Must see website: NCAA Clearinghouse

There are many important things to consider if you want to keep the doors open to play college athletics. There are many options past high school if you want to continue to play sports. The options are endless, from the Community College all the way to Division I Universities, there is a college for you.

Freshman Year

Academics

Always remember that academics is number 1!

As an incoming Freshman, you should have a meeting with your counselor during the summer prior to entry to high school. During this meeting, you should plan out a solid academic curriculum.

Athletics

If you have the opportunity to play in a summer program, before school begins, you will be one step ahead of the game.

You should participate in every activity that your coach is encouraging, or making mandatory. Learning fundamentals, is one of the most important things during your Freshman year.

Sophomore Year

Academics

Again, before the start of your Sophomore year, or in the very beginning, confirm with your counselor that you are still on a solid academic curriculum. This should meet the NCAA Clearinghouse guidelines.

Take the PSAT. This test should be taken in the fall of you Sophomore year. It is only taken for practice. This will allow you to see where you stand. This will also give you an idea of which schools might be right for you.

Athletics

Talk with your coach or coaches about your athletic goals and your academic program.

You should begin to make your academic and athletic resume. The ideal thing to do is make this on the computer so you can continually update it.

Begin to make a list of prospective school that you might be interested in attending. Think about location and course offerings, these are the two most important factors in choosing a college or university.

Look for development camps or all-star teams that your coaches approve of. It is important to check with your coaches, to ensure that the programs are worth your time, or there are no team conflicts.

Junior Year

Academics

For the third year in a row, start the year off with a meeting with your counselor. You may have a new counselor, or just want to check on your progress. In any case, NCAA rules may have changed, and you want to be on top of any changes that might impact your chances of going to the school of your choice.

Take the PSAT. Register for this fall test again. You will have another year of school under your belt, and should do just fine. You will probably notice an improvement in your score from last year.

Register for the SAT and ACT tests. You may also need to take the SAT II test. You should take these in the spring of your Junior year.

Athletics

Work to accept more responsibility within your team environment.

At the end of your junior year, send a first letter to the colleges that you really are thinking about attending. Make sure to include an updated resume, and a schedule of your upcoming season. The list of schools that you are sending information to should be a bit refined from your list your Sophomore year.

Talk to your counselors about the best time to fill out the NCAA Clearinghouse forms. You must do this if you plan to play at a Division I or II school.

Senior Year

Academics

Register again for the SAT and ACT tests if you feel you need a better score, or want to improve your first mark. You may also need to take the SAT II test. You should plan to take this test in the fall if possible.

Search out more information on the Internet about the colleges that really interest you. You may also choose to send the coaches an e-mail contact with a season update. Persistence pays off. Make realistic choices.

Athletics

Begin to create a video profile from your teams game films. This will be used for the schools that you are seriously looking at. After you have created a video tape of your self and team in various situations, send this to the colleges that you have narrowed down in your list. Accompany this with a letter from your coach.

Graduation