Even if you don't feel like you have the tennis skills to turn professional, playing tennis in college is an excellent compromise for those players who still want to play at a competitive level. You should know how to play tennis in college if you want to make this compromise and get the best of both worlds. Many American tennis pros, such as the legendary brothers Patrick McEnroe and John McEnroe, world number one doubles pair Bob Bryan and Mike Bryan, along with singles players James Blake and John Isner played for at least a few years in the NCAA tennis circuit, so the level at the top of the field is certainly tough enough for a top player to develop against. On a different note, college tennis is played in a team format, and this is an experience you simply don't get in tennis which is an overwhelmingly individual sport. Obviously you will be able to obtain a college education in the process, and if you decide on pursuing a different career, you will have the degree and the education to do so without sacrificing your ability to train and compete in your sport. College is an experience of its own that many people may not have the chance to enjoy, and playing tennis in college can be the best experience in your life.

1. College tennis primarily refers to the American NCAA Tennis program, which is divided, like other NCAA sports, into three divisions, Division 1, Division 2, and Division 3. Division 1 represents the highest level of competition, while Division 3 represents the lowest.
2. If you play tennis in the States then you should already be aware of your USTA junior ranking based on the tournaments you've played. Also, you should definitely be playing for your high school team, as this also helps you figure out how you measure up in the competitive field. Even Division 3 colleges will demand a relatively high ranking from their athletes; if you are within at least the top three ranked players of your school, then you will be in a decent position to grab a spot or even a scholarship from a college.http://www.itatennis.com/site3.aspx
3. Talk to your coach or find out from other players what kind of colleges are appropriate for your level. If you're a ranked player, you should be looking at similarly ranked players in the past who have gone on to play college tennis, and see what level their teams play at. Ideally you should also be receiving letters of interest from coaches who have seen your ranking and want you to join their squad. Give yourself plenty of time before the application deadlines to get a list of schools. Remember, you can apply to as many as you want, and there are literally hundreds of colleges that play tennis in the NCAA.http://www.itatennis.com/site3.aspx
4. Most importantly; do your research about the actual college! Look up the strength of its academics, the location of the campus, the social life, everything that matters to you. Remember- you're still a student there, and you deserve to enjoy that aspect of the college experience as well. If you manage to get into a good school that also has a good tennis team then you will be putting yourself in a great position to land a career even after you hang up your tennis racquets. Visit the colleges too if you have the chance, and talk to coaches face-to-face.http://www.southern.usta.com/Global/Custom%20Pages/Collegiate%20Tennis%20Pages/14577_College_Tennis_Scholarship_Information.aspx

1. While college tennis athletes can get preferential treatment from the admissions boards, you still have to fill out all the regular prerequisites for college. This means that you have to write the SAT Reasoning Test and any other tests that your colleges of choice need from you. Try and do as best you can on these tests; they may not be a priority, but if you do well enough on them you will increase your chances of getting admitted.http://www.southern.usta.com/Global/Custom%20Pages/Collegiate%20Tennis%20Pages/14577_College_Tennis_Scholarship_Information.aspx
2. You will naturally also need to have a High School Diploma, and a decent GPA depending on the college. Don't neglect your studies completely while you're training. Make sure you at least pass your courses and graduate; talk to your teachers if you're struggling, and work with your coach so that you are given ample time to do homework and study for exams.
3. For every application you need to fill out a lot of information, and the process can take some time. Go through the whole application thoroughly to make sure the colleges have all the accurate information from you. You don't want to mess up a scholarship due to a typo or a box you forgot to fill out.
4. Apply earlier if you can, and don't procrastinate until the application deadline. If you phone up the coaches of colleges, and get in touch with them, they will appreciate an earlier application so they can have more time to go over your profile and your ranking. If you wait too long then coaches will be looking at other prospects instead who may show more dedication and commitment to the team than you.http://www.southern.usta.com/Global/Custom%20Pages/Collegiate%20Tennis%20Pages/14577_College_Tennis_Scholarship_Information.aspx

1. Being an athlete there are a few things besides your ranking that coaches want to see from you before making their decision. You should be making a video that demonstrates your talents on the court and your comprehensive skills that can help a college team. Make the video as soon as possible, but make it your best effort. Get a strong hitting partner or a good friend who knows how to play against you tough. Ideally you should be shooting a video that shows you trading shots and strokes with a player around your level, so coaches can see you performing in realistically challenging scenarios.
2. Mix up the content of the video. Show a few groundstrokes, a few volleys, definitely your serve. Devote a few minutes to match play, to show your mental toughness and your energy in a competitive scenario. Although coaches obviously care about your size, your strength, your agility, and your power, they will also be looking for smart players who thrive under pressure. Do what you can to show that you are the full package.http://www.southern.usta.com/Global/Custom%20Pages/Collegiate%20Tennis%20Pages/14577_College_Tennis_Scholarship_Information.aspx
3. You will also typically need to write a cover letter, along with a resume, ranking record, and tournament schedule. This is so that coaches can get to know the kind of player you are besides your ranking, and also so that they can go to tournaments and watch you play in person. Make sure you make a good impression at these tournaments, but don't get too stressed out about it.http://www.southern.usta.com/Global/Custom%20Pages/Collegiate%20Tennis%20Pages/14577_College_Tennis_Scholarship_Information.aspx