Four-Year Timeline
This is a basic timeline for the recruiting process through high school. Don't worry if you are a bit late to the game. It won't be too hard to catch up. That said, let's say you are in the 11th grade... definitely read over the 9th and 10th grade action plans for important information. And just to make it easier, contact Ross Parker (rossparker@berkeley.net) to schedule a one-on-one appointment.
For a glimpse into the student experience behind the recruiting process, read this letter from a BHS student athlete from the Class of 2020.
Disclaimer: The the use of certain links within this document is not an endorsement of any site or product. These links were chosen because they offer basic information that can serve as a jumping-off point for research.
9th grade
1. Learn about the core-course requirements to graduate from BHS, and for the NCAA Clearinghouse.
2. Meet the coaches for your sport at BHS, and with any club programs that you might play with.
3. Focus on academic performance: Keep those grades up!
A student-athlete earning above a 3.0 GPA will likely find more opportunities to play in college than students with a 2.75 or below.4. Research and attend sports camps.
While high school sports programs may serve as the primary point of interest for some college sports, that is not a hard and fast rule. Club teams and programs/camps sponsored by universities are important ways to create visibility and generate interest in college sports programs. While coaches will not be able to contact 9th grade students at sports camps, they might notice you begin paying attention.5. Reflect on your true athletic skills: At what level might you be able to play? How hard are you willing to train?
6. Think about your far-reaching hopes beyond athletics, in terms of academic pursuits and professional goals
7. Begin building your sports resume.
8. Be attentive to how you present yourself on social media.
Student-athletes represent the schools for which they play. Problematic social media may concern programs who might like you otherwise.9. Before the end of 9th grade, set up an introductory meeting with Ross Parker (rossparker@berkeley.net)
Learn the basic rules, regulations and academic requirements for playing sports at the NCAA, NAIA and NJCAA levels. Discuss 10th grade expectations for the timeline and what you might do during the summer to prepare.10th grade
1. Step it up academically. 10th grade is more challenging for many BHS students. Establish study strategies NOW!
Seek out additional support opportunities after school, at the tutoring center for athletes, the College/Career Center or with your teachers.2. Take the PSAT/NMSQT.
While many BHS students won't begin taking standardized tests until junior year, it is important for student-atheltes to have a baseline score because it as an indicator for some school programs with specific academic requirements for admission.3. Talk to coaches and other athletic mentors about your skills, talents, potential and ambitions.
Are you a college level athlete? What more do you need to do to demonstrate your seriousness to play, and to take it to the next level? Are there any programs they know of that might be a good fit for you?4. Continue attending sports camps, when possible, specifically at schools you might be interested in attending.
Ask your coaches and older players from your team where they have gone, and what programs they like.5. Meet with a college counselor at the College Career Center to refine what type of school might be best for you.
While the primary focus for CCC counselors is to support 12th grade students in the fall and 11th graders in the spring, meeting them during sophomore year is a valuable step for student-athletes. While these counsleors might not about specific sports programs, they will help you uncover the type of school you might like best, including its size, location and acadmic focus.6. Continue researching schools on your own at the NCAA Member School website.
Create a spreadsheet to organize your findings so you will not lose anything. This will make comparing programs easier later, especially when you start inquiring various programs.7. Make preliminary inquiries to initial colleges that interest you.
Research their sports teams. Look at the team makeup, as well. Will this team need players like yourself in a few years?8. Update your sports resume after your summer and high school seasons with new data, stats and info.
9. Stay on top of your social media "brand."
Post positive outcomes of games, win/lose/tie. Share about your successes and elevate your teammates. Sportsmanship, leadership and humility are impressive traits that coaches are looking for.10. Email rossparker@berkeley.net and set up a meeting before selecting classes for 11th grade.
Complete an initial GPA assessment for core-course eligibility11th grade
1. Talk with your coaches for an honest evaluation of which college level you can play.
2. Continue researching and refining your list of universities and colleges with help from the CCC and College Fairs.
Keep in mind to include at least one school that you would want to attend even if you don't end up playing sports there.3. Keep your focus on academic performance. The higher the grades the better!
4. Take/Retake the PSAT/NMSQT and take the SAT or ACT tests.
When you sign up for the SAT/ACT make sure to send your test scores to the NCAA Clearinghouse (Code 9999)5. Update your sports resume with new date, stats, and information.
6. Produce a skills video with the assistance of a coach or mentor.
Contact the TSA: Student Athletics before starting this process. There may be some available resources to help with this process, such as Hudl and/or a video production intern.7. Send letters of interest to college programs that interest you.
These channels of communication are very important and should be consistent over the entire year. Follow the instructions on this page.8. Email and/or meet with the TSA: Student Athletics before selecting classes for 11th grade.
Complete an initial GPA assessment for core-course eligibility9. Last chance for Sports Camps!
Find out where coaches from programs you are interested in will be attending during the school year and over summer. Go there!10. Register with the NCAA Eligibility Center by the end of junior year.
Ask Mary Jacobs in the CCC to email a transcript to the Clearinghouse once second semester grades post.12th grade
1. Have you registered with the NCAA Eligibility Center? It's not too late, but do it now.
2. Read the NCAA Guide for the College-Bound Student-Athlete.
3. Academics still matter! Retake the SAT/ACT if necessary, either to establish NCAA eligiblity, or to improve your scores for admission and/ or academic scholarship opportunities.
4. Officially narrow down your list of schools with the help of counselors, coaches and mentors.
The list of schools for student-athletes might be longer and more varied than non-athletic peers. It should also include schools that you would like to attend even if sports does not pan out.5. Continue contacting coaches at programs-of-interest.
Send an updated athletic resume, including a season schedule so coaches know when and where to watch you play this year.6. Complete your applications for admissions to these schools.
You must still apply as a student to any school you might hope to attend, even if you are a recruited.7. Review recruiting rules for official visits (as needed).
Please note, coaches will be doing their due diligence to follow these rules, but it is helpful that students understand these rules themselves.8. Attend financial aid workshops and complete FAFSA with the help of the CCC.
9. Wait for acceptances and official offers from your programs.
Have honest conversations with parents and current coaches listing pros/cons of all programs to help you decide the best future for you.10. If a school falls off your list, let those programs know so they can pursue other students.
11. Participate at the National Letter of Intent ceremony at BHS!