Rowing in College: Preparation

Most of the team is beginning to investigate college and determine whether or not rowing is going to be part of the collegiate experience. For some, rowing may be very important: getting recruited to a top rowing school might be a high priority. For others, rowing in college would be fun but not necessary: perhaps a club team would be better. Whatever the case, selecting the right school comes down to knowing your interests, researching the schools, and planning your approach.

Row or no row, college is about academics first. Do not lose sight of the fact that college admissions, though interested in well-rounded individuals, want to ensure that your intellectual interests match their profile. Just be careful that crew doesn't muddy your college decision-making process. It should be part of your determination, but not all.

If you are highly interested in rowing in college, then here are a few suggestions to get you started:

1. Create a rowing resume. This doesn't need to be fancy, but it should include your best 2k time, your best 6k time, what side you row (port/starboard/both), what disciplines you row (sweep/scull/both), your height and weight, camps you've attended, regattas in which you've participated, and competitive highlights (1st at Empires, 3rd at States, 15th at CRASH Bs, etc.).
2. Develop a contact list. From the list of schools in which you are interested, make a spreadsheet that has the contact information of the rowing coaches: name, phone number, email, fax, etc. You may be referencing this a lot, particularly if you want to be recruited.
3. Schedule visits to the school. It will be very helpful to schedule school visits when the team is practicing that way part of your visit can be on the water. If you are in a launch with a coach you can get a lot of one-on-one time. This spring would be a great time to visit schools (whether a junior or sophomore).
4. Inform your coach of your plans. Say, for instance, you are going to visit a school and speak with a coach. It might be in your best interest to have your current coach contact that college coach first and let them know a little about you beforehand. You have a much better chance getting recruited when more people can reference your skills and abilities.
5. Don't let your academics slip. While you are planning for your future remember that you are still a student.