WHAT IS YOUR SAT?

Not so good answer: “I do not take standardized test well”; “I am taking it again”; “It was the day after my prom”; “I am not sure”: These kinds of answers may communicate the recruit is an excuse maker.

Good answer: “950 or whatever the actual score is”: Answering the question with the exact score communicates a sense of confidence along with not dwelling on this subject if the SAT is lower than needed to get admitted to the school.

WHAT IS YOUR GPA?

Not so good answer: “I would have had a 3.2 if my Chemistry teacher liked me”; “I went to a tough private school”.

Good answer: Very similar to the SAT question, the coach is just looking for the answer and the projection of confidence would reflect well on the recruit.

WHAT OTHER SCHOOLS ARE RECRUITING YOU OR WHAT SCHOOLS ARE YOU INTERESTED IN?

Not so good answer: “None”; “I am just getting started”

Good answer: If a recruit actually has a list then communicating it by saying “I am being recruited by University X, Y, and Z and I am planning on visiting these schools in the near future”. If the recruit does not have a list of schools the answer may be “Currently I am interested in small private liberal arts schools on the East Coast”. More insightful answers is helpful for the recruit to create a market for themselves. A more competitive recruiting process can be helpful for the recruit’s scholarship opportunities, financial aid opportunities, along with help with admissions if needed.

WHAT IS YOUR LEVEL OF PLAY?

Not so good answer: “I played #2 on my high school team”; “I was ranked #24 in my USTA section”; “I was ranked #24 in the 14 and under division of my country”. None of these answers really determine the recruit’s level of play. They just determine where a person was ranked in a certain category and most junior ranking systems have some holes in them.

Good answer: “I believe I can play in the top six in your program because I have wins over player X,Y, and Z who have wins over some of your top 6 players”; “My Universal Tennis Rating is a 10 and your tennis teams Universal Tennis Rating ranges from 8-10”. Actually direct and indirect results are very helpful in determining a recruit’s level of play. In addition, the Universal Tennis Rating at www.universaltennis.com has the level of play of ATP, WTA, USA Colleges, and recruits from around the world.

WHAT DO YOU KNOW ABOUT OUR TENNIS PROGRAM?

Not so good answer: “Not much, can you tell me more?”.

Good answer: “You have been coaching at this university for 10 years and you are alumni. The program competes in conference X and your program has been in the top 3 for the last 4 years. You rivalries are University X, Y, and Z. Etc…Etc…” In today’s world this kind of information is all over the internet and knowing this information demonstrates the recruit’s sincere interest in the university along showing how serious the recruit is about their choice in schools.