PROSPECTIVE TENNIS PLAYER

Why should I go to a Community College?

      All colleges and universities require basic core courses such as English composition, algebra, science etc. for graduation.  Those same courses are offered at Co-Lin for transfer to any college or university of your choice.  The difference is Co-Lin has a smaller teacher/student ratio for more individualized attention and is more affordable that colleges or universities.  Lower cost to you does not mean lower academic standards!  Research has shown Co-Lin graduates finish with a higher grade point average than students who start at UM, MSU or USM.

      Lower cost for the same courses with more individualized attention….a better question is why should I go anywhere else?

What would be expected of me if I play tennis?

      First of all, you are expected to go to class and do your best in academics.  We have high expectations in academics as that will empower you for your future.  Our record shows we are successful in that endeavor as we have finished in the top 5 in the Nation in team grade point average.

      Second, we expect you to work hard in practice.  We practice for 2-3 hours a day.  This includes stretching/warm-up, drills, skill development games, match play and fitness work.  Each of those components lead to greater skill acquisition, development of multiple game plans/strategies, injury prevention and mental toughness. 

      Finally, we expect you to excel in match play.  We compete in the prestigious ITA Regional Tournament in the fall, it’s the toughest competition we meet prior to the National Tournament.  We play several practice matches in the fall semester against Mississippi colleges and some community colleges.  Our regular season begins in the spring semester from February-April.  The Mississippi State/Regional Tournament is held in April with the qualifying teams playing in the National Tournament in May.  Our record shows we are successful in this endeavor as well as we have played in 5 straight National Tournaments.  Nationals for 2003 will be in College Station, Texas.

How are classes at Co-Lin different than in High School?

      At Co-Lin, you will enroll in an average of 16 hours per semester, 32 hours per academic year so you will acquire the 64 hours needed for graduation.  Most classes are 3 hour classes because they meet for 3 hours per week, either Monday/Wednesday/Friday classes for 50 minutes each or Tuesday/Thursday classes that meet for 1:15 minutes each.  Laboratory science courses may count for 4 hours as they may meet for 3 hours in the classroom and the additional hour is for a separate laboratory time.  Here is a sample student schedule for a tennis player:       

All 17 of those hours are core courses required for graduation!

      As you look at that schedule, you’ll notice you’re out of the classroom by 11:00 on Monday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday.  Tuesday you must attend lab in the afternoon, but are completed with classes by 2:00.

      Instructors at Co-Lin expect you to be independent workers that prepare prior to class and study the material covered after class.  A common rule is to study three hours per week for a three hour class, but that depends on what kind of student you are as some require more study time than that.  You will be given a syllabus or a course outline at the beginning of the semester and you are expected to follow that throughout the entire semester.  (they include due dates, number of tests to be given, learning center assignments, etc.)  I can’t emphasize enough the importance of attendance!  Roll is carefully recorded and if you miss too many classes, you’ll receive a final grade of “F” no matter how good your test scores are.  Know the college attendance policy and follow it.  The fall semester ends in December and you must enroll in entirely new courses  for the spring semester beginning in January.  Summer courses are also available if needed.