HIGH SCHOOL PLANNING STAGES
FRESHMAN YEAR
Begin an academic path that complies with NCAA regulations
Become aware of what NCAA Core Courses are and the significance to the college recruiting process.
Establish short-term and long-term academic goals with your family.
Participate in school and community service activities. Examples of this could be Chess Club or United Nations
Look into colleges/universities that interest you. (Begin to make a long list!)
Work with your family and/or coach to establish short and long-term goals.
First year grades are critical. Please make sure to start your Highschool career on a positive note!
SOPHOMORE YEAR
Meet with your high school counselor to review and revise your academic plan
Ensure that your class schedule meets the NCAA core course requirements
Ask questions regarding AP classes so that you are on the correct track for the schools of your choice.
Look back at your long list of schools, begin to narrow down your list a bit.
Take the PSAT
Create Match, Reach, and Safety school list as you research your prospective colleges.
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Match - Schools that match your academic and athletic profile. Meaning GPA, Test scores, etc.
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Reach - Schools that are difficult to get in or have low acceptance rates.
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Safety - Schools that you should feel comfortable getting into given your academic and athletic profile.
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Meaning they are above your current Academic and/or playing ability.
Create your profile on a recruiting platform. CSA players will be able to use SportsRecruits
Make sure to stay tuned to different webinars that are being offered by recruiting platforms.
Cedarstars will offer a college night every fall so please make sure to attend in person or via our webinar/online events.
Start to compile a list of games from current season and begin to create a highlight video of yourself (no longer than 6 minutes).
D1 and DII schools are not allowed to communicate with players/parents directly through email or phone (Division III are allowed) until June 15th of sophomore year, therefor, if you are interested in a school, please fill out a recruiting questionnaire.
JUNIOR YEAR
Submit an NCAA Eligibility Center application.
Make sure to set up meeting with counselor to make sure you are on the correct path with your courses.
Narrow down your college list.
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Important to be realistic with both your academic and athletic goals.
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Should set some time aside to meet with your current coach or advisor to get appropriate feedback.
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If your high school is providing college fairs, it is important to attend those and meet with the admission staff/recruiter from the schools you have on your list.
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Knowledge of each school's admissions requirements.
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Setting up visits to schools with your parents and interested college coaches
Check the registration deadlines for the SAT and ACT . Once you know the dates, make sure you sign up.
Take the SAT or ACT whichever you prefer and feel more comfortable with.
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Once you create dialogue with a college coach, it is important to reply to all emails/phone calls from college coaches, and keep lines of communication open.
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Make sure you are updating all coaches about your game/tournament schedules for the upcoming season.
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Continue to update your recruiting profile , especially your highlight video.
SENIOR YEAR
Make sure to complete applications in a timely manner
Allow time for editing and finalizing essays, as well as collecting letters of recommendation.
Meet all deadlines for applications, scholarships, financial aid, etc.
Fill out and submit your FAFSA application.
Consult with your high school counselor about your academic plan.
Are your NCAA core courses requirements being met?
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Official high school transcripts will be sent to the NCAA Eligibility Center (both mid-year and final) as well as schools that received applications.
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Arrange visits to schools that have expressed an interest.
Follow up on all college coaches' emails, letters, text messages, and phone calls.
Make sure your player profile and highlight reel is being updated regularly.