Decision Making--Thoughts/ Questions On Deciding Where To Attend College

Listed below are some questions to consider as a student-athlete prepares to make the decision of where to attend college:

WHO
Coaching staff's philosophy of education
Coaching staff's philosophy of basketball
Student population: Too Big/ Too Small
Character and spirit of the campus in general
Can I respect the Head Coach and staff?
Future teammates
Type of players being recruited
School's athletic policy…Guarantee if injured
Position coach
Recruiting coach
What do former players say of their experiences?

WHERE
Miles from home
Availability of air, train, bus travel
Living conditions
Dining facilities
Weather conditions
Size of city or town
Attitude of community to the University

WHAT
Academic reptutation in my desired major
Alternative academic offerings
Academic facilities in my major
Can I compete in the classroom?
Do the athletes succeed in the classroom?
Is there tutoring help available?
Is there study hall?
Can we win?
Practice and workout facilities
Equipment
Schedule
Opportunity to go on and play professionally
Style of play
Can I continue to grow in the church of my faith?
How soon will I play?
Off season programs
Discipline

GENERAL QUESTIONS
Availability of summer employment
Quality of recruiting--How much do they want me?
Wishes of Mom/Dad
High school / AAU Coach's feelings
What does my principal, counselor or favorite teacher think?
Insurance Policy

Lessons from "Crossing The Rubicon"

As Caesar prepared to cross the river on the night of January 10 in 49 BC, he reflected in solitude for a while, then turned to his commanders and gave the order. When they reached the other side, his first words were Alea iacta est (the dice have been thrown). Since that fateful night, the phrase "crossing the Rubicon" has come to mean willingness to undertake a major and risky course of action from which there is no turning back. It is a move that requires foresight, strength of character and willingness to accept the consequences of one's actions, both good and bad. Caesar knew that he was about to plunge Rome into civil war and that as a result he would either become master of the ancient world or be killed. He was willing to accept either outcome.


"Crossing the rubicon" means embarking on a course of action from which you cannot turn back. What is the lesson here? Be sure to think before you act and to understand fully the implications of what you are about to do--the rewards as well as the costs for yourself and others.

5 Rules For Patient, Wise Decision-Making

Orlando Magic Executive Vice-President:

FIVE RULES FOR PATIENT, WISE DECISION-MAKING:

1. Get advice
2. Get alone
3. Get away
4. When uncertainty persists, say no
5. Once you have come to a decision, act firmly and decisively