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If there is even the remotest thought that you might want to continue your sports participation at the college level, please look at this page. If you wait until your senior, or even your junior year, you may be putting yourself in a difficult situation to become eligible.
First, think about why you are interested in continuing your athletic career? Have an honest discussion with your parents, your coaches, and with me. This is a commitment that will take a majority of your time and will determine a lot of what your college experience will be.
Then, think about which are your potential schools and find out the following information:
What eligibility requirements, both academic and athletic, must you meet? Some courses are approved, but not all. Know these. They are found on the NCAA webpage. Be sure and read it carefully, paying close attention to the academic requirements. I suggest you aim to qualify for NCAA Division I, and if you meet those, you'll be eligible for every other level.
What is your ACT and grade point average? Are you scholarship eligible? Are you Pell eligible?
In most cases, coaches also prefer to give scholarships to athletes who already have academic scholarships.
Who should you contact? Contact the coach at the school yourself by email. Do not have your parent do this. It is important that you demonstrate you are a responsible, self-motivated, capable young person. I can guide you, but make it your words and effort.
With what entity, if any, are you required to register and when? Be aware there are fees to register, but if you receive an ACT fee waiver, you are also eligible for the athletic fee waiver. I suggest you register by the beginning of your junior year, but I've also had student-athletes who registered the spring of their senior year. It's not too late, but good to do early.
What are your deadlines?
To find answers to many of these questions, go to your schools' websites.
To find out more about the eligibility requirements, use these websites:
NAIA: www.playnaia.org
National Junior College Athletic Association http://www.njcaa.org/
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