College Admissions for Student Athletes

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High school junior Ben Alexander is in the middle of figuring out where he wants to go to college, and Rutgers University Camden is one of the schools he is considering. He wants to play baseball and is still undecided on a major. As he goes through the recruiting process, he is looking at more than just athletics, thinking about academics, team culture, and where he will feel most comfortable.

Alexander said the recruiting experience has made him realize how important relationships are. While a program’s record and reputation matter, he said the people involved matter just as much. “The biggest thing for me is feeling comfortable with the coaches,” Alexander shared, explaining that the way coaches communicate and build relationships has stood out to him. Honest conversations have helped him picture what playing at the college level would actually feel like.

Talking with current players has also shaped his view of the program. “When I talked to the team, it felt welcoming and not forced,” Alexander said. One of his high school teammates has already committed to Rutgers University Camden, which gave him someone he trusts to talk to about the experience. Those conversations helped him understand the team environment and what day-to-day life looks like as a student athlete.

As he compares schools, Alexander said he keeps coming back to one thing, “I’m trying to find a place where I can see myself for four years.” He wants a school where he feels comfortable on the field and in the classroom. While sports are a big part of his decision, they are not the only factor. He is also looking at academic programs and what kind of campus environment each school offers.

His mother, Jamie Alexander, said she sees the process from a parent’s perspective. While she supports her son’s athletic goals, she said education comes first for their family: “At the end of the day, academics come first.” She explained that sports can help open doors, but the degree is what matters most in the long run. As they look at schools, she is paying attention to academic support services and how well each college supports its students. “We’re looking at the full picture, not just the sport,” she said.

Financial aid is also part of that picture. Jamie Alexander said the family is considering costs and scholarship opportunities as they compare options. Making sure the school is a good financial fit is an important part of the decision. “I want him somewhere he’ll feel supported, both on and off the field,” she said.

The recruiting process includes conversations with coaches, interactions with players, and sometimes campus visits. For Alexander, those experiences have helped him figure out what feels right and what does not. For now, he is still weighing his options. Rutgers University Camden is a strong possibility, but he has not made a final decision. As the process continues, Alexander said he is focused on finding a school that feels like home. For him and his family, the choice will come down to athletics, academics, financial considerations, and overall comfort.