There are many perks to playing a sport throughout childhood and into high school. If it is something you particularly enjoy, you will gain self confidence and satisfaction. You also learn sportsmanship and help strengthen your body and your heart. You might even excel at a sport so well that your coach recommends you play in college. In some cases, a sports scholarship might be offered from a particular college. However, you should not count on a sports scholarship to go to college.

The majority of high school athletes will not play during college. First, not all athletes will go to college. Although you might be your school’s star athlete, your academics and test scores must also be impressive. These factors also play a role in whether or not you are eligible for scholarships. A scholarship is a reward for playing hard. It differs from a grant, which is generally given out to people based on income.

Colleges can only take on a certain number of athletes. High schools are different in that there is usually a space available for you if you are willing and able to play a certain sport. The odds of getting accepted onto a college team are very competitive. The type of sport is also a key factor as to whether you will play in college or not. For instance, there are spaces available on a baseball team than there are on a football team.

Not every college athlete gets a scholarship either. Scholarships themselves are limited, as it is free money. You may get accepted onto a team but not get offered a scholarship. These are some factors you should keep in mind when looking at colleges. Be prepared to not be offered a scholarship and look into other options such as federal grants and loans. The bottom line is that you should play for the love of a sport and not for scholarships.