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College Baseball: Why a JUCO Program Might Be the Right
Choice
I continue to see and hear
both high school baseball players and their parents
have a "I've got to play (NCAA) division 1 baseball"
mentality. At the same time I see these players end
up extremely unhappy because Division 1, wasn't right
for them.
When Junior College might be the better
choice:
1. You are not a great student in high
school. Many 2.5-3.0 GPA high school students find the
transition to a junior college is much easier.
2. You are a drafted player who wasn't
drafted high enough to sign, but would like to play
professional baseball. The junior college route allows
the added flexibility to either signing or being re-drafted
after both the freshman and senior seasons.
3. You are a potential draft pick, not
drafted out of high school who wants the additional
2 years of draft eligibility.
4. You have a dream of playing at a
Clemson or a Arizona State, but your only offers are
from lessor division 1 schools. By going to a junior
college and proving yourself you may get the opportunity
at the college you really wanted to play at.
The one thing that both the player and
the parent needs to understand is that after 2 years
at a junior college when you transfer to a division
1 college the final degree you receive says "Clemson"
or "Arizona State", and says nothing about
the junior college.
Another issue may be dollars. Most division
1 schools (who have 11.7 scholarships for baseball)
are forced to split the money between 30-35 players,
leaving the player a large portion they are obligated
to pay. With lower tuition costs and more scholarships
(24) many times a junior college can offer 2 years free.
Two years free and then two years at
50% at a division 1 school is the equivalent of four
years at 75%. That 25% per year can save you $20,000
or more.
Another reason to choose a JUCO is the
potential for additional playing opportunity. As a Freshman
you will also be competing against players more your
own age.
While Junior College is a good option
for many players it is not right for everyone. The 3.5
- 4.0 student who is able to attend a Duke or Notre
Dame would be foolish to consider a junior college,
as these top academic schools usually do not consider
JUCO transfers.
Whatever the choice the one thing you
need to remember is that it is the right choice.
Good Luck!
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