Athlete's Checklist/Timeline

Sophomore Year

Research

Learn about the difference between Division 1, 2 and 3 schools.

Become familiar with NCAA Recruiting Rules.

Get a copy of the NCAA Guide to College Bound Athletes @ www.ncaa.org

Make a list of 10–15 schools that interest you.

Ask parents, coach and guidance counselor to make a list of schools that they believe might be a good fit.

Make a file for each of the schools on your list.

Begin collecting information on: school's profile, student body composition, GPA and test scores for incoming freshman.

Contacts

When traveling, check out schools on your 10-15 list.

E-mail or write each coach on your top 10-15 colleges.

Academics

Become familiar with NCAA academic requirements for core courses.

(Eligibility Button – Clearinghouse Division 1 and 2. None for D3.)

Maintain a strong GPA in as rigorous a schedule as you can manage.

Sign up for the PSAT and ACT tests. Use as practice run.

If your school offers practice SAT/ACT testing, take advantage of it.

NCAA Rules

Division 1 or 2 schools cannot contact you in any way.

Division 3 schools can contact you but not in person.

You may write, E-mail or call D1 and D2 coaches and talk to them, but they cannot return your call.

The only written responses allowed from them are brochures, generic letters and questionaires.

Unofficial visits to the college, initiated by you, are not limited.

You can meet with college coaches on campus.

Sport

Find a good club team with coaching and competition that you need to develop.

Maintain a strong practice schedule and work ethic.

Set goals for the up coming three years.

Ask your coach if your goals and college choices are realistic.
(Adjust if necessary.)

Talk with your coach about your interest/desire regarding your sport.