College Check List: Scholar Athletes
FRESHMEN
March/April
- Student athletes should make sure that they take courses that will ultimately fulfill the requirements of the NCAA (See “NCAA College Bound Student-Athlete Manual”). Speak with your counselor about classes meeting the NCAA requirements. Visit the NCAA website or refer to the appendix to learn which courses are required for Division I, Division II and Division III schools. In addition, consider NAIA schools.
SOPHOMORES
February
- Complete your Athletic Profile/Resume and introduction letter. Start sending emails or letters to the coaches of schools that interest you (10-15). Inform them of your games/matches/tournaments. Follow up with phone calls.
JUNIORS
September
- Student Athletes - On September 1, college coaches are allowed to send you written (or email) correspondence as often as they like.
November
- Athletes should begin registering with NCAA Clearinghouse if planning on playing a college sport.
March
- Student-athletes need to review their transcripts with their counselor to ensure NCAA compliance.
Summer
- Following July 1, of junior year, NCAA rules allow college coaches to begin calling athletes.
- Student athletes may want to request meetings with athletic coaches.
- Have your SAT or ACT scores and high school transcript sent to NCAA.
SENIORS
August
- Student athletes must be registered with the NCAA. Apply for your Student-Athlete status with NCAA Clearinghouse. Forms are available online or call 877-262-1492.
September
- Continue corresponding with coaches of schools that interest you through emails or letters of introduction with your athletic profiles/resumes. Try to narrow down your college choices to 4 or 5. Send out update letters or emails that outline where you will be playing during the year
November
- Student athletes- Send transcripts and test scores to the schools of your choice. This needs to be done before you can visit a school officially.
- Student athletes plan official visits: You can make up to 5 official visits where the school hosts you and pays for you to come. You will tour the campus, meet the team, see a game, and stay overnight.
February
- Student-Athletes – Letters of Intent are usually sent to you in February. The official signing date is in February. All commitments up until then are considered “oral commitments”. If you are accepted, finalize your admissions paperwork and Letters of Intent (if applicable) following NCAA regulations.
To download and print a copy of the college check list for scholar-athletes, click here.