Walk on versus preferred walk on? Pros and Cons

The decision to attend a college or university and play sports is a major one. If you’re an athlete looking to compete at the collegiate level, you may have heard of a “walk on” program or “preferred walk on” program. Learn what they are and the difference between them here.

What Is a Walk on in College Sports?
What Is a Preferred Walk on?
The Pros and Cons of Both Options
How Do You Earn a Spot on the Team?
Is It Possible to earn Scholarship Aid as a WO or PWO?

What Is a Walk on in College Sports?

A walk on is an athlete who participates in college sports without receiving any scholarship money or other financial assistance. This can mean attending school on your own dime and trying out for the team like everyone else. The individual usually walks on to a team as an underdog, and must compete with other athletes for a spot in the lineup.

What Is a Preferred Walk on?

A preferred walk on is a student-athlete who has been granted one step closer to making the team and potentially earning scholarship or financial aid money. This could include getting preferential treatment from coaches, getting tips from current players, or being promised an opportunity to compete for a spot on the team during preseason tryouts. Preferred walk ons are offered to athletes who have not otherwise been given a full athletic scholarship and typically come with some level of financial assistance.

The Pros and Cons of Both Options

Participating in a walk on program can be rewarding, as it gives you the opportunity to prove yourself and showcase your skills without any extra expectations or guarantees. However, being accepted as a preferred walk on may come with more stability and security if you are given a scholarship or some form of financial aid. It’s important to discuss both options with coaches before making a final decision to ensure that you choose the right one for your situation.

How Do You Earn a Spot on the Team?

If you choose to take on a walk on role, you still compete for a spot like the scholarship athletes and must prove your worthiness by attending preseason or summer camps and participating in tryouts. With a preferred walk on program, you gain an edge as coaches have already seen your talent and have worked out details prior to when you enter the team environment. Either way, hard work and dedication are key components of success whether you’re in a walk on or preferred walk on program.

Is It Possible to earn Scholarship Aid as a WO or PWO?

Yes, it is possible to earn scholarship aid while participating as a walk on or preferred walk on. Over time, if you continue to invest in your performance and prove that you are an asset to the team, coaches may decide to reward your efforts with scholarship money. The key is to continually strive for excellence on the field and build solid relationships with the coaching staff.