College Visits

Student athletes can visit a campus at any time, as long as they pay their own way. These visits are called unofficial visits and have become a big part of the recruiting process. Because college coaches are recruiting players during their freshman and sophomore years in high school, the only way they can meet and talk with recruits is on an unofficial visit. Recruits are being asked to commit "verbally" to colleges before they can take official visits, so unofficial visits are playing a more important role — especially in conjunction with attending the college camp.

Before scheduling a trip to see a college campus and visit a coach, make sure they are going to be available to meet you. Call ahead, confirm availability, and let the coaching staff know your Bird Dog Scout ® profile is active so they can review your stats and video before you arrive.

The other type of visits are official visits. This is where a college coach can pay for you to visit the school. This type of visit is generally only given to players who are high on the coach's recruiting board. NCAA compliance rules govern how many official visits a program can offer and when they can occur — typically not before the start of a prospect's senior year in high school.

NCAA Compliance Notes

NCAA rules prohibit a coach from calling a player prior to July 1st of the summer preceding his senior year. You may have to make more than one telephone call to reach a coach — be persistent and professional. A brief, well-written email introducing yourself and linking to your Bird Dog Scout ® profile is one of the most effective tools available.

During any campus visit, take the opportunity to schedule a tour of the admissions office and visit academic advisors. Coaches want to recruit student-athletes — demonstrating academic seriousness alongside baseball ability is a significant advantage. Let coaches know your academic interests; fit goes both ways.

Bird Dog Scout ® — one-time registration: $298. No annual fees. No hidden costs. Your profile stays active and visible to coaches throughout your high school career.