College Recruitment Program

There are many opportunities for athletes to continue rowing at the collegiate level and beyond. College coaches are always interested in motivated athletes that demonstrate rowing experience, good technical skills, erg scores, and qualifying academics. We are proud of the many SRC juniors who have “graduated” to successful collegiate rowing careers and look forward to assisting others in the process. A college recruitment session is held at the beginning of the fall and spring seasons for both athletes and parents, and continued guidance is offered throughout the junior and senior years of high school.
The plan for the successful scholar/athlete is to first choose a school for the academics and then for the athletic program. College rowing program information sent to SRC will be made available to rowers.
The following timeline will help you with the college recruitment process. We will help you with the process. You can also attend a US Rowing recruiting seminar or fair for more information.

» Fall of Junior Year

Complete the NCAA core course requirements found at www.ncaa.org (initial eligibility).
Register for NCAA clearing house (www.ncaa.org).
When registering for the SAT or ACT, select the Initial Eligibility Clearinghouse as one of the institutions to which the test scores should be sent currently code 9999.
Post your scores at www.usrowing.org , www.irow.com , www.concept2.com.College coaches cannot talk to rowers and families until after July 1st, but may answer emails

» Winter of Junior Year

Work hard during winter training. 
Compete in indoor rowing championships (CT Indoor, Crash B’s, etc.)
Post your scores at www.usrowing.org, www.irow.com , www.concept2.com.
Get noticed: email coaches, send letters of interest, fill out online recruiting forms, and request materials! Be sure to always include your name, address, phone # and email address.  

» Summer after Junior year

Keep scores current on web sites.
Contact coaches at schools to which you intend to apply.
Prepare college applications.
Attend rowing camps and national competitions. 

» Fall of Senior Year  Crunch time!

Make a short list of colleges you want to seriously consider.
Schedule and attend official visits. Beginning September 1st of a rower's senior year they may make official visits (1 per college, 5 colleges total) and college may pay expenses.
Official visits may not last more than 24 hours on campus, transportation not usually covered, parents expenses not covered.
SAT or ACT scores must be on file unless already filed with NCAA clearinghouse, schedule time to see a team practice.
No more than three visits during the recruiting process are allowed with the coach.
Rower can make unofficial school visits to campus any time; a coach can meet with a rower after July 1st.
Check NCAA website to verify there has been no regulatory changes.
Receive scholarship offers. Negotiate scholarships; if possible (don't be too pushy).
Decide which college/university you will attend.
Make a verbal commitment to school, sign letter of intent (binding contract). 

» Winter of Senior Year

Fill out and send in financial aid applications using parent's tax forms.
See end of section for recommendation letter protocol. 

» Spring of Senior Year

Continue to work hard. Coaches will be in touch with your school and your coach to make sure you stay on track.
Letters of Recommendation. See you guidance counselor for an appropriate timeline for college recommendations.
Please ask your coach 2 months in advance if they would write a letter of recommendation.
Fill out SRC Pre-Recommendation Form (Athlete Profile form) and return to coach
Provide all necessary envelopes, stamps, etc.