There is no better time for junior prospects and their families to execute the college recruiting plan than during the summer months. It is an important time to get your “ducks in a row” as you continue to navigate a very important life process.
Think about it for a second… School is out for the summer and prospective student-athletes should have a tremendous amount of available time that can be effectively used in performing much of the “grunt work” that is necessary to remain on the radar screen of the college coaches and move up the recruit priority list. Developing a simple checklist of “things to do” will not only keep you on task, it will strongly develop your information base about college recruiting and thereby increase self confidence in moving forward.
Below is a snapshot of necessary targets I feel are necessary to “hit” during the summer months. The level that one chooses to execute their plan could make the difference between a mediocre recruiting experience and a productive effort that could help catapult the prospect to exciting levels of self-awareness and success.
Register with the Eligibility Center
The NCAA Eligibility Centeris an organization that collaborates with the NCAA in determining initial eligibility for incoming freshmen athletes. If you are seriously considering Division 1 or 2 institutions and you plan to practice and play as part of a college team, you must register with the eligibility center. This is a simple, 2 step process that requires teamwork with your guidance counselor. First, register online at: www.ncaa.org/eligibilitycenter. The website is very user friendly and will walk you easily through the registration process. Second, schedule a meeting with your guidance counselor and determine your “core course” progress. Your counselor will be the point person in getting this information to the Eligibility Center. And don’t forget to bring her an apple!
Campus Visits
Taking unofficial visits to as many of your top schools of interest is a great way to get a “look under the hood” to determine if the institution is a potential “match.” Don’t just hop in the car and take a road trip. The campus visit is extremely important and requires careful planning. Coaches are like hot potatoes during the summer and it can be very difficult to track them down without proactive communication. You certainly want to call the office of admissions and determine when campus tours and information sessions are offered, but you also want to make every attempt to meet with the coach as well. Contact the coaches 6-8 weeks prior to your planned trip and determine their schedule and availability to meet with you. You should be pleasantly surprised at how these campus visits will jump start your recruiting quest!
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