Junior Year Athletic Scholarship Recruiting Checklist

College Recruiting Checklist for Juniors

The Junior year in High School is very important for those pursuing an Athletic Scholarship through the college recruiting process.  Grades, always the most important, as well as many items to complete for the NCAA Eligibility requirements are foremost on the checklist.  

Timing	Category	Item
All Year	Academics	Junior year can be a difficult year academically, focus on the grades.
All Year	Academics	Continue to take challenging classes, AP and Honors
All Year	Activities	Continue to focus on extra curriculars by participating in clubs, community and leadership activities
All Year	Academics	Identify any problem areas immediately and seek teacher or tutor assistance to make sure you have a solid foundation for future classes
Fall	All	Set goals for the year in both academics and athletics.
Fall	Academics	Begin preparing for the SAT and ACT.  Sign up for a focused prep course for both.  These tests are critical!!!
Fall	Academics	Examine your target list, and see which tests they require: SAT, ACT, SAT Subject Tests
Fall	Academics	Examine the SAT/ACT tests dates and decide when you will take them.  Plan to take the SAT in early spring for the first time.  The ACT is curriculum based, so the later you take it (Late spring / summer), the better.
Fall	Recruiting	Download or Purchase the latest version of the  NCAA Guide for the College Bound Student Athlete, check for changes
Fall	Recruiting	Review the latest NCAA Academic Requirements to make sure you are taking the correct courses: NCAA Student Athlete Worksheet and NCAA Academic Quick Reference Guide
Fall	Recruiting	Begin your NCAA Eligibility quest officially through the amateur certification process.  Create an account here:  NCAA Eligibility Center  This is a great resource site, and will provide you with a wealth of information.
Fall	Recruiting	Download and learn your recruiting timeline.  Here is the NCAA Calendar:  NCAA College Recruiting Timelines and Calendars
Fall	Academics	Re-evaluate your target list of schools that offer your sport.
Fall	Academics	Meet with High School Guidance Counselor to ensure you are on track for all requirements.
All Year	Athletics	Ask for additional evaluations from high school and club coaches for a reality check
All Year	Athletics	Define strength, benchmark and competitive goals with coaches for the year
All Year	Athletics	Work with outside strength / agility programs and outside coaches / clinics to enhance skills
All Year	Social Media	Make sure you use Facebook, MySpace and all other internet accessible sites in a mature manner.  Coaches look!!!
All Year	Social Media	Make sure all your target school coaches have all your social media links, and update all sites with stats, footage, pictures, records, etc.
In Season	Athletics	Make sure you keep a log of all your stats, collect all photos and video clips and any newspaper clippings.
In Season	Athletics	Coaches look for good athletes, but also want leadership and good sportsmanship.  Make sure you rise to the occasion.
In Season	Athletics	Evaluate your performance pre, during and post season, and perform a reality check (do you make the cut)
In Season	Athletics	Utilize your social media and send periodic updates on new records, milestones, pics, etc.
In / Post Season	Recruiting	Update accounts on BeRecuited, Takkle, etc. and make sure your profile is complete and updated.
Post Season	Recruiting	Continue to communicate with your target school coaches through email and phone.  Get a true feel of where you stand.
Post Season	Recruiting	Continue to organize your email folders with one for each school.  Make sure you place all your messages for that school into the folder.
Post Season	Recruiting	Update your Microsoft Excel Log for all communications with school representatives.  Include calls, email, Tweets, etc.
Spring	Recruiting	Plan unofficial visits during Spring Break, and layout a visit plan for summer.
Spring/Summer	Recruiting	Be prepared for Phone calls, and know when they will come.
Summer	Recruiting	Begin to plan official visits.
Summer	Recruiting	Ask coaches where you stand on their recruiting lists.
Summer	Athletics	Attend Nationally recognized camps and events for exposure.  If possible, attend a camp at a target school.
Summer	Athletics	Enroll in strength and agility training specific for your sport
Summer	Academics	If available, take advantage of summer school to knock an additional class out, especially one that may require additional focus.
Summer	Recruiting	Contact coaches from your target list and visit campuses.  Coordinate with Coach/Athletic Staff, and inform of your desire to attend.
Summer	Academics	Build a spreadsheet or get a whiteboard with your target schools, application requirements and all application deadlines.
Summer	Academics	Retake / Take ACT/SAT and subject tests to get your best score.

Want more? These are available for download at the Recruiticus Athletic Scholarship Site