A:  To help with this question, we went to the complete guidebook for maximizing athletic scholarship potential – Athletes Wanted.  The answer to this question will always vary based on the age of the prospect, the sport, the division level and the individual program, amongst other factors in the process.  However, here are the top indicators of a coach’s level of interest, in declining order:

1.  Full scholarship offer in writing
2. Full scholarship offer made verbally
3. Partial scholarship offer in writing
4. Partial scholarship offer made verbally
5. Offer of an official visit
6. Phone calls from the head coach on the first day of the contact period, which varies by sport
7. Hand-written weekly letter from the head coach or assistant coach (the former indicates higher interest)
8. Athletic application with fee waiver
9. Letter from the head coach or assistant coach with an invitation to call or email (the former indicates higher interest)
10. Offer of an unofficial visit or game day visit
11. Request for game, highlight, or skills video
12. Invitation for pro-rated one-day summer camp visit
13. Questionnaire and letter inviting the student-athlete to correspond or call

Where are you at in the process?