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. |