Are you trying to find the top cheerleading colleges to apply to but are unsure where to begin? Do you desire to learn the cheerleading abilities that will set you apart from other college cheerleader candidates?
Do you want to know how to get past the recruiter and join the top American cheerleading teams? This comprehensive article will tell you all you need to know about college cheerleading. You may learn what qualities make someone a good cheerleader in this guide.
Additionally, we have offered you options that will keep you on the radar of the cheerleading coach. Also included in this page are detailed instructions for cheerleading recruitment as well as a comprehensive list of institutions that offer the sport. What athletes should have before being recruited by coaches.
Who is a College Cheerleader?
This comprehensive article will tell you all you need to know about college cheerleading. You may learn what qualities make someone a good cheerleader in this guide.
Additionally, we have offered you options that will keep you on the radar of the cheerleading coach. Also included in this page are detailed instructions for cheerleading recruitment as well as a comprehensive list of institutions that offer the sport. What athletes should have before being recruited by coaches
Cheerleading Competitions and Medals
Cheerleading teams can be found at most American universities and schools. Even scholarships for cheerleading are available for kids. A school cheerleading squad’s primary goal is to boost spectator engagement and support for sporting events. It is quickly spreading to the entire year.
Numerous regional, national, or local cheerleading competitions exist. Teams can go to structured cheerleading camps and sessions to hone their talents. Custom cheering medals would be given to the winning squad. A cheerleading medal would give you a strong chance to join the collegiate cheerleading squad.
What are the Requirements for College Cheerleading Recruitment? | Cheer Recruiting Guidelines
In any college with a cheerleading squad, you have to go past the cheerleading coach in order to join.
Before selecting you for the cheerleading squad, the coach may decide that you are deserving if you demonstrate the skills required by the team. Before meeting with the coach, you could do things like:
- Research on cheerleading colleges.
- Make a recruitment video.
- Attend camps and clinics.
- Attend cheerleading trials.
- Develop cheerleading skills.
What are the Cheer Skills Needed to Compete in Cheerleading Colleges?
Before you get into a cheerleading team, you have to possess the following cheer skills:
- Flying.
- Dancing.
- Fight song.
- Sideline cheers.
- Jumps and stunts.
- Tumbling (running and standing).
You can present all of these to the cheerleading coaches during both an in-person audition and a recruitment video. However, keep in mind that there isn’t a universal recruitment policy that applies to all schools.
Additionally, certain cheerleading abilities can benefit you more than others during recruitment depending on the position you will play on the cheerleading team.
How Do I Become a College Cheerleader and Get Recruited for Cheer?
This is a concern for everyone who plans to cheer. It’s crucial that you understand that while we have advice to aid you with this subject, the cheerleading recruiting process varies from school to school.
Consequently, here are some measures you can do to become a cheerleader.
#1. Make a List of Cheerleading Colleges Within Your Location.
If cheerleading is your passion, you should want to attend institutions that permit it. Making a priority list of universities that provide these opportunities is therefore the first step.
While you’re at it, think about the school’s cost, location, atmosphere on game days, training requirements, curriculum, and level of rigor.
#2. Try Contacting Cheer Coaches of the Colleges.
You should also get in touch with the cheerleader’s coach. This is a calculated move to catch the coach’s attention.
To accomplish this, send them an email outlining your qualifications, academic standing, and interest in the program. You can also include a recruiting video.
You will receive feedback from the coach on whether you should carry on or not. Or he can provide you advice on how to improve. Or even better, you receive a welcome letter.
#3. Participate in College Cheerleading Clinics.
If you’re really serious about joining a college cheer squad, you should be attending Cheerleading college clinics.
What are college cheerleading clinics?
Cheer recruits learn the material they will perform and be judged on during cheer auditions during cheerleading college clinics, which are more akin to camps.
College cheerleading clinics typically start in the fall. The majority, though, occur before the formal tryouts in the spring. Check the webpage of your college to learn when the cheerleading college clinics start.
#4. Excel in Your Academics.
Cheerleading colleges are interested in students who are sound in athletics and academics as well.
#5. Practice Tryout Formats On Your Own.
On their websites, the majority of cheering schools list the formats for tryouts. Try those formats out. Concentrate on your unique talents, as required by the institution.
By following the suggestions we’ve provided, you can join the cheerleading squad at the institution of your choice.
How Many Cheerleading Colleges are There?
More than 250 colleges and universities offer cheerleading programs. The NCAA Division 1, Division 2, Division 3, NAIA, and junior institutions all provide some cheerleading programs.
Every division offers a unique cheering experience. Some offer coed programs, some only offer programs for girls, and some offer both.
The following list of universities with cheerleading programs is organized by division;
Division 1 Cheerleading Colleges.
Under this division are about 150 colleges. Usually, they compete in the Universal Cheerleader Association or the National Cheerleaders Association.
Colleges under this cheer division include;
- Ohio State University
- Texas Tech University
- University of Kentucky
- University of Tennessee
- Oklahoma State University
- The University of Mississippi
- The University of Alabama
- Mississippi State University
- University of Central Florida
- The University of Louisville
Division 2 Cheerleading Colleges.
Under NCAA Division 2, cheerleading colleges number 48. Entry into Division 2 cheer colleges is more difficult.
Additionally, they have a more intense experience than in division 1. Additionally, they participate in NCA or UCA competitions.
Colleges under this cheer division include;
- Blinn College.
- Drury University.
- Mckendree University.
- Wilmington University.
- The College of New Jersey.
- University of West Georgia.
- Oklahoma Baptist University.
- California Baptist University.
- Grand Valley State University.
- University of Central Oklahoma.
Division 3 Cheerleading Colleges
Division 3 cheerleading is offered by 28 colleges. Students who are academically sound in division 3 have a better chance of getting financial aid at private universities.
Colleges under this cheer division include:
- Elmira College
- SUNY Cortland
- Brenau University
- Endicott College
- Davenport University
- Stevenson University
- Frostburg State University
- Montclair State University
- Fitchburg State University
- Bridgewater State University
NAIA Cheerleading Colleges
The National Association for Intercollegiate Athletics is responsible for overseeing all NAIA cheerleading colleges. There are 50 NAIA universities that cheer, most of which are in the Midwest and Southern states.
NAIA cheering squads host their own cheerleading contests. Twelve teams compete against them.
Colleges under this cheer division include:
- Lourdes University
- Midland University
- Concordia University
- St. Ambrose University
- Missouri Valley College
- Martin Methodist College
- Oklahoma City University
- Missouri Baptist University
- University of Saint Francis
- Indiana Wesleyan University
List of Best Junior Colleges For Cheerleading in the World
Only 9 Junior Colleges offer cheerleading programs, just so you know. The advanced and intermediate divisions of junior college cheer are separated.
The majority of the contests fall within the intermediate level, though. The world’s top junior colleges with cheerleading programs are listed below.
- Navarro College
- Tyler Junior College
- Wallace State College
- Butler Community College
- Barton Community College
- Itawamba Community College
- Trinity Valley Community College
- Shelton State Community College
List of Best Cheer Colleges in the United States.
To help you make it to the best cheerleading schools in the United States, we have put together a list of colleges that have the best cheering programs.
The list includes;
#1. University of Kentucky.
The University of Kentucky has one of the top cheerleading squads in the country. The Kentucky cheerleaders have won the World Fans’ Championships handily.
Additionally, Kentucky’s college cheerleaders won their 22nd national championship from the Universal Cheerleaders Association.
#2. University of Minnesota.
The University of Minnesota’s cheerleaders are known as the Spirit Squad or Golden Gophers Spirit Squads.
The “birthplace of cheerleading” is credited to the University of Minnesota. In essence, the cheerleading coach wants to help the student-athletes advance their academic and physical abilities.
In the end, they produce ambassadors for Minnesota who are wise, truthful, and selfless.
#3. Concordia University.
The cheerleaders of Concordia University are among the best in the country. The availability of cheering scholarships and awards is one feature that sets their cheer programs apart.
Additionally, if the student-athlete continues to achieve success in both athletics and academics, this cheerleading scholarship may be extended each year.
#4. University of Alabama.
There are two cheerleading squads at the University of Alabama: a coed squad and an all-girls squad. Basically, the women’s basketball, volleyball, gymnastics, and home football teams are supported by the All-Girls Cheer squad.
However, the Coed team attends both home and away football games as well as men’s basketball games.
#5. University of Hawaii.
The University of Hawaii is one of the best cheerleading colleges in the USA.
Nonetheless, they do not just have an excellent team, they have great supporters who benefit from 12 to 14 full-time cheerleading scholarship.
#6. University of Central Florida.
There are 16 men and 16 women who support for UCF. One of the top programs in the nation is run by the cheerleading team at UCF.
At all home and away football games, men’s and women’s basketball contests, home volleyball matches, and community events, college cheerleaders promote UCF.
Scholarships between $1,000 to $2,000 are awarded to the 16 best returning players and new recruits each year.
Nike is the cheering squad’s sponsor at UCF. As a result, students receive all of their uniforms, warm-ups, bags, shoes, and other equipment for free.
#7. Delaware State University.
In February 2020, the University of Delaware cheerleading team earned its second straight national championship in the Universal Support Association’s Open Division I.
Each cheerleader at Delaware State University receives support scholarships up to $7,500.
#8. University of Mississippi.
Cheerleaders that can promote Ole Miss in the community, on game days, and online are being sought by the University of Mississippi.
However, there are some strict requirements for hiring, including professionalism/speaking skills, physical fitness, academic achievement, inhibition, and looks.
You must be accepted, enrolled, or have applied to the University of Mississippi prior to applying.
#9. Oklahoma Panhandle State University.
One of the top universities in the USA for cheerleading, Oklahoma Panhandle State University has enthusiastic fans.
Both in-state and out-of-state student athletes at Oklahoma Panhandle State University receive scholarships from the school’s cheerleaders.
Financial aid totaling up to $10,500 is given to everybody. You must, however, have a minimum GPA of 2.5.
#10. The University of Southern California.
In the sporting world, the USC Cheer squad is a major player. At national competitions, they hope to represent the University of Southern California.
You must, nevertheless, have cheerleading experience and keep a 2.5 GPA or higher.
Frequently Asked Question about College Cheerleaders
Can I Cheer in College With No Cheerleading Experience?
Yes, it is entirely feasible to cheer without having previously participated in cheering. However, it is up to the school to decide on this.
The majority of cheer talents, like tumbling, might take years to perfect. But all you need to join a spirit squad or non-competitive team are the core skills.
To prevent mishaps, we do encourage you to learn and master the cheer techniques before you decide to cheer.
What Colleges Recruit For Cheerleading?
Here is a list of some of the recruitment colleges for cheerleading;
- California Lutheran
- Cal State Fullerton Cheerleading Recruiting.
- Bakersfield College Cheerleading Recruiting.
- Cal State San Bernardino Cheerleading Recruiting.
- Academy of Art University Cheerleading Recruiting.
- California Baptist University Cheerleading Recruiting.
How Do I Earn A D1 Cheerleading Scholarship?
No matter your position, you must have a direct impact on the cheerleading squad to be awarded a Division 1 scholarship.
College cheerleaders with advanced cheerleading skills including tumbling, stunting, dancing, and jumping typically receive division 1 scholarships.
The cheering scholarship also gives preference to students with strong cumulative GPAs.
How Do I Get Into a College Cheerleading Programs?
Here’s what you can do prior to the day;
- Prepare Well The Night Before
- Study The Team ‘Look’
- Reach Out & Introduce Yourself.
- Set Yourself Up For Success.
- Then relax.
- Let Your Personality Shine.
- Pay Attention To The Little Things.
- Also, Know The Material.
When is the Best Time to Start Your Cheerleading College Hunt?
When you are transitioning from high school cheerleading to college cheerleading is the ideal moment to begin your college cheerleading search.
Conclusion
Although the process of recruiting cheerleaders is not easy, if you follow the tips we’ve provided here, you’ll probably breeze through it.
A cheerleading scholarship is also available if you play your cards well.