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Post by luisluis on Oct 29, 2017 2:56:22 GMT
This article is a little dated but highly relevant for those considering the athletic scholarship route. It goes into some detail about an elite swimmer's experience with the process. I thought it would be of interest to those that might be considering this route. A separate opinion from the Forbes blog on the same article can be found hereI personally am not a huge fan of scholarships. My view is that if a kid is playing a sport, s/he should pursue it for the sheer joy and the spirit of competition. Im one of those parents that spends thousands yearly on my son's soccer alone (I have four kids). While I try to be an informed consumer, I don't have any illusions of my son securing a scholarship or going pro. Im fully aware that I could also be socking that money into a scholarship fund that might be just as valuable when he decides to go. If anything, I would encourage my son to not pursue scholarships (strings are always attached) and instead follow his heart. If that means playing third division soccer in some eastern european country where he might be lucky to get a paycheck, so be it. On the other hand, if his heart is truly set on college, then he should find the school that will feel best for him and not the one who can offer the most money (if any). I realize thats controversial, but thats just my outlook on life and I would respect the many that disagree. If you have a different view, I'd encourage you to post. All ideas merit worthy debate.
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Post by big2267 on Nov 3, 2017 18:25:20 GMT
Generally agree. If you think that spending $2,000 a year over 10 years for a shot at something worth $40K is better than saving $2K a year for 10 years, you are sadly mistaken. Granted, you could argue that you were going to spend that money on your kid anyway, but I think it's a bad idea to make that your goal.
That said, if you are given an offer and it makes more sense than going to a Canadian University (after the exchange rate it often doesn't), you might as well take it.
I would also steer away from those third-division-you-might-not-get-paid situations though. Better to get an education (sponsored by your soccer abilities or not).
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Post by luisluis on Nov 13, 2017 23:12:35 GMT
big2267. Great input Im all about letting my kid pursue their dreams. Even if they are a little far fetched. My view is that they will spend enough time working 9-5. No need to rush that. My spouse on the other hand...she is a little bit more pragmatic than me in that regard. Generally agree. If you think that spending $2,000 a year over 10 years for a shot at something worth $40K is better than saving $2K a year for 10 years, you are sadly mistaken. Granted, you could argue that you were going to spend that money on your kid anyway, but I think it's a bad idea to make that your goal. That said, if you are given an offer and it makes more sense than going to a Canadian University (after the exchange rate it often doesn't), you might as well take it. I would also steer away from those third-division-you-might-not-get-paid situations though. Better to get an education (sponsored by your soccer abilities or not).
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