HIGH SCHOOL PLANNING STAGES

FRESHMAN

FRESHMAN YEAR

ACADEMIC

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. Ex: Chess Club or United Nations

Take part in activities that show your are more than “just a student-athlete”!

First year grades are critical. Please make sure to start your Highschool career on a positive note!

ATHLETIC

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.

Attending Club Tournaments

Speak to your coach and learn what style of play, and what collegiate soccer programs would suit you best

Go and look at a variety of schools that interest you!

(Note – You are not permitted to speak to coaches or athletic staff regarding a visit prior to August 1st before junior year.
These visits must be made only on your behalf.)

Familiarize yourself with NCAA rules and regulations regarding contact with colligate programs

SOPHOMORE

SOPHOMORE YEAR

ACADEMIC

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.

Take the PSAT & gauge where you fall academically.

Create Match, Reach, and Safety school list as you research your prospective colleges.

Match - Schools that match your academic and athletic profile. Meaning GPA, Test scores, etc.

Reach - Schools that are difficult to get in or have low acceptance rates.

Safety - Schools that you should feel comfortable getting into given your academic and athletic profile.

ATHLETIC

Look back at your long list of schools, begin to narrow down your list a bit.

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.

These webinars will help showcase how to use the platform to maximize your resources and make the most of the college recruitment process.

Cedar Stars 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.

Therefore, if you are interested in a school, please fill out their featured recruiting questionnaire.

JUNIOR

JUNIOR YEAR

ACADEMIC

Set up a meeting with your counselor to ensure you are on the correct path with your courses.

Narrow down your college list.

It is important to be realistic with both your academic and athletic goals.

Should set some time aside to meet with your current coach or advisor to get appropriate feedback.

If your high school is providing college fairs, you should attend those and meet with the admission staff/recruiter from the schools you have on your list.

Know each school's admissions requirements.

Set up visits to schools with your parents and interested college coaches.

Check the registration deadlines for the SAT & ACT

Once you know the dates, make sure you sign up.

Take the SAT or ACT whichever you prefer and feel more comfortable with.

Look into who would write a letter of recommendation for your upcoming applications.

ATHLETIC

After September 1st of junior year, college coaches can now have contact with student-athletes

Submit an NCAA Eligibility Center application.

With your list, make sure you have sent the coaches introduction emails with academic and athletic résumés.

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.

Make sure you are updating all coaches about your game/tournament schedules for the upcoming season.

Continue to update your SportsRecruits profile, especially your highlight video.

Make sure you have unofficial transcripts and test scores at the ready to send to college coaches per their requests.

Continue to make unofficial visits and attend college ID camps.

Keep track of when your schools of interest play, and try to attend or watch a game online.

SENIOR

SENIOR YEAR

ACADEMIC

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.

REMINDER: 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?

-Official high school transcripts will be sent to the NCAA Eligibility Center (both mid-year and final) as well as schools that received applications.

-Make sure to visit schools that have expressed an interest.

Follow up on all college coaches' emails, letters, text messages, and phone calls.

ATHLETIC

Make sure your SportsRecruits profile and highlight reel is being updated regularly.

Be sure you are visiting schools that have a reciprocating interest in you, taking both official and unofficial visits.

Look to asks questions, whether communicating with the coaches, staff, or players on the current collegiate rosters.

These visits are learning opportunities!

Peak to your coaches and training staff to see how you can physically prepare for college, and up your training to meet the demands of the next level.

Continue speaking to coaches, taking notes of soccer programs that best suit your needs, interests, and abilities.

Narrow down your schools of priority and work with coaches and family to make a final decision!