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As I continue my work with student-athletes and their parents who are beginning the athletic recruitment process, I find that the greatest obstacle they face is obtaining accurate, informed, and honest information about the various components of collegiate athletics. Even families who are exceedingly organized and methodical when it comes to successfully navigating junior tennis have misconceptions and incorrect information.

I thought it would be helpful - and interesting - to discuss a few of the most common myths relating to college athletic admissions and recruiting. Here are two that I frequently encounter in my role as a private college athletic consultant: 1) matriculation eligibility rules, and 2) home schooling as it relates to recruiting.

Myth 1: Matriculation Eligibity Rules

This is probably the issue where I find the most misinformation and the greatest inaccuracies. While the vast majority of junior tennis players will never go on to play professional tennis, many hope to "buy a few years" and try pro tennis for a while - deferring the decision about attending college.

These players, armed with rankings and results that are capable of attracting the attention of college coaches, have spent years training and dedicating themselves to tennis. They want to take advantage of NCAA rules that allow them to retain their amateur status while playing professional events and not accepting prize money.