High School Timeline for Preparing to Play College Athletics
Summer Before High School Freshman Year Work out and practice so that you arrive in shape! Freshmen Year
Continue to develop athletic skills and speed.
Play school and club sports, if possible
Attend as many athletic camps as possible.
Practice, practice, practice – there is no substitute for hard work.
Develop strong academic skills and study habits. Good study habits are an important part of time management skills. A sound academic work ethic also pays off in athletics.
Sophomore Year
Keep the same jersey number now through senior year.
Attend athletic camps. Many athletic camps are held on college campuses and provide a great opportunity to see schools and coaches.
Prepare for the SAT and ACT. Plan dates – make sure to allow time for a retake.
Talk with coaches about athletic strengths and areas for improvement.
Arrange for a video showing/playing game highlights and begin sending video to coaches.
Compare your high school curriculum with NCAA requirements.
Junior Year Think about what colleges would be good matches academically, athletically and personally.
Compile a college list and gather addresses for coaches. (www.petersons.com) or (www.collegeboard.com)
Investigate for each college the coach and team: its strengths, weaknesses, and openings on the team.
Take the SAT and ACT. Arrange for them to be sent to the NCAA Eligibility Center, code 9999.
Start completing applications, including essays.
Prepare "player presentation" (picture, player profile, athletic resume, DVD, unofficial transcripts, description of Muchin, game and tournament schedule and directions).
Contact college coaches for sending the "player presentation."
Fill out the "Player Questionnaire." Most colleges have one on their athletic website.
During tours of colleges, interview with as many coaches as possible.
Ask appropriate questions and evaluate important details.
Register with NCAA Eligibility Center if considering playing at the Division I or Division II level in college.
Create a file of deadline dates for each school that interests you.
Senior Year
Keep grades up; play and practice; stay in shape.
Be proactive. Contact and visit colleges of interest.
Stay in touch with college coaches – send updates, i.e. awards, camps.
Take the SAT and ACT again.
Complete college applications. Do not procrastinate!
Once accepted to college, revisit schools of interest.