THE JUNIOR SUMMER CHECKLIST!!!
1) It's important to backtrack at least 3 months, from the month you're currently in, to make sure you're up to date. To help you out, the last 3 months is the first grouping on this page.
2) Don't get overwhelmed! Focus on one month and one step at a time.
3) Our calls are setup to help you with the part of the process that you're on. SIGN UP HERE!!!
JUNIOR (MAR, APR, MAY): SPRING CHECKLIST
March
April
May
- Compare colleges on your target list.
From college costs and types of scholarships offered to national rankings and more, comparing colleges can be a time-consuming process. See what types of criteria you should be looking for by downloading our college comparison chart. - Schedule a college visit.
Both virtual and in-person unofficial and official visits provide a great opportunity to check out a college’s campus, meet the coach and take a tour of a program’s athletic facilities—and maybe even catch a game or team practice.
April
- Take—or retake—the ACT or SAT.
By now, you should have already taken your first ACT or SAT or completed a practice test. Don’t forget to add your best score to your profile. Keep in mind that the ACT changed its testing experience in September 2020 and the SAT is transitioning to digital testing in March 2023. - Meet with your high school guidance counselor.
Map out how many core courses you have left to take to meet NCAA eligibility requirements and ask them to send your transcript to the NCAA Eligibility Center at the end of the school year. - Attend a college camp or recruiting event this summer.
Make sure you know what type of camp is best for you by doing your research ahead of time. Narrow down your options by reaching out to coaches on your target list of schools to see if they’re hosting or attending any upcoming camps, combines or showcases.
May
- Learn how to navigate the college application process.
You’ll be applying to schools in just a few months—which means it’s time to start preparing now. Staying focused and knowing the steps you’ll have to take will make going through the process less stressful and overwhelming come fall. - Update your NCSA profile.
From your most recent transcript, grades and ACT/SAT test scores to a new highlight video or skills footage, updating your profile now will give you more time to focus on college application prep this summer.
JUNIOR (JUN, JUL, AUG) : SUMMER CHECKLIST
June
- Find last-minute camp opportunities. There are plenty of recruiting events to choose from throughout the summer, even in July and August.
Insider Tip: The best way to maximize your recruiting opportunities? Even if you are unable to attend camps this summer, you can still build a relationship with the coach. Always respond back to their camp invites, even if you’re not interested in learning more about their current program.
- Show coaches your character and coachability. By now, you should know the basics of building relationships with college coaches. Make sure you are prepared to reach out to and follow up with college coaches—the majority of D1 and D2 programs will be able to reach out to recruits directly starting this summer.
- Keep track of important dates. As you approach the start of your junior year, make sure you have a good understanding of the NCAA recruiting rules and D1 and D2 recruiting calendars.
- Coach communication kicks off—for most D1 sports. This is the first time D1 college coaches can communicate privately with recruits via email, phone calls and texts, and social DMs. Some sports—like football, baseball, softball, lacrosse and women’s basketball--will have to wait until September 1.
- Take a virtual college tour. The best way to narrow down your preferences and figure out what you want your college experience to be like is by checking out a college campus—and it’s easy to do online!
- Regularly update your NCSA profile. Make sure your contact information, athletic stats and academic stats are up-to-date and add any new coach references. That way, college coaches will see your best—and most recent—accomplishments.
- Keep track of your coach activity. NCSA’s Coach Activity Report shows you coaches and programs who are searching for athletes like you, viewing or following your profile, and opening your email messages—and when they’re doing it, so you can follow up ASAP. Plus, you can see your match percentage for each school along with your next action steps.
- Create a list of upcoming expenses. Whether it’s ACT/SAT testing, sending your test scores to the NCAA, or travel and accommodations for unofficial visits, start planning for these costs now. Looking to make the most of your budget? Check out our money-saving tips and fee waivers for the ACT and SAT tests.
- Take a break. Make sure you take some time to rest and recharge before the new school year begins. You’ll come back to school ready to take on your sport, studies and recruiting!
