 He was offered football scholarships to the University of Iowa, University of Akron and University of Kansas before ultimately opting against his father's advise to pursue a hockey career in committing to the University of Minnesota under the guide of head coach Don Lucia.Alt was selected 53rd overall in the 2010 NHL Entry Draft by the Carolina Hurricanes.He joined the Golden Gophers of the Western Collegiate Hockey Association in the 2010–11 season.