Collegiate Rowing, Scholarships, and NCAA Rules and Recruiting Policies

There are opportunities for top junior rowers to receive athletic scholarships to college. However, be aware that there are much easier ways to a college scholarship than on a rowing team. For girls, scholarships have been awarded to rowers who go sub 7:45 for a 2k or sub 25:00 for a 6k. Boys who go sub 6:20 for 2k or sub 20:00 for 6k are potentials for scholarships. There are far more scholarships out there for junior girls than there are for junior boys.

Even if a junior rower is not scholarship material, sometimes just talking to the coach at the college of your choice can help you gain acceptance. College coaches can offer assistance with admissions even if they are unable to give you scholarship money. Even schools that don’t have rowing programs recognize that crew on a high school student’s resume is a great testament to the person’s character.

The USRowing website is a great resource for college recruiting information. Listed below is advice from our coaches with recommendations regarding the college process. Have an open conversation with your coach and let them assist you in college recruiting journey.

Ergometer Standards

College coaches pay heavy attention to an athlete’s ergometer scores. They are easily comparable and one of the leading factors that will determine a collegiate coach’s interest in an athlete. The following are approximate 2k scores that college coaches are looking for in prospective athletes. These times are in line with what elite rowing programs are looking for in offering assistance/scholarships for women and admissions help for men. Note: Very few scholarship opportunities exist for men.

Openweight Girls

  • Top Tier – 7:04 or less (1:46/500m split)
  • Mid Level – 7:16 or less (1:49/500m split)
  • Lower Level – 7:32 or less (1:53/500m split)

Lightweight Girls (<130 lbs)

  • Top Tier – 7:32 or less (1:53/500m split)
  • Mid Level – 7:44 or less (1:56/500m split)
  • Lower Level – 7:56 or less (1:59/500m split)

Heavyweight Boys

  • Top Tier – 6:12 or less (1:33/500m split)
  • Mid Level – 6:20 or less (1:35/500m split)
  • Lower Level – 6:32 or less (1:38/500m split)

Lightweight Boys (<160 lbs)

  • Top Tier – 6:28 or less (1:37/500m split)
  • Mid Level – 6:36 or less (1:39/500m split)
  • Lower Level – 6:44 or less (1:41/500m split)

College Recruiting Timeline

Follow these guidelines to ensure you have the best possible chance to be recruited.

Freshman Year

  • Work hard at practice everyday.
  • Begin developing your rowing skills.
  • Study hard and create a strong academic background.

Sophomore Year

  • Work hard at practice everyday.
  • Start thinking about where you would like to go to school. Research the schools you are interested in. Look at the grades and ACT/SAT scores that you will need for admission. Discus various schools you are interested in with your coaches.
  • Fill out questionnaires from the schools’ websites. Use your current information, even if you think your erg scores are not good enough. This will give the coach an idea of who you are.
  • Set realistic goals for yourself for ergometer testing.
  • Study hard in school and keep your grades high.

Junior Year

  • Work hard at practice everyday.
  • Fill out questionnaires from the schools’ websites.
  • Every time you complete a new erg test, submit those scores to the coaches you are interested in. This will help you create a relationship with them. Coaches will be very interested to see you develop over time.
  • Study hard and prepare for standardized testing.
  • Sign up for ACT/SATs.
  • Let your coaches know the latest developments on the college search front.

Senior Year

  • Work hard at practice everyday.
  • Continue to improve your erg scores and keep your grades high.
  • Keep submitting test scores.
  • Talk to the coaches, plan official visits.
  • Let your coaches know the latest developments on the college search front.
  • Sign your National Letter of Intent!