Recruiting Timeline

This timeline shows what student-athletes need to be doing in order to find the best school for them.

Freshman Year

Start doing research about the differences between schools in terms of: athletics, academics, location, size, public/private, campus environment
Start doing research about what grades/scores you need to have in order to get into certain schools
Start doing research about what athletic level you need to be at in order to play at certain schools
Start doing research about which schools offer athletic scholarships or financial aid
Start to work diligently off the court/field on physical fitness and understanding how your schedule affects your athletic performance
Start to monitor the amount of sleep you are getting as well as the amount of rest & recovery your body needs between sporting events

Continue doing research about the differences between schools in terms of: athletics, academics, location, size, public/private, campus environment
Continue doing research about what grades/scores you need to have in order to get into certain schools
Continue doing research about what athletic level you need to be at in order to play at certain schools
Continue doing research about which schools offer athletic scholarships or financial aid
Continue to work diligently off the court/field on physical fitness and understanding how your schedule affects your athletic performance
Meet with high school guidance counselors and make a list of schools that meet your academic and social needs
Send a letter to the coaches at the schools which meet your academic and social needs, letting them know that you are interested in their athletic program
Start speaking with people who have been recruited in your sport in order to become more familiar with the recruiting process
Start to get familiar with the SAT and/or ACT

Continue doing research about the differences between schools in terms of: athletics, academics, location, size, public/private, campus environment
Continue doing research about what grades/scores you need to have in order to get into certain schools
Continue doing research about what athletic level you need to be at in order to play at certain schools
Continue doing research about which schools offer athletic scholarships or financial aide
Continue to work diligently off the court/field on physical fitness, diet, sleep, and understanding how your schedule affects your athletic performance
Research where athletes who you competed against went to school so that you can gauge the talent level at those schools
Research each schools environment, asking yourself “Would I want to be at this school if I were not an athlete?”
Follow up with coaches to make sure they have received your letter
Take the SAT and/or ACT tests, sending the coaches an updated letter with your scores
Try to determine your market value

Set up 5 official visits for senior year
Speak with current and former athletes at the schools you are interested in
Find out which schools accommodate your long-term goals, including playing professionally
Find out what college coaches would like you to be doing during your senior year, both on and off the field/court, in order to be best prepared for college

Take your 5 official visits
Speak with coaches about where they see you playing if you were to attend their school
Speak with coaches about scholarship availabilities and amount
Speak with coaches about the importance of academics within their program
Speak with coaches about what the practice schedule is like for the team
Speak with your family about which school best suits your personality
Speak with your family about which team's coach and players best suit your personality
Combining all of the aforementioned elements, choose a school which you believe will provide the best experience for you academically, socially, and athletically.