Things to Know about Continuing your Sport in College

Many student-athletes dream of playing a sport in college. However, with competitive recruiting, levels of play, and misconceptions about scholarships, insight into how the process works and what it truly takes to compete at the college level is essential.

The desire to play must come from the student, not the parents. The commitment and demands of college athletics can be overwhelming, even when a student is fully invested. Many assume excelling in high school or club sports guarantees recruitment, but only 7% of high school athletes play in college, and not all see playing time (NCAA). Just 1–2% play at the Division I level, so seek guidance and honest feedback from coaches experienced in collegiate athletics to assess realistic opportunities. And with the current changes in laws governing NIL, many rosters are getting smaller.

Student-athletes must actively engage in recruitment by communicating with coaches, creating highlight reels, attending showcases, and maintaining training and nutrition regimens. Strong grades open more doors for admissions and scholarships—students should research schools that align with their academic interests and long-term goals, not just athletic fit. Keeping an open mind about different divisions increases the chances of finding the best overall opportunity.

Beyond skill, coaches recruit leaders, team players, and hard workers. Character, attitude, and coachability can be as important as talent. Being a good teammate and demonstrating resilience on and off the field make a lasting impression on coaches.

A common misconception is that playing in college guarantees a scholarship. However, full athletic scholarships are rare; most receive partial scholarships, if any. Division III schools offer no money for athletics (NCAA). Strong academics remain the best way to maximize financial aid and admissions opportunities.

The time commitment of college athletics varies widely. Division I athletes may dedicate 40+ hours per week to their sport, making athletics a primary focus (NCAA GOALS Study). Division III offers more flexibility, allowing students to pursue internships and other interests. Club and intramural sports provide competitive and recreational opportunities with less commitment. Athletes can stay involved in their sport without NCAA pressures.

The key for those who want to compete at the next level is taking ownership of the process. Student-athletes should work daily to reach their goals, remain realistic, prioritize academics, and understand that some elements of luck and timing are outside their control. For those committed and talented, playing a college sport builds time management, leadership, and resilience that benefit students' careers and lives. Relationships built through athletics create lifelong friendships and professional connections beyond the field. It can be an incredibly rewarding experience, teaching valuable life lessons and preparing students for future success.

Focus on Majors: Sports Management

For students who live and breathe sports, a career in the industry doesn’t have to mean going pro as an athlete. The U.S. sports industry generates over $400 billion annually and relies on professionals in management, marketing, event coordination, and facility operations to keep things running. A degree in sports management can be the ticket to an exciting career behind the scenes in the sports world.

Sports management programs blend business, marketing, and sports-related coursework to prepare students for careers in the athletic industry. A Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Science in Sports Management typically includes classes in business, finance, sports marketing, event planning, facility management, and ethics in athletics. Many programs also emphasize hands-on experience through internships with sports teams, facilities, and organizations, giving students a valuable edge when entering the job market.

When exploring sports management programs, at some universities, the major is housed in the business school, which places a greater emphasis on finance, administration, and marketing, while at others, it may be housed within communications or liberal arts  The program’s focus can shape career opportunities, so students should consider their long-term goals when selecting a school.

Certain colleges and universities have gained a strong reputation in sports management. The University of Massachusetts Amherst’s Isenberg School of Management is consistently considered one of the top programs and has strong industry connections. The University of Michigan focuses on sports business and societal impact with an extensive alumni network in professional sports. Southern Methodist University offers specializations in event management and athlete representation, while Ohio University is home to one of the oldest and most respected sports management programs. The University of South Carolina offers a Sport and Entertainment Management degree within its College of Hospitality, Retail, and Sport Management, giving students direct access to major sporting events and industry partnerships.

The location of a university can also play a major role in career opportunities. Schools in cities with major league teams, sports marketing firms, and athletic organizations often provide students with valuable industry exposure.

Graduates with a degree in sports management have a wide range of career paths available to them. Some may find roles in team administration and managing operations for professional or collegiate sports organizations. Others may gravitate toward marketing and sponsorship, working with brands to develop advertising strategies and corporate partnerships. Event and facility management is another growing field, where professionals oversee stadiums, arenas, and major sporting events. Those interested in athlete representation and public relations may work directly with athletes to manage their careers, contracts, and media presence. Sports analytics and technology are also expanding fields, utilizing data to improve team performance and fan engagement.

Breaking into the sports industry can be competitive, so hands-on experience is key. When researching programs, students should ask about internship opportunities, job placement success, and the strength of the school’s alumni network. Schools with established connections in the industry can provide students with a pathway to internships and jobs with professional teams, college athletic programs, and sports-related businesses.

To learn more about sports management programs and careers, you can refer to the North American Society for Sports Management (NASSM),  Degrees in Sports, and Sports Business Journal.

Careers for Sports Management Majors:

Sports Agent

Athletic Director

Team Manager/Operations Coordinator

Sports Marketing Specialist

Social Media Manager

Public Relations Specialist

Stadium Manager

Recreation Manager

Fitness Trainer

Sports Data Analyst

Corporate Partnership Manager

Contract Analyst

Guest Relations Manager

Game Day or Event Coordinator

Overused Essay Topics

Journey Ahead juniors—summer is coming, and so is the time to start writing those college essays. Whether you’re dreading it or excited to spill your life story, one thing is for sure: your essay needs to stand out. Admissions officers read thousands of these, and if you go with an overused topic, your application might just blend into the pile.

Your essay should showcase who you are, not just what you’ve done. It should make the reader feel like they just met an awesome, real person they’d want on campus. But if you choose a cliché topic, you risk making yourself forgettable. Let’s discuss the essay topics that are overdone and how to avoid them.

Unfortunately, many applicants do themselves a disservice by taking on topics that don’t resonate well with the admission readers, thus giving a false or incorrect impression of the writer. The essay's focus, or topic, must engage the reader from the very first sentence, share a positive, optimistic, and truthful picture of the applicant, and allow the reader to feel confident that this particular applicant fits their profile. Here are some overused and unhelpful topics that students are encouraged to avoid. 

A laundry list of accomplishments sounds both arrogant and boastful, and fails to share anything substantial about who you really are. Don’t exaggerate your achievements because it will probably show through in your writing, and that lack of authenticity breaks all the requirements for a solid and original college essay.

Sports essays as a metaphor for life  ("I scored the winning goal and it changed my life") are overused, so they will often fall flat.  If you choose to write about sports, personalize your experiences. Tell the reader more about some aspect of your sport that has given you a deeper insight into who you are and what you want.

If you’re naturally hilarious, your voice will come through. But forcing humor is risky. If you are a truly funny person, tell a story that illustrates this about you, but trying to be funny just to amuse the reader is usually not going to work.

It is best to avoid topics such as politics or religion; remember, you don’t know who is reading your essay. Be careful about being too controversial in your essay, and avoid any descriptions of illicit behaviors, profane language, drugs, or alcohol. Don't try to shock your reader as a way to be memorable; it will likely backfire horribly.

Many students participate in community service and, for those lucky enough to have significant resources, may complete international travel with a volunteer component. These essays can also fail to win over the reader because they fail to share anything personal about these wonderful opportunities.

Don’t write another laundry list of ‘what I did in Costa Rica to save the green turtles’ - write about a local volunteer you connected with, someone doing work important to you, and from whom you learned an important life lesson. Keep the focus on what you learned about yourself and the world around you.

The classic essay that is way too often submitted is the one about someone else! That’s right. It's not about you but about your grandmother/father/sister/neighbor/coach – you get the idea. This one always falls flat because, invariably, the reader comes away thinking that they would love to meet your grandmother/etc, and not you!

Many students dig around for some kind of challenge they have had to overcome. A challenge doesn't have to be monumental to the rest of the world to be worth sharing. Every day struggles like overcoming your fear of public speaking to deliver a great speech in class, or figuring out how to help your friends work out a stressful conflict, could be very effective if they show your problem-solving skills in action. Keep it real, and keep the focus on you.

Stay focused on one moment in time that significantly impacted your life, stay away from clichés and exaggerated lists of events and achievements, and allow your true, best self to shine. Start with a strong opening and grow from there – make your admission readers smile, jump up from their chairs, and share your essay with colleagues. Let them know the real YOU!

Focus on Majors: AI

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is transforming the world, changing how we work, learn, and make decisions. Universities are responding by updating courses and programs to prepare students for careers in an AI-driven future. Colleges are embracing AI as both a tool and a subject of study.

Students who understand, analyze, and apply AI across different fields will have a significant advantage in the job market. AI is no longer confined to computer science; it’s essential in business, media, medicine, and the arts. Those who grasp AI’s potential and limitations will be positioned to lead industries increasingly reliant on technology, data-driven decision-making, and automation.

AI isn’t just for tech students. Small colleges, even those without specific majors in AI or engineering, incorporate AI into philosophy, ethics, and media studies, helping students critically examine its role in society. For example, at Pomona College, Bowdoin College, and Wesleyan University, students explore AI ethics, bias in machine learning, algorithmic decision-making, and AI’s influence on democracy and privacy. These courses encourage discussions on responsibility in AI development and policy.

Courses at Brown University examine AI through modern culture and media, where students analyze AI-generated content like deepfake videos and AI-written articles. Swarthmore College courses link  AI to cognitive science, studying how machine learning mimics human decision-making. Meanwhile, the Rochester Institute of Technology and the University of Arizona programs incorporate AI into digital humanities and computational linguistics, offering hands-on work in natural language processing and AI-assisted creative writing. These programs highlight AI’s broader impact on communication, culture, and society.

As AI becomes integral to business, universities are training students to apply AI-driven strategies in finance, marketing, and supply chain management. USC’s Marshall School of Business offers an AI for Business program, where students learn predictive analytics, customer insights, and automated decision-making. Case studies explore AI’s role in optimizing digital marketing and logistics. At the Wharton School, students use AI-powered analytics for market forecasting and financial risk assessment. Similarly, the University of Texas at Dallas integrates AI into business analytics, offering hands-on experience with AI-driven customer insights, fraud detection, and automation tools used by major corporations. These programs showcase AI’s transformative impact on business and the growing demand for AI-savvy professionals.

For students drawn to AI’s technical side, universities are at the forefront of AI research in robotics, deep learning, and autonomous systems. While institutions such as MIT, Carnegie Mellon, and Stanford continue pushing AI innovation, AI-focused education is expanding.

Georgia Tech offers an AI minor available to all disciplines, ensuring that business, humanities, and science majors gain AI literacy. The University of Michigan and UC Berkeley provide AI tracks in computer science, covering reinforcement learning, generative AI, and AI-driven cybersecurity. Oregon State University and Cal Poly SLO emphasize industry collaboration, partnering with companies to solve real-world AI challenges in automation and software development. These programs make advanced AI education more accessible and emphasize practical applications.

AI is shaping industries beyond STEM, particularly healthcare and gaming. The University of Texas at San Antonio (UTSA) offers a Dual Degree in Medicine and AI, training future doctors to integrate AI into diagnostics, personalized treatment, and robotic-assisted surgeries. AI-powered tools, such as machine learning models for radiology and AI-driven drug discovery, are revolutionizing medical care and research.

AI is also transforming gaming. At UC Santa Cruz, the Games and Playable Media program explores AI-driven storytelling and dynamic gameplay. AI is used in procedural content generation, allowing game environments to evolve based on player behavior, and in designing intelligent non-player characters (NPCs) that adapt and respond more realistically. These programs highlight AI’s growing influence in creative and interactive fields.

As AI reshapes industries, universities are preparing students to navigate this evolving landscape. By integrating AI education across disciplines, colleges are not just teaching technical skills but also encouraging critical thinking about AI’s ethical and societal impact. Whether students engage with AI 

through liberal arts, business, or technical studies, they will have opportunities to apply this technology in meaningful ways.

For high school students planning their futures, AI literacy is becoming essential, opening doors across a wide range of careers, some of which don’t even exist today.  As universities expand AI-related programs, students will have more opportunities than ever to explore how AI can shape their professional paths, regardless of their chosen field.

Careers for AI Majors

Liberal Arts & Interdisciplinary Studies

AI Ethics Consultant

Digital Media Strategist

Computational Linguist

Business & Industry Applications

AI-Driven Market Analyst

Financial AI Analyst

AI-Powered Supply Chain Manager

STEM & Engineering

AI Research Scientist

Autonomous Systems Engineer

AI Cybersecurity Specialist

Medicine & Gaming

AI Healthcare Specialist

AI Game Designer

Biomedical AI Engineer

Understanding Letters of Recommendation

The application requirements for many colleges in the US include a letter of recommendation from the student's high school guidance counselor and often one or two of their classroom teachers. These letters provide colleges with insight into who you are beyond your grades and test scores. Typically, there are two main types of recommendations you’ll need:

Colleges often ask for letters from teachers who have taught you in core subjects such as English, math, science, social studies, or a world language, preferably during your junior or senior year. The teacher you ask should be someone who knows your academic strengths well and can speak about your potential for success in college courses.

A letter from your school counselor gives colleges a sense of your role within the school community. Many counselors are busy and may not know every student personally, and colleges understand this. However, some colleges require letters of recommendation from the counselor as they value the counselor’s perspective on your academic journey and personal character.

Teachers are busy professionals, and writing a recommendation is a favor they’re doing for you. Here’s how you can make their job easier:

High schools, colleges, and individual teachers may have specific guidelines for recommendations. Before asking for a letter, make sure you’re clear on the requirements and deadlines for both your school and each college.

Pick teachers who can write a personal and thoughtful recommendation. A teacher who knows you well and can speak to your work ethic and character will provide a strong letter. 

Request recommendations well in advance—ideally, at the beginning of your senior year or even before the end of junior year. Waiting until fall can be risky, as teachers and counselors will be overwhelmed with requests by then, and they may not have enough time to write a letter for you.

Provide your recommenders with at least a month’s notice before the application deadline. Writing a great recommendation letter takes time, and the earlier you ask, the better.

Never demand a letter. Instead, politely ask, “Would you be willing to write a positive letter of recommendation for me?” If someone declines, don’t take it personally. Thank them and move on to another teacher.

In the spring, your Journey Ahead counselor assigns students to complete a questionnaire or "brag sheet" to help recommenders write a more detailed knowledgable, and thoughtful letter. Be thorough and turn it in early, giving your writers plenty of time to review your achievements.

Lastly, once your letters are complete, take the time to thank your recommenders. Also, keep them updated on your college admissions results. They’ll appreciate hearing about the outcome of your applications!

How to Evaluate Test Prep Providers

Most students are anxious about taking standardized tests.  Taking a good test prep course or working one-on-one with a tutor can help alleviate some of this anxiety by allowing students to become familiar with the exams and test-taking strategies.  Here are some questions to guide you when looking for classes or tutors:

Who will be conducting the test prep?  Some independent test prep tutors or those who work for larger companies are recent college graduates with high SAT/ACT scores when they took the exam in high school. Be cautious if this is the case. There is a difference between scoring well on an exam and being able to teach others how to do well.  Be sure to ask the tutor or company about specific training and effective teaching, not just being a strong test taker.  The best approach is either to use experienced educators as instructors, or at a minimum, ensure the instructors have had training in effective teaching practices.

Does the tutor or class incorporate anxiety-reducing skills? When evaluating courses or tutors, ask about their experience teaching anxiety management techniques. Look for those who incorporate mindfulness exercises, breathing strategies, and positive visualization alongside content preparation. These stress-reduction skills can significantly improve test-day performance.

What about students with learning differences? If your teen has a diagnosed learning difference or disability, look for test prep providers who have specific experience working with students with similar needs. Ask about the instructor's training and background in working with learning differences and their familiarity with common testing accommodations such as extended time or separate testing rooms. The best providers will be able to tailor their teaching methods to your teen's specific learning style and challenges, whether that's breaking down complex problems into smaller steps, using visual aids, or incorporating multisensory learning techniques. They should also be knowledgeable about the documentation required to apply for testing accommodations and be able to help students practice using their approved accommodations effectively during prep sessions. 

Will the test prep address the digital SAT and ACT? Ask if the test prep is working with materials adapted to the new digital format of the SAT. Did they revise their test prep strategy in response to the new format of the test? Ask if they are up to date on the upcoming changes ahead for the ACT. How will they be adapting their materials in response to these changes? How are they getting their information? Are tutors taking the new tests? Are they waiting until test information is released officially by the College Board or ACT organizations?

What is the content of the test preparation and how are the sessions administered? Is time equally divided between the different sections of the exams, or are whole sessions devoted to specific sections? Is more time spent on particular sections or particular skills development?  Additionally, ask how many full-length practice exams, using real exams, will be given – the more, the better.  Also, ask how the practice exams are scored and shared with students.  Do they get personal feedback on their strengths and weaknesses? Of course, students should always consider how they learn best and then look for programs that are a good match for their learning style. Some students will do best with private tutoring, while other students can do well in a group setting.

What materials will be used?  The best test prep classes and tutors will use actual SAT and/or ACT exams for practice rather than create their own exams.  While many test prep companies use their own proprietary study books, they should also incorporate the College Board’s and the ACT’s study guides into the classroom.

For group settings, what is the class size?  Look for smaller groups, and be sure to ask how much time is allocated in each class session to answer individual questions.

What is the refund policy?  If your child thinks the course isn’t helping after a session or two, can you get a refund? What happens if your child gets sick or has a scheduling conflict that requires dropping out of the course?

The best programs provide personalized attention while maintaining high educational standards. They should demonstrate a track record of success without making unrealistic promises about score improvements.

Look for programs that focus on comprehensive test preparation rather than quick fixes or guaranteed results. The goal should be finding a program that aligns with the students learning style and provides the tools needed for success on the first attempt.

Focus on Major: Nursing

Imagine saving lives before you've even hit your mid-twenties – that's what a career in nursing could offer you. From helping deliver newborns to supporting patients through their toughest battles, nursing puts you at the heart of healthcare's most meaningful moments.

The nursing profession offers strong job security and competitive pay. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics' Employment Projections 2022-2032, the Registered Nursing (RN) workforce is expected to grow by 6% over the next decade, expanding from 3.1 million to 3.3 million nurses.

The duties of a registered nurse include treatment of patients, education of both patients and the public about medical conditions, and providing advice and support to the families of patients. Some RNs specialize in a specific type of care..  

There are three main paths to becoming a registered nurse: a bachelor's degree (BSN), an associate's degree (ADN), and a diploma from an approved nursing program. The BSN offers the most career opportunities and the ability to pursue advanced degrees leading to nurse practitioner roles.

Once a student passes the national licensing exam NCLEX-RN, they are eligible for employment as an entry-level staff nurse. 

Although there are several paths to becoming a nurse, obtaining a bachelor’s degree is necessary for administrative and teaching positions, as well as for advanced practice positions such as nurse midwife, nurse anesthetist, nurse practitioner, and clinical nurse specialist. Some advanced nursing practice specialties also require additional study leading to a master’s degree.

Nursing education programs include classroom instruction in such areas as anatomy, physiology, chemistry, nutrition, psychology, microbiology, and nursing.  Supervised clinical experience is provided in hospital settings and generally involves rotations in pediatrics, surgery, psychiatry, and maternity. Nursing programs have found themselves becoming more and more competitive, with high grades in high school or the first two years of college becoming a necessity.  Experience in a healthcare setting also may be considered in the application process.  

Healthcare experience can strengthen applications along with test scores. The national average acceptance rate for nursing schools is 66%, though rates vary significantly by institution.

High school students determined to pursue a BSN might consider direct-entry nursing programs offered by some schools. Your Journey Ahead counselor will tell you whether your high school coursework and extra curricular experience makes you eligible for direct entry. Such programs allow students to begin pre-nursing classes immediately and start clinical rotations in their second year. Some colleges guarantee nursing school admission to pre-nursing students who meet specific academic requirements.

To become a competitive applicant, students should take the most challenging high school curriculum they can manage successfully. With nursing education becoming increasingly selective, strong academic preparation is essential for gaining admission to these programs.

How Merit Aid Makes Private Colleges More Affordable

Private colleges across the United States have expanded their merit-based aid programs in response to competition from public institutions and affordability concerns. This strategy has made private education more accessible to middle-income families. According to the National Association of College and University Business Officers, private nonprofit colleges reached a record average tuition discount rate of 56.1% for first-time, full-time students in 2023-24, meaning families typically pay less than half the published tuition rate.

Most highly-selective colleges only provide need-based financial aid. Many other selective private colleges have developed robust merit scholarship programs to attract exceptional students. These programs particularly benefit families who earn too much for substantial need-based aid but struggle with annual college costs exceeding $80,000. Top-tier institutions like Emory University, USC, and Duke University offer competitive merit scholarship programs that can cover full tuition and additional expenses for the most exceptional students. 

Although private colleges can be very expensive, your Journey Ahead counselor’s understanding of colleges’ past admissions/financial offers combined with your student’s academic performance will help determine if a private college will fit within the your budget.

Guaranteed scholarship programs have also expanded, offering assured funding based on specific academic criteria, typically combining GPA and standardized test scores. The test-optional movement has led many institutions to create alternative pathways for merit scholarship consideration, including portfolio reviews and comprehensive achievement evaluations. Many schools continue to offer guaranteed scholarships to National Merit Scholarship finalists, with some increasing award amounts to match rising costs.

Private colleges offer distinct advantages beyond financial considerations. Their student-centered learning environment, with smaller class sizes and frequent professor interaction, creates valuable opportunities for mentorship and collaborative research. These institutions have generally maintained strong student support services, including comprehensive academic advising, career counseling, and learning support services, while many public institutions face resource constraints.

The focus on holistic student development often results in stronger alumni networks and career placement services, offering long-term professional advantages. Additionally, private colleges maintain higher four-year graduation rates compared to public institutions, leading to potential savings through reduced tuition costs and earlier workforce entry.

As families evaluate college options in 2025, looking beyond published tuition rates is essential. Merit scholarships have transformed private colleges' financial accessibility, making them viable for many families who might otherwise dismiss them based on sticker price. Strong academic performance can unlock significant merit aid opportunities.

For students beginning their college search, the message is clear: don't let initial price tags deter you from considering private colleges. With a strong academic record, a private college education may be more affordable than anticipated when considering the total value of the educational experience and time to graduation. The transformation in college financing through expanded merit aid programs has created new opportunities for students to access private education.