Will transferring to a big school help you receive an athletic scholarship?

Over the past few years, there have been athletes throughout the country who have spent the early portion of their career excelling at a smaller school. But as they got older and the hopes of at the Division I level, their family made the switch from a smaller school to a bigger one.

To do this, many families have done things like moved or rented an apartment on top of their house. Considering this is just high school athletics, that is a lot to do for a hope to play at a high level. But in the end, is it really worth it to make the move to a bigger prep program? Will it help you earn that desired scholarship offer?

The obvious advantage that you get from transferring to a small school to a large school is the upgrade in competition. When playing at a smaller school, you should be able to physically dominate the opposition more often. Against bigger schools, there should be more talented athletes to contend with you whether it be on the basketball court, football field, baseball diamond, or whatever sport you play.

Some also think that playing up will help you get more recognition. If you decide to go to a school that is bigger and in a better market, there is a chance you may receive more recognition from the local newspaper. And with college coaches likely reading this paper, it may be easier for them to get your stats and see how you are playing. Most small town have small papers with some not even being online at this point.

But the big disadvantage is that you are likely going to be leaving behind friends and athletes that you have played with your entire life. You have probably dreamt of winning State championships with these people your entire life and in order to help your recruiting, at least in your mind, you have to go to a bigger school. They may tell you that you understand but I can guarantee that they will hold a grudge no matter what circumstance.

Anyways, I am not a believer in the saying that if you are good enough, college coaches will find you. I don’t believe that one bit. I think it is up to you to go through the five steps to a scholarship and do the things to help market yourself. The biggest thing you must have is the ability to play at that high of a level.

I really don’t think transferring is needed to help yourself in the recruiting. Could it help some? Sure, but you may sacrifice moving and friends for something that is far from guaranteed. If you go through the steps listed above, you are doing what you can to help yourself.

Within the last few years, I have seen a major Division I school offer players who played 8-man and 9-man football. The reason that these schools have to play this level of football is because that they don’t have enough athletes to field a complete team. But did they transfer? No, they went to summer camps and sent out a highlight tape. They had the ability to play at that high of a level and made the most of the opportunities that were given.

I even asked one of the athletes if they ever considered transferring to a bigger school and the athlete said there was no thought about it. He played the smallest level of football possible in his state and he still ended up with multiple scholarship offers. This athlete had the skills and athleticism to make plays and he didn’t need to transfer to show it.

It is obviously your call in what you think will help you the most but coaches will find you if you have shown them your ability. You may not be good enough to play at that level but if you transfer, it will really show that you may have made a mistake and left life long friends. That may be the worst of it all.