Checklist
FRESHMEN SCHOOL YEAR & SUMMER
Academic
__ Take the most challenging courses you can handle.
__ Prioritize your classes, putting the core ones at the top.
__ Meet your guidance counselor and let her know of your desire to compete in college. Make sure they know that you must meet the core course requirement.
__ Find a tutor, create a study group, and become comfortable interacting with teachers outside of class for extra help.
__ Work hard at school and strive for a 4.0 GPA.
__ Learn to manage your time and develop good study habits.
__ Visit any college campuses you can. The best choices are your parents’ alma maters and the schools of relatives, siblings, and friends currently attending college.
Athletics
__ Attend a game or match at your nearest college.
__ Purchase instructional tapes to help you improve your skills.
__ Start a weight lifting program (ask your trainer for advice).
__ Stay in shape year round.
__ Compete for your high school team.
__ Compete for off-season club teams.
__ Attend a summer camp.
SOPHOMORE SCHOOL YEAR & SUMMER
Academic
__ Make a commitment to improve your grades and take challenging courses.
__ Meet with your guidance counselor to make sure you are taking classes to satisfy your core course requirement and staying on track. Discuss the possibility of AP classes for junior year
__ Hire a tutor, form a study group with your friends, and seek extra help from your teachers in order to improve your GPA.
__ Start researching various careers in which you might have interest to give you an idea of potential college majors.
__ Make a preliminary Target List. Include as many schools as possible.
__ Take the PSAT so you know where you need to improve.
__ Visit more college campuses.
Athletics
__ Make unofficial visits to as many schools on your Target List as possible.
__ Stay in shape year round by running and lifting weights.
__ Compete on your high school team.
__ Compete for off-season club teams.
__ Attend an off-season sports camp.
__ Research showcases or tournaments and attend at least one.
JUNIOR SCHOOL YEAR & SUMMER
Academic
__ Make a commitment to improve your grades and take challenging courses.
__ Compile a Target List of schools that interest you both academically and athletically. Consider the schools you have visited and draw on the experiences of your parents, siblings, and family friends.
__ Meet with your guidance counselor to make sure you are taking classes to satisfy your core course requirements and to get advice on your Target List.
__ Enroll in a prep course like Kaplan or Princeton Review to help you achieve the highest possible SAT/ACT score.
__ Take online college surveys to help identify schools that meet your needs.
__ Speak with your parents and family friends about their college experiences.
__ Review your Target List of schools monthly to remove or add schools.
__ Read college catalogs and pages of schools you are considering.
__ Take the PSAT again.
__ Take the SAT/ACT in the late fall/winter.
__ Consider enrolling in AP classes.
Athletics
__ Register with the NCAA Clearinghouse.
__ Call each college division to request a copy of their guide so you are familiar with all rules.
__ Attend as many games of schools on your Target List as you can.
__ Send letters of interest and your profile to coaches on your Target List, before high school starts.
__Ask your high school coach, club, summer coach or influential alumni to send letters of recommendation to schools on your Target List.
__ Complete and return college questionnaires promptly.
__ Seek opinions from high school coaches and other qualified persons concerning your ability to play college sports.
__ Make unofficial visits to as many schools on your Target List as possible.
__ Meet with the head coach of any school you visit.
__ Publish your personal web site and promote it to college coaches.
__ Seek national exposure by competing in national or regional competitions and showcases, and attending summer camps at your top-choice schools
__ Attend a Christmas break camp if it does not conflict with your winter sport season.
__ Stay in shape year round by running and lifting weights.
__ Concentrate on your best position.
__ Compete in a top summer leagues or for a competitive club.
Senior School Year & Summer
Academic
__ Compare your GPA with your SAT/ACT score and the qualifier index.
__ Retake the SAT/ACT if your scores need improvement.
__ In September, request a copy of “Meeting College Costs” from your guidance office to determine how much money you need for college.
__ Ask for teacher recommendations.
__ Finalize your Target List and apply to these schools.
__ Meet all application and financial aid deadlines.
__ Evaluate your college options and consider scholarship and financial offers.
__ Inform each college to which you’ve been accepted of your final decision.
__ Fill out your FAFSA form as soon as you make your final decision Athletics
__ Call each college division to request a copy of their guide so you are familiar with all rules.
__ Make unofficial and official visits to schools on your Target List.
__ Train year round.
__ Attend a winter camp.
__ Increase your lifting, conditioning, and agility program.
__ Compete at national and regional events.
__ Contact coach at the school you get admitted to for a summer training program.
