FRESHMEN

As a freshman student-athlete your main priority is to concentrate on school and do your best at whatever sport(s) you play. If you make the varsity squad, congratulations and work to get better everyday. Focus on your academic curriculum and lay the groundwork for a good start to a successful high school career as a student-athlete.

SOPHOMORES

Academics should always remain a top priority and you should be conscious of your academic performance by communicating with your teachers. This year you will take the PSAT, which will give you valuable practice for the SAT. Be sure and check with your high school counselor to make sure that you are on track to complete all your scheduled classes so that you qualify academically for NCAA athletics. Also, start researching which colleges you may be interested in attending. Athletically, this off-season is very important. You need to prepare yourself physically and mentally for upcoming varsity seasons. Consult with your coach to find out what you need to be doing during the off-season and summer to ensure that you are the best athlete you can be. If you play on varsity – especially if you are a starter – begin the recruiting process at the end of your season. Develop a highlight video and send it to College Ball or Bust with a personal letter of interest. College Ball or Bust will evaluate your video and prepare your athletic web site. Attending one or two college camps pertaining to your sport are highly recommended.

JUNIORS

This is the big year. Hopefully, you will play on the varsity level and have the opportunity to showcase your talents for college coaches to consider in terms of being a potential college prospect. Take the SAT and ACT tests this year, preferably twice. Your scores usually improve each time you take the test. If possible, you will want the tests completed before the end of your junior year. This is the time when you should start contacting college coaches with interest letters and highlight videos. This is important because many college coaches start recruiting prospects at least one to two years in advance. Therefore, they need to know about you no later than your junior year. One day senior camps are recommended. Over the summer, you need to attend at least two college sports-related camps. Preferably, go to camps where the college has interest in you. This is your opportunity to show your talents for the coaches and get more acquainted. It is important to keep checking with your counselor to make sure that you are on track to complete all your scheduled classes that will enable you to qualify academically for NCAA athletics. Ivy League and military schools actively recruit varsity players. However, GPA, class rank and test scores must be significantly above average.

SENIORS

This is the time to mark your calendar and begin making campus visits, contacting college coaches, and deciding what type of school will best suit you. If possible, try to have your college choice made by early spring. Many schools cut off admissions for incoming students, including athletes, between November and February. If you are unsatisfied with your scores, take the SAT or ACT again your senior year (early). If you are an athlete just beginning the recruiting process, you are cutting it mighty close, but it can still be done. You will have to condense two years of work into a couple of months, but it is possible. You will, however, need to be flexible with the type of college program because of the time factor. Many of the large, Division I universities will have already signed its chosen athletes by the time your senior year is half over. There are options. Smaller (Division III and NAIA) schools are always looking for good, quality athletes. The idea of a smaller school is something you may want to consider. If you have any questions about recruiting or need help marketing your talents, call College Ball or Bust at 877-245-4400 or log on to www.collegeballorbust.com.