How Walk-Ons Work (Preferred vs Tryout)
Not every college athlete receives an athletic scholarship. Walk-ons represent a significant portion of college rosters and can be a pathway to playing college sports, earning scholarships, and even professional opportunities.
What is a Walk-On?
Definition: A student-athlete who joins a college team without receiving an athletic scholarship, either through invitation (preferred) or open tryouts.
Key Statistics:
- 40-60% of Division I rosters include walk-on players
- Even higher percentages at Division II and III levels
- Many walk-ons eventually earn scholarships
- Some walk-ons become team leaders and starters
Preferred Walk-On
What It Means
Preferred walk-on: An athlete recruited by coaches who is guaranteed a roster spot but doesn't receive an athletic scholarship initially.
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- Coach extends invitation to join the team
- Guaranteed roster spot (won't be cut)
- Full team privileges (practice, facilities, gear, travel)
- No athletic scholarship money initially
- Opportunity to earn scholarship in future years
Why Coaches Use Preferred Walk-Ons
- Scholarship limitations: Limited number of scholarships available
- Roster depth: Need more players than scholarships allow
- Development projects: Athletes with potential who need time
- Academic qualifiers: Good students who add to team GPA
- Program culture: Add character and work ethic to roster
Benefits for Athletes
- Guaranteed opportunity to compete at college level
- Academic scholarships may be available
- Potential for athletic scholarship in future years
- College degree and student-athlete experience
- Professional networking and development opportunities
Tryout Walk-On
What It Means
Tryout walk-on: An athlete who attempts to join a team through open tryouts without prior coach contact or invitation.
How It Works
- Open tryout process (if offered by program)
- Competition for limited spots
- No guarantee of making the team
- Must prove ability against other tryout candidates
- Coach evaluation during tryout period
Tryout Process
Typical timeline:
- Application process (usually in spring for fall sports)
- Academic requirements must be met
- Physical examination and clearance
- Tryout period (usually 1-2 weeks)
- Coach evaluation and decisions
- Notification of results
Success Factors
- Athletic ability relative to current roster
- Physical preparation for tryout demands
- Mental toughness and competitiveness
- Coachability and attitude
- Team needs at your position
Division Differences
Division I
- Most competitive walk-on opportunities
- Fewer roster spots available for walk-ons
- Higher athletic standards required
- Scholarship opportunities exist for successful walk-ons
- Preferred walk-ons more common than tryouts
Division II
- More walk-on opportunities than Division I
- Partial scholarships available for successful walk-ons
- Regional recruiting creates more opportunities
- Both preferred and tryout walk-ons common
Division III
- No athletic scholarships (all players are essentially "walk-ons")
- Academic aid available based on merit/need
- More opportunities to make rosters
- Emphasis on participation and development
NAIA
- Similar to Division II in opportunities
- Flexible eligibility requirements
- Scholarship potential for successful walk-ons
- Character emphasis in evaluations
Sports-Specific Considerations
Football
- Largest rosters = most walk-on opportunities
- 85 scholarships but 100+ roster spots
- Position-specific needs create opportunities
- Spring practice often includes walk-on evaluation
Basketball
- Smallest rosters = fewest walk-on opportunities
- 13 scholarships for 15 roster spots
- Very high competition for walk-on spots
- Practice players sometimes needed
Baseball/Softball
- 11.7/12 scholarships but 35+ roster spots
- Many walk-on opportunities
- Pitching depth always needed
- Summer leagues can showcase walk-ons
Soccer
- 9.9 scholarships but 25+ roster spots
- International recruiting creates competition
- Position-specific needs vary by program
- Club soccer background often required
Financial Considerations
Costs Without Athletic Scholarships
- Full tuition and fees
- Room and board expenses
- Books and supplies
- Travel costs for competitions
- Equipment and training expenses
Potential Financial Aid
- Academic scholarships based on grades/test scores
- Need-based financial aid (FAFSA)
- State grants and resident discounts
- Private scholarships and external funding
- Work-study programs and campus employment
Future Scholarship Potential
- Performance-based scholarship offers
- Academic achievement rewards
- Senior graduation opening scholarship spots
- Transfer student departures creating opportunities
How to Become a Walk-On
Preferred Walk-On Path
- Contact coaches directly with recruiting materials
- Attend camps and showcases hosted by target schools
- Build relationships with coaching staff
- Demonstrate academic qualifications
- Show consistent interest and communication
- Ask specifically about walk-on opportunities
Tryout Walk-On Path
- Research schools that hold open tryouts
- Meet academic requirements for admission
- Prepare physically for tryout demands
- Submit tryout application by deadline
- Train specifically for your sport's demands
- Attend tryout with proper mindset and preparation
Maximizing Your Chances
Before Contacting Coaches
- Research the program thoroughly
- Understand their playing style and needs
- Prepare highlight video and athletic resume
- Ensure academic qualifications are met
- Have realistic expectations about competition level
During Communication
- Be honest about your abilities and goals
- Express genuine interest in the program
- Ask specific questions about walk-on policies
- Show knowledge of their team and system
- Demonstrate character and work ethic
If Invited to Walk-On
- Understand the commitment required
- Plan financially for college costs
- Prepare mentally for the challenge
- Set realistic goals for your career
- Embrace the opportunity to prove yourself
Success Stories and Reality Check
Walk-On Success Stories
- Many NFL players started as walk-ons
- College scholarship recipients who began without aid
- Team captains and leaders from walk-on backgrounds
- Academic All-Americans who were walk-ons
Reality Check
- Most walk-ons never earn scholarships
- Playing time may be limited initially
- Financial burden can be significant
- Academic demands remain high
- Not everyone makes the team through tryouts
Making the Decision
Consider Walk-On If You:
- Love your sport and want to continue competing
- Can afford college without athletic aid
- Have realistic expectations about playing time
- Want the student-athlete experience
- See long-term value in the opportunity
Look Elsewhere If You:
- Need athletic scholarships to afford college
- Aren't willing to work for uncertain outcomes
- Don't meet the academic requirements
- Can't handle the time commitment
- Have better opportunities at other levels
Walk-on opportunities can provide pathways to college athletics for dedicated student-athletes. Success requires realistic expectations, strong work ethic, and genuine passion for your sport and education.