Interested in cheerleading in college? Many college cheer teams offer some type of scholarship. Every team is different, one team's scholarship may consist of full tuition paid, another only partial or maybe just your books, while others offer you a check for each semester you cheer. Want to learn how to scope out your options and really prepare yourself for making the right decision??

The best way to find out what colleges offer is check thier athletic websites. If the cheer webpage doesn't offer information about scholarships this doesn't mean they aren't given at the school. Contact the coach and ask! Write him/her an email, give them a phone call, its not a waiste of time- this simple action may be your ticket into free college.

After you know which schools your interested in create a video of your skills. This should be short, simple and include your best stunting and tumbling skills. There is no need to show your round off back tuck if you can show a round-off handspring full. Also, no need for flashy music and affects. Just show your skills and give your contact information. Make sure you are wearing atletic clothing and have a clean, out of your face hair style. Smile and show you are confident.

It is important to follow up on your skills dvd you send out. Give the coach a week and then contact them asking if they received your dvd and that they have watched it. Then ask if your skills are anything they are looking for.

If the coach seems interested in you ask about taking a tour of the college and watching a cheer practice. This is very important because the coach knows you're serious and they start to get to know you. It is important to make a strong first impression with the coach because now they already know you before tryouts when there is a large group of cheerleaders all fighting for the spotlight and trying to get noticed.

I have been through this process and came out very successful with a spot of the University of Central Florida's cheer squad. If you have any further questions feel free to email me and ask. DinahCheers@yahoo.com