college pathways
What Questions Should Parents Ask During College Visits?
Quick Answer
Ask questions that test fit, finances, support, and what happens if football ends. Coaches expect serious questions — and the families who ask them usually choose better programs.
Academic questions
- What majors are realistic for football players in-season?
- What academic support is available?
- What is the four-year graduation rate for football players?
Financial questions
- Is the scholarship multi-year or one-year, renewable?
- What is the total cost of attendance vs. total aid?
- What happens to the scholarship if the athlete is injured or cut?
Football questions
- What is the depth chart at the position?
- What is the redshirt plan?
- How long has the position coach been on staff?
Life questions
- What is the off-season time commitment?
- What support exists for mental health?
- What internships or career networks exist for football players?
The most underused question
"Tell me about an athlete in his position who's left the program. Why did he leave, and where did he go?"
The answer reveals more about the program than any tour does.
Common Mistakes
- •Only asking the questions on the tour script
- •Avoiding financial questions to seem polite
- •Skipping mental health and life questions
- •Not asking what happens if the athlete is cut
- •Letting the athlete do the visit without prepared questions
Key Takeaways
- Ask the questions the tour won't volunteer
- Multi-year vs. one-year scholarship matters
- Depth chart and redshirt plans shape playing time
- Plan for life after football
- Ask about athletes who left
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