GET IN THE GAME!

Student Athletes & the College Admission Process

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TAKE RIGOROUS COURSES, STUDY HARD�

• Take college-prep courses
• Keep your grades up
• Remember student athletes need to meet academic eligibility requirements -- for colleges and for athletic organizations

BE PROACTIVE – GET NOTICED

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• Contact coaches at colleges of interest
• Create highlight video and resume
• Attend sports camps

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TAKE AND RETAKE TESTS TO MEET TARGET SCORES

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• Take the ACT or SAT
• International students may need to take TOEFL or IELTS tests
• Send scores to college admission offices and to NCAA or NAIA

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CONSIDER A RANGE OF COLLEGES�

• Work with your counselor
• Set high goals, but also apply where you are likely to get in
• Have a backup plan

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FILE THE FAFSA, APPLY FOR SCHOLARSHIPS�

• Full scholarships and “full rides” are rare
• Submit the FAFSA as soon as possible
• CSS profile might also be required
• Work with your counselor to identify scholarships

FIND THE RIGHT “FIT”�

• Research academic and athletic programs, majors, etc.
• Visit the campus, talk to students, coaches, faculty, attend a game in your sport
• Consider expectations for playing time
• Use the “broken leg” test

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APPLY TO COLLEGES�

• Follow instructions and meet all application requirements
• Meet all deadlines
• Know that the final decision comes from the admissions office and not athletics

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 KNOW WHAT YOU’RE SIGNING�

• Review all official paperwork with a trusted adult
• Read Letters of Intent carefully
• Check with colleges to determine their rules

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 FINAL DETAILS�

• Work with your counselor to ensure transcripts and proof of graduation are submitted
• Keep eligibility center account up to date

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College Search Timeline

FRESHMAN YEAR

• Familiarize yourself with eligibility information.
• Plan a four-year class schedule that meets core course requirements.
• Explore college websites and talk with student-athletes.
• Develop a resume and highlight video.
• Consider attending a summer sports camp at a college of interest.

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College Search Timeline

SOPHOMORE YEAR

• Continue college exploration. Start a list of prospective schools
• Stay focused on academics and keep your grades up.
• Register with the NCAA or NAIA eligibility center, if applicable.
• Update your resume and highlight reel.
• Consider making initial contact with college coaches.
• Consider attending a summer sports camp at a college of interest.

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College Search Timeline

JUNIOR YEAR

• Narrow your college list. Visit schools you are interested in attending.
• Take the ACT or SAT. Send the scores to college athletic associations and college admissions offices
• Check with school counselor to ensure your senior year courses align with requirements.
• Demonstrate your interest by contacting coaches, completing questionnaire
• Update your resume and highlight video.
• Consider attending sports camps, ID camps, showcases

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College Search Timeline

SENIOR YEAR

• Submit a quality application to colleges,
• If applying Early Action or Early Decision, work with your counselor to meet deadlines.
• Retake the ACT or SAT if necessary.
• File the FAFSA as soon as possible, and file the CSS Profile, if applicable.
• Research scholarship opportunities.
• Learn about letters of intent, ask questions before signing official paperwork.

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College Search Timeline

SENIOR YEAR continued

• Contact coaches at the colleges in which you are interested, and give them an opportunity to see you compete.
• Work with your school counselor to make sure that necessary documentation—final transcripts and proof of graduation—are forwarded to the college admissions offices as well as appropriate college athletic association.

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National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA)

NCAA Eligibility Center

www.eligibilitycenter.org

National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA)

NAIA Eligibility Center

www.playnaia.org/eligibility-center

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National Junior College Athletic Association

www.njcaa.org�

www.nacacnet.org

www.nacacnet.org