The right sports college will not only train you to become a proper athlete, but also lead you to long-term success.
If you are a student-athlete, choosing the right sports college could make or break your career. Not only does it influence your athletic development, but also shapes your future in the field.
In India, there are various colleges and universities with unique strengths in their sports departments. Institutions like the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) in Bombay, Lakshmibai National Institute of Physical Education (LNIPE) in Gwalior, and Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE) in Manipal are just a few examples.
A lot of these institutions offer state-of-the-art sports facilities and top-notch curriculum. However, finding the right sports college does not only require evaluating their programs. A student should understand the campus culture and future opportunities offered by each college.
Here are various considerations for choosing a sports college.
Academic reputation
While most athletes enter sports institutions to focus on their athletic journey, academics should never be overlooked.
The primary goal of entering college is to receive a quality education; therefore, look for options that offer strong academic value. Additionally, a strong academic background will provide a safety net should your sports career not pan out as expected.
The first way to do this is by checking their graduation rates and the success of their graduates. Then, observe whether the institution is accredited, coupled with a curriculum that supports your aspirations.
A good example is IT Bombay, which allows student-athletes to pursue academics while participating in sports. With excellent academic support, the university has a high graduation rate and a solid educational foundation.
Athletic programs
Try to evaluate a university’s athletic programs by looking into their level of competition and coaching quality. Look into whether the university competes in local, national, and international competitions.
If you have access, research the performance of the university teams by talking to current and former athletes. Their testimonies will provide deeper insight into the quality of the program you are interested in.
Lakshmibai National Institute of Physical Education (LNIPE) in Gwalior is one of the top sports sciences institutions in India. Armed with excellent coaching and facilities, the institute has a strong track record in producing top-tier athletes.
Scholarship opportunities
As an athlete, financing your education is a critical consideration when choosing an institution. While many sports colleges offer athletic scholarships, the amount of funding and its availability can differ significantly.
Look for generous scholarships offered by institutions like the Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE), which covers tuition fees, accommodation, and other expenses. If you’re not interested in institutional scholarships, you can always look for ones offered by the government.
Once a scholarship catches your eye, understand its terms, including those related to injury or decline in athletic performance. Other aspects to consider are their renewal criteria, including the percentage of athletes who maintain the scholarship throughout their time in college.
Campus life
When put into perspective, the overall college experience is more than just academics and sports. The social environment on campus, such as study clubs and extracurricular activities, occupy a huge chunk of a student’s college experience. Students should still be able to pursue their hobbies and interests, like playing simulated reality league cricket.
Therefore, it is advised to visit the campus first to get a feel for the atmosphere. Interact with the students and the faculty members to understand the community dynamics. Check if the local students have activities and clubs beyond sports.
Consider the campus size, its location and climate. Proximity and affinity with personal preferences affect an athlete’s day-to-day life, which may enhance their performance in sports.
The University of Delhi, for example, provides a ton of extracurricular activities, clubs, and societies. Its diverse environment makes it an excellent choice for student-athletes seeking a holistic college experience.
Future opportunities
Consider how the college will support your long-term goals, be it in sports or another field. Looking into alumni networks is a worthwhile investment, as the connections made will provide opportunities and guidance after graduation.
Proper sports-oriented colleges also have comprehensive career services. With them, student-athletes can score internships and job placements, gain information regarding competitions, and attend professional networking events.
A college that invests in its students’ success beyond their time on campus is a significant advantage. For example, Lovely Professional University (LPU) in Jalandhar enhances its athletes’ visibility to recruiters by providing platforms for athletes to showcase their talents. Its recruitment process is proactive, with dedicated sports admissions and talent identification programs.
