Getting into a Squash College, Part 2

Applying and Acceptance

By Bob Callahan, Princeton Men's Squash Coach

In last month's article , Bob Callahan imparted words of wisdom to aspiring college squash players, including tips on how to decide to which schools to apply and notes on recruiting rules. Here, in the concluding portion of this series, Callahan offers advice on how to make your final college selection, and also how and when to apply. Once admitted, it's up to you to perform at a high level, both athletically and academically. Most of all, enjoy your decision and time in college—the “best years of your life!”

Early Decision/Regular Decision

There seems to be a tremendous amount of interest in applying early to colleges. I advise students to apply early only if their academic profile is strong, and only if they know which college they prefer to attend. Early applicants find out whether they are admitted by mid-December, which is a great benefit to high school seniors.

Does applying early give you an advantage over applying regular? Yes and no. If a college does not believe you would be a good match academically or athletically, they will not admit you simply because you apply early. On the other hand, if a college believes that you are the kind of student-athlete they seek to enroll, the advantage to you is knowing about admission in mid-December and then being able to concentrate on high school the rest of the year, with the college-decision pressure off your back.

When You Apply

Do a quality job on the application itself. There is no bigger turn-off to admissions officers than reading an application that the candidate appears to have completed hastily or simply “blown off.” It doesn't matter how good of a squash player you are; if you don't make as much of an effort on a college's application as they expect to make evaluating it, you're going to lose out.
Keep studying hard, and keep taking the SATs. It's always a good idea to get in the habit of studying, even after big decisions—like college admissions—are finished. You'll need those study skills in college, too.
Keep in regular contact with the squash coach. Visit the school, watch a match, and send the coach your tournament results.
Keep improving your squash.

If You're Accepted Early

Congratulations! Great news! You have a wonderful four years ahead of you. Now continue to study hard, because that is the best preparation for college. Take a writing course, because you will do a lot of writing in college. Play a lot of squash so you are best prepared for the season ahead.

If You're Not Accepted Early

Make sure that you are collecting and starting to complete additional college applications over the fall just in case you are not admitted early. If deferred early decision, talk with the coach to see if they can give you any feedback on why you didn't get in (though they will probably not have much feedback). Start to visit other colleges and talk to more coaches so you can create a list of your other top choices. Continue to talk to the coaches, study even harder in school, retake the SATs, and play lots of squash tournaments. It will be a nervous winter and spring of waiting, but it will be worth it in April when you finally get that admissions offer.

The good news is that students seem to be very happy wherever they wind up going to school, even if it wasn't their first choice. No matter what happens, you will have a rewarding college experience and squash career.

The College Years

Once in college, the years ahead of you will be split into different experiences and learning opportunities, and you'll assume varying roles as a squash player. Freshman year, it is best to get comfortable with the school and the squash team's culture, and also learn how to be a contributor right from the start. You'll learn a lot from upperclassmen, too. Sophomore year, you should take on more responsibility and develop your leadership skills. Be enthusiastic, work hard every day at practice, and maybe organize social events. You will soon be an upperclassman! By your junior and senior years, you should be a leader on your team, no matter what position you play. Set a great example at practice and work hard all the time. Help steer the freshmen and sophomores—they'll be coming to you for advice!

Before you know it, your college time will be over. Enjoy every moment. All the best and good luck!