Are you a high school athlete and considering playing sports at the collegiate level? Here are some resources and suggestions that might be helpful!

FAQ: Are Test Scores Required for NCAA?

In January 2023, NCAA Divisions I and II adopted legislation to remove standardized test scores from initial-eligibility requirements for all student-athletes who initially enroll full time on or after August 1, 2023. Check with the NCAA school you plan to attend regarding whether standardized test scores are necessary for admission or scholarship requirements. For more information, click here.

Tips for Student Athletes

1. Research the ins and outs of recruiting, regulations, colleges, coaches, and sports programs. Read the NCAA and NAIA Guide for the College Bound Student-Athlete. 

2. Know exactly how coaches can contact you and how you can contact coaches. These are two separate rules.

3. Use the Internet. Visit college websites, and collect information about the different sports programs. Look for schools that fit your talents, athletically and academically.

4. Don’t just focus on NCAA Division I sports. There are more than 1,800 colleges with athletic programs. The vast majority of college scholarship opportunities are at the Division II, Division III, NAIA, or Junior College level. Expand your search to give yourself a better opportunity.

5. Attend college sports camps, if you can. The colleges’ coaching staff usually leads the sports camps. You also get a chance to enhance your skills.

6. Join travel teams or clubs. At some events there can be hundreds of teams and thousands of athletes competing. Scouts prefer going to where the better players are competing. Additionally, it gives you a chance to really check out your competition. Keep in mind, you can’t rely on being ‘discovered’ at a camp or showcase.

7. Depending on the sport, contact coaches in desired programs and build relationships with them as early as possible. For example, send them some newspaper articles about you and the teams you play for, or a link to a particularly spectacular achievement. If there is an opportunity to meet a coach, go and introduce yourself with a quick rundown of your best achievements.

8. Create a sports video of yourself in action that you will send to programs of your choice during your Junior year along with an athletic “resume” highlighting your achievements. Include stats, win/loss record, awards, high school transcripts, information on SAT/ACT scores, and letters of recommendation from coaches and teachers. Don’t forget your contact information. (The best video is a combination game video and skills video.)

9. Start a YouTube channel or website of yourself. Post videos of your achievements and scans of articles. (Don’t just post links; some papers disconnect the links after a period of time). Create a professionally prepared resume that highlights your athletic and academic achievements. Post it online.

10. Get evaluated, if you can. Many third-party people serve as the eyes and ears of the coaches who don’t have time to see every player.

11. Keep up your academics. Get good grades, meet with your college counselor to make sure you are academically eligible, try to take the SAT/ ACT in your junior year, and maintain a good attitude.

12. Answer any requests from colleges immediately. If a coach or school is requesting more information, chances are they are seriously considering you. Ask your high school coach to complete any requests for information about you as soon as possible, as well.

13. Register with the NCAA and NAIA Eligibility Centers to be cleared for athletic scholarships.

14. Don’t get discouraged if you don’t hear from coaches. NCAA rules only permit them to contact student-athletes at certain times.

Adapted from https://internationalcollegecounselors.com/14-tips-for-high-school-athletes-how-to-get-recruited/