The Application Timeline

Planning and organizing your college applications as a student-athlete requires careful consideration and adherence to specific timelines.

First High School Year:

1. Academic and Athletic Foundation:

- Focus on building a strong academic foundation by taking challenging courses and maintaining good grades. Keep in mind that your GPA is super important - as are your extracurricular activities!

- Focus on your sport and don’t let anything stop you. Attend practice and give your best. Keep improving.

- Ensure you're on track for meeting college admission requirements.

2. Extracurricular Exploration:

- Get involved in your school/ community and seek areas to work on. Consider learning a new instrument, doing voluntary work or participating in that math club - it will mean more options later on - more acceptance letters and more scholarship offers.

- Join sports teams or clubs at your school or in the community to develop your athletic skills and pursue your passions.

3. Research Colleges and Programs:

- Start researching colleges and athletic programs that align with your academic and athletic goals.

- Explore college websites, review their athletic programs, and learn about their admission requirements for student-athletes.

4. Proficiency Tests

• Prepare to take the TOEFL/ Duolingo English Test or IELTS. Take practice tests to familiarize yourself with the format and identify areas for improvement.

• Improve your English.

Second High School Year:

1. Academic and Athletic Progress:

- Continue to prioritize your academic performance by taking challenging courses and maintaining good grades.

- Keep improving in your sport and make sure to keep track of your improvement.

- Consider asking for a friend or family member to record you during some of your practices and competitions and begin selecting your best takes to put together a highlights video for coaches. This will help Coaches remember you and it will also help them see you for your athletic IQ in your field. With a GREAT highlights video, you will get more offers.

- Start contacting Coaches with your athletic resume.

2. Skill Development:

- Focus on skill development in your chosen sport by participating in off-season training, camps, or club teams.

- Seek guidance from your coaches or advisors on areas of improvement and how to showcase your skills to college coaches.

3. NCAA/ NAIA Eligibility Center Registration:

- Register with the NCAA or NAIA Eligibility Center (www.eligibilitycenter.org) to begin the process of establishing your eligibility for NCAA Division I and II athletics and NAIA. Do so only after you’ve received offers and kind of know which are your options and what you’re likely to accept. This doesn’t have to happen during your second high school year, but

it could happen depending on how far you’re at when it comes to receiving and negotiating offers with College coaches.

- Familiarize yourself with the academic requirements and eligibility standards set by the NCAA and NAIA.

4. Standardized Testing:

- Consider taking the proficiency test of your choice/ according to the College/ University’s requirements.

- Prepare and register for the SAT or ACT exams - if required by the University you’re planning to attend. Take practice tests to familiarize yourself with the format and identify areas for improvement.

- Consider taking the SAT Subject Tests if required by the colleges you're interested in.

LAST high school Year:

1. Contacting Coaches and Choosing Colleges:

- Keep updating your highlights video showcasing your skills and achievements.

- Keep in touch with Coaches from the programs you’re interested in.

- Narrow down your college choices based on your research, campus visits, and conversations with coaches.

- Ensure the colleges you're applying to meet both your athletic and academic aspirations.

2. NCAA Eligibility Certification:

- Complete the necessary steps to obtain certification from the NCAA Eligibility Center, including submitting your academic records and test scores.

3. Application Preparation:

- Prepare your college application materials, including personal statements, essays, and letters of recommendation.

- Seek guidance from your school counselor to ensure you meet application deadlines and submit all required documents.

4. Apply for Financial Aid:

- Research and apply for financial aid, including scholarships, grants, and other forms of assistance.

5. National Signing Day:

- If you have received a scholarship offer and are ready to commit, sign the National Letter of Intent (NLI) during the designated signing period.

- Consult with your coach, family, and school to ensure you understand the implications and obligations associated with signing the NLI.

The college application timeline for student-athletes requires careful planning and execution. By following this comprehensive timeline, you can ensure that you are on track with academic preparation, athletic development, contacting coaches, and completing application requirements. Remember to stay organized, seek guidance from school counselors and coaches, and remain proactive in your college search and application process.