Obviously, a lot of time and energy goes into creating a Hollywood blockbuster hit. Months go into casting. Even more time is taken for shooting. Scenes are timed and planned meticulously. All with the hopes that everything put in is peanuts compared to the reward at the box office.

That sounds familiar to me.

It’s just what the recruiting process is like

No, seriously.

The recruiting process is a lot like preparing for the breakout role of your life

Think about it from the point of view of the director. I mean coach. All college coaches will spend countless hours casting. For the good of the current team, for success in years to come, in part because their own livelihood and job security depends on it, coaches put many eggs in their recruiting baskets.

What does it take to cast the right student-athlete for the role?

It takes watching audition tape after audition tape (highlight video after highlight video). It takes many hours on the road. It takes scouring social media for any red flags concerning a potential leading role or supporting part. It takes networks like NCSA Athletic Recruiting with a trusted database for students who may fit the bill.

The right cast can be the difference between a blockbuster hit or total bust.

You have to make the most of your audition and your callbacks

It’s up to you to be looking for the roles—the roster openings and programs—that fit you best and for which you are most qualified, and to give each and every opportunity all you’ve got. It takes a lot of time and patience, hard work, rehearsing and practicing. It takes a lot of sacrifice.

Have you researched the part?

There are literally hundreds of programs where you could play your sport. Why are you interested in this school? This isn’t just rhetorical; you better believe a college coach is going to ask it of you.

Are you studying your lines?

Or just studying? Remember, there’s a minimum GPA that every student-athlete must maintain to be considered for a college roster spot. And while there is a sliding scale between your GPA and your SAT/ACT score, the higher both are, the more impressive a candidate you’ll be.

Do you have the charisma of a leading actor?

You might not have to walk the red carpet, but in addition to communicating with college coaches, being a part of a college team will be a whole new experience, especially if you’re from a small town where you’re the breakout star. You’ll be contributing to a team where everyone was a gifted athlete—and that’s how they’ve become a college student-athlete. Will you be a team player?

It takes a lot of dreaming big while remaining realistic with your eye on the prize: the breakout role of your life on the right college spot for you.

And then, it’s showtime.

Know your role and give life to the script in front of you. Take your team to blockbuster status. Strive for the highest global opening of all time—on the court, in the classroom, as a role model and contributing member of society.

If you need help getting there, our scouts can talk to you about your recruiting. The best way to get started is with a recruiting profile.