodology to calculate a student’s Student Aid Index (SAI). This figure determines how much financial aid a student is eligible for. Assets, along with income, are key components in this calculation.

Filing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is one of the most important steps in securing financial aid for your child’s college education. But many parents are surprised to learn that their cash and savings accounts can significantly impact the amount of aid their child is eligible to receive. Understanding how your assets are viewed and what you do or don’t need to report can make a major difference.

Why You Should Keep College Coaches Updated on Your Progress

When you're being recruited, it's not enough to send one great highlight reel or one impressive email and then sit back and wait. College recruiting is an ongoing relationship-building process, and just like in any strong relationship, communication is key. Keeping coaches updated on your progress shows them that you're serious, engaged, and constantly improving.

To keep good control of all your communications with the college coaches, you’ll need to adopt a good tracking system from the start. Do not try to keep track of all your communications in your head. A simple tracking system can be developed that will help you stay organized and on track.

This is a “MUST HAVE” if you want to market yourself to colleges successfully. A communication tracking system allows you to update information as often as you wish, and you can review what was said, who said it, and what you need to follow up on.

Using a tracking system will help keep you organized and show you what interest level the college coaches may have in you.

Athletic videos can play a very important role in marketing student athletes. The coach may not be able to see you compete; therefore, the video may be the only way to get a true evaluation of your athletic skills. Prepare a video and have it available to send to the college coaches when they request it from you.

In reality, college coaches will only take about five to ten minutes to view a video. Please do not send them a full game video. They don’t have the time to view the entire footage. The goal of the video is to showcase the student-athlete’s skills quickly.

The athletic resume should show who you are and what you’ve achieved in your sports while attending high school. The student-athlete should send their resume with their cover or introduction letter.

Reaching out to college coaches with an introduction letter is a critical first step in marketing a student-athlete.

Choosing the right college is one of the most important decisions a student-athlete will make. It impacts not only their athletic career but also their education, personal development, and future opportunities. The decision should go beyond just sports. Student-athletes must find a school that fits them academically, athletically, and socially.