Senior Year Athletic Recruiting Checklist

Senior Year High School Athletic Recruiting Checklist

Senior year is here!!  This is the most exciting time for college recruiting, and is key to your Athletic Scholarship.  Some keys are Official Visits, National Letter of Intent (NLI) or Singing Day.  Below is your recruit checklist:

Timing	Category	Item
All Year	Academics	Focus on finishing strong, some school scholarships are contingent on good final grades.
All Year	Academics	Depending on how your test scores have come out, schedule retakes and make sure you have sent scores to the NCAA Eligibility Center.
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 to examine all Financial Aid Requirements.  Check with target school admissions/financial aid.
Fall	Academics	Narrow down your list to 10 schools, and focus on the application process for these.  Just like any other non-athletic applicant, make sure you have some safety schools, as well as some reach schools on the list.  If you have no solid opportunities, you may need to rebuild your list.
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	Make sure your  NCAA Eligibility Center information is all complete, and you have directed your SAT and ACT scores to code "9999".
Fall	Recruiting	Download and learn your recruiting timeline.  Here is the NCAA Calendar:  NCAA College Recruiting Timelines and Calendars
Fall	Academics	Meet with High School Guidance Counselor to ensure you are on track for all requirements.
Fall	Recruiting	Plan and organize official visits.  If one has not been offered at your target schools, call and inquire.  Be prepared with questions, and also prepared to respond to offers.
Fall	Recruiting	Negotiate and compile all scholarship offers.
Winter	Academics	Finalize and Submit all application materials
Winter	Academics	The FAFSA becomes available January 1st, and most schools require it submitted in late winter/early spring.  Check with Financial Aid Office at each school for deadlines.
Winter	Academics	Work with your target school coaches to see examine your offers and figure out your best financial aid options.
Various Times	Recruiting	Know your National Letter of Intent (NLI), or signing day.  Make sure you have all your offers, and know your final choice.  Coordinate with your school, coach and athletic director.  Here for more info:  National Signing Day
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	Work with your counselor to make sure your final transcripts are sent to the Eligibility Center and your destination school.
Summer	Recruiting	Keep in contact with your new coach and ask for any focus areas.
Summer	Athletics	Enroll in strength and agility training specific for your sport, and target school.

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