THE SENIOR FALL 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 (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!
SENIOR: FALL (AUG, SEP, OCT, NOV) CHECKLIST
Start of Senior Year – August/September
- Check in with your high school guidance counselor.
Confirm your NCAA eligibility—once you start your senior year (seventh semester of high school), ten of your core courses are “locked in”—you can’t retake or replace any of these courses to improve your GPA. - If necessary, retake the ACT or SAT.
While the NCAA is no longer requiring student-athletes to take these tests to be eligible to compete in the 2022-2023 academic year, it’s still a good idea to take these exams, whether you’re trying to maximize your scholarship opportunities or improve your admissions chances at highly selective schools. - Make sure your NCSA profile is up-to-date.
As you reach the home stretch of your recruiting, your profile should be 100% complete—make sure you uploaded your most recent transcript and update your highlight footage and verified measurables/stats from summer recruiting events, camps or combines.
- Keep Track of Important Dates
- Stay up to date with the D1 and D2 Recruiting Calendars.
- Learn more about how the NCAA’s response to COVID-19 affect seniors.
- Go on a campus visit or take a virtual tour
Unofficial and official visits provide a great opportunity to get some one-on-one time with a college coach, meet your potential team and tour the campus/athletic facilities, while virtual visits offer a safe, cost-effective option to get a good feel of the school.
- Complete your FAFSA starting October 1.
The FAFSA determines your eligibility for federal grants, loans and work-study funds administered by the U.S. Department of Education. Try to complete it ASAP—aid is awarded on a first-come, first-serve basis.
- Refine and finalize your target schools.
Be realistic with your safety, target and dream schools—if you haven’t received an offer or much attention from college coaches, expand your search to include schools at all division levels.
- Start applying to schools.
Keeping up with admissions standards and deadlines can be tough—make sure you know which schools have set applications deadlines, offer rolling admissions and whether they have their own application process or use the Common App. - Keep track of college application costs.
While some colleges allow students to apply for free, the average college application fee was $44 in 2020. If you’re applying to multiple schools, these costs can add up. The College Board allows you to search for college application fee waivers—whether you’re an in-state resident, first-year student or meet certain income criteria.
- Initial Signing Date
For most sports—excluding football and basketball—this is the first (not the only!) day you can officially sign with D1 and D2 schools. Learn more about National Signing Day.