Finding the Right Fit

40 Questions to Ask Yourself When Deciding Where to Play College Soccer

By Andrea Leitner|Updated on June 27, 2023 (originally published on January 26, 2022)

Congratulations! Your recruiting journey has started and you've gained interest from schools. All your hard work sending emails, playing in tournaments,getting in extra touches on your own, and keeping your grades up has paid off.

You've taken all the visits you can to gain an understanding of what the schools and programs have to offer. You're now comparing pros and cons between the schools. So, what factors should you be considering when choosing the school you will spend the next four years at? Here are 6 questions to ask yourself when looking at schools:

Location
1. Is the school in a location where you can see yourself living?
2. Is it a climate you'd enjoy?
3. Do you want a school close to home?
4. Are your parents able to easily get to games if you want them to?
5. Can you get home easily in case of an emergency?

Campus Atmosphere
6. Will you be living on campus as a freshman?
7. With other soccer players?
8. Is the campus a commuter school?
9. Will people be there on weekends?
10. Can you have a car?
11. Are there things to do in the area when you don't have school or soccer?
12. How close are your dorms to athletic facilities (athletic training room, locker room, field, etc.)?

Money
13. How much is the total cost of tuition, books, room and board, etc?
14. Are they offering you a scholarship?
15. Can you take out loans or afford what your scholarship doesn't cover?
16. Do you qualify for an academic scholarship or other scholarships?
17. Do you have to pay for books or are they included in your scholarship?
18. If you have to live off campus, how do your scholarships apply?
19. Do you get a stipend?

Related: Rate your Coa c hes, Facilities and Campus Visits

Soccer
20. Do you have potential to play?
21. What level do you have the skill to play at?
22. Do you have the mindset to put in the work necessary at the college level?
23. Are you okay with not playing as much as you potentially want?
24. Has the team had success?
25. Is there a spot for you on the roster?
26. Will you have to learn a new position and are you open to doing so?

Related: Soccer Recruiting Advice

Academics
27. Does the school have the major you want to pursue?
28. Can you handle the academic workload?
29. Do your test scores qualify for you to get in?
30. If you have AP credits coming in, do they count at this university?
31. Have people on the team had your major?
32. Can you be in the honors program?
33. Are the professors understanding when athletes have to miss class?

Team Culture
34. Do the team values and culture align with yours?
35. How many other teammates are in the incoming class?
36. How many people on the team are in your position?
37. Do you want a team that does a lot of stuff together or more independent?
38. Do people on the team live together?
39. Do the players spend time together outside of soccer?
40. Do you want to live with teammates?

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