There are many rules that govern NCAA scholarships. If you're offered an athletic scholarship, go to the NCAA's website and familiarize yourself with some of the rules, because this is a key part of athletic recruitment. Here are a few key rules:

• Athletic scholarships are not guaranteed for four years. They are awarded one academic year at a time for up to five years. So sometimes a player will get a scholarship one year and not the next. Coaches are usually considerate about keeping injured players on scholarship. However, before signing with a team, you should ask the coach how he deals with injured players who are on scholarship. If you get injured and have to sit out a year, will you lose your sports scholarship?


• Division III schools do not offer athletic scholarships. Non-athletic scholarships, however, are often available on the basis of academic excellence, extracurricular talents, and demonstrated need. Learn other NCAA recruiting guidelines.


• Pell Grants and other governmental scholarship programs may be available in addition to athletic scholarships. Contact individual admissions departments to learn more about such opportunities and whether you can mix athletic scholarships and institutional financial aid.