Freshman Year (9th Grade): Learn what it takes

• Familiarize yourself with eligibility information from the NCAA

• Plan a four year class schedule that meets core course requirements

• Explore college websites and talk with student-athletes

• Make initial contact with coaches at colleges you may want to attend

• Develop a resume highlighting your athletic and academic achievements. Create a highlight video to share with college coaches

• Consider attending summer sports camp at a college of interest. The coach can see you play and you’ll have the opportunity to experience life on a campus. 

• Clean up your social media accounts

• Talk to your high school and/or club coach about your potential

Sophomore Year (10th Grade): Hone your skills

• Continue college exploration. Start to compile a list of schools you’re interested in attending

• Continue to stay focused on academics and keep your grades up

• Register with the NCAA or NAIA eligibility center

• Update your resume and highlight the video. 

• Consider making initial contact with college coaches and update coaches as to where you will be playing during the year.

• Consider attending a summer sports camp at a college of interest

• Check with your school counselor to ensure your junior and senior year courses align with requirements.

Junior Year (11th Grade): Focus on you and communicate with coaches

• Begin to narrow your college list. Visit schools you are interested in attending and talk with student-athletes. 

• Take the PSAT, SAT or ACT. Send the scores to the NCAA

• Check with your school counselor to ensure your senior year courses align with NCAA requirements

• DI or DII: ask a school counselor to send an official transcript to the NCAA.

• Amp up your communications with college coaches. Continue to update your resume and highlight video

• Consider attending summer sports camps, ID camps and showcases.

Senior Year (12th Grade): Choose a college suited to your academic and athletic interests

• Apply to colleges

• Retake the SAT or ACT if necessary

• File the FAFSA & CSS Profile (if applicable) as soon as possible

• Research merit and need based scholarships

• Learn about the terms governing letters of intent, ask questions before signing official paperwork

• Request final amateurism certification (beginning April 1)

• Amateurism Certification- to make sure you are competing at appropriate levels (i.e. don’t have a contract with a professional team, used to play for one etc..) Less than 1% of student athletes run into issues with this

• Contact coaches at the colleges you are interested in. Update them on when and where you are playing (such as in tournaments) to give them an opportunity to see you compete

• Work with your school counselor to make sure all necessary documentation, including final transcripts and proof of graduation is forwarded to the appropriate college athletic association