Whether you're invited on an official visit or not, you should visit campus and meet with the coach. Here are the 5 steps for a successful meeting.

1. Set up a meeting time - There's no substitute for a face-to-face discussion with a coach. Arrange a time during your stay to drop by his office for a meeting.


2. Make a list of questions - Prepare yourself with questions you want to ask. Start off with light stuff about the team's recent performance. Don't feel burdened by having to start the conversation with the difficult questions concerning your standing.


3. Make a list of things to share - Write down the things you want to tell the coach about yourself, including your stay on campus and your current high school season. Most coaches want to get a sense of you on a personal level, as you should of them.


4. Ask the tough questions - Steer the conversation towards more the important stuff. In particular, you want a clear sense of what your position is within the coach's recruiting class. Be persistent without being aggressive, by asking something to the effect of, "Honestly, where do you feel I can fit in with your team?" This question represents the essence of recruiting, and must not be avoided just because it's a little uncomfortable.


5. Reference earlier conversations - Remind the coach of what your discussions before the meeting. For example, "I know that you've said that you would bring me onto the pre-season roster. Do you think that I can be a significant contributor as a freshman?" Try to leave his office with a clear understanding of your prospects with the team.