How Well Informed are High School Student-Athletes about Post-Secondary Options? A Survey of One High School.

Abstract

A sample of 98 student-athletes at one southern Arizona high school completed a survey that examined their personal characteristics, athletic goals, knowledge about the college recruiting process, and the role of the school counselor in that process. Results revealed that the majority of student-athletes were not well informed about the college going process. However, there was a significant increase in recruiting knowledge of students who definitely want to participate or possibly want to participate in college athletics between 9th and 11th grade and between 9th and 12th grade. The majority of participants felt "slightly comfortable" or "very comfortable" coming to their school counselor to discuss this information. However, they would feel more comfortable if the counselor were knowledgeable about college athletics. Results show that high school counselors need to be better prepared to assist student-athletes with the college going process.