Ideally at the end of your 8th grade (Middle School)you should plan your next 4 years.
What things need to be included in my College Planner?
- Academic work & test preparation
- Test Dates (PSAT, SAT, ACT, TOEFL, etc)
- Extracurricular activities
- Eligibility applications
- Athletic training and competition
- Try outs and showcases
- Athletic video production
- College list
- Contacts with coaches
- College applications
- Financial Aid application
- College visits
- College decision.
When do College Coaches begin recruiting?
All the time, anytime.
More than ever, coaches are beginning to follow athletes as early as freshman in high school. This gives them an advantage vs other coaches and allows them to get to know the athletes better, establish contact with families and watch their development.
At what age should you start planning your college recruiting and entrance?
Freshman Year
This is a good time to build your first College Planner. You also want to surround yourself with the right people who can provide good advice and help you prepare for the next 3-4 years. Start paying attention to academics, it will help you more than what you think in the recruiting process. Your athletic development must be more important than competitive results.
Sophomore Year
You may want to consider taking your PSAT. Continue working on your grades. Participate in college camps so you can get a first evaluation on your skills as a future college prospect. Continue your development and work in areas that need improvement. Competition begins to play a more important role. Select those where you can excel.
Junior Year
This is the most important year in your college athletic recruiting. Your athletic results will be key in getting college coaches to notice you. You must take your SAT and/or ACT at least once or twice. If you can get this out of the way this year, you will have an advantage vs other recruits. Try outs, showcases and camps are a must for you. Communication with college coaches should begin this year with an effective follow up from you.
Senior Year
This is “crunch time”. You should already have a list of colleges that are interested in you. Now its college visit time to make your decision. You can still take your SAT and ACT, but do not wait for the second semester for this. College Application, Financial Aid, Scholarship offers all take place this year. Very exciting!
