The NCAA publishes a guide for college bound student athletes
that provides information for players and their parents
who wish to pursue playing soccer at the collegiate level.
All prospective players and their parents should read
this manual in order to familiarize themselves with the
recruiting process.
The most current version of the guide can be found at
the following link:
NCAA Parent's Guide
The NCAA also offers on-line brochures that will help
answer questions that you may have regarding recruiting,
eligibility and academic qualifications. These brochures
can be found at the following links:
NCAA Media/Events - General Interest
NCAA Legislation - Eligibility and Recruiting
NCAA Division I Manual
Listed below is a timeline to follow in this process:
Recruiting Tasks timeline:
During Sophomore year:
● Review NCAA Athletic eligibility guidelines.
● Take the PSAT's.
● Start preparing soccer resume and portfolio.
● Review NCAA Clearinghouse eligibility guidelines
and understand what course and grade requirements are.
https://web1.ncaa.org/eligibilitycenter/common/
● Select Junior year courses that further the completion
of the NCAA Clearinghouse requirements.
During
the summer before Junior or first half of Junior year:
● Register with NCAA Clearinghouse.
● Have profile and resume completed.
● Begin search for colleges/universities that meet
your interest.
● Research the teams and academic programs at the
colleges/universities you are interested in.
● Play in as many and the highest quality College
Showcase tournaments as possible
● Begin sending profile and resume to coaches that
you are interested in playing for.
During Junior year:
● Take PSAT test for national Merit Scholarship.
● Concentrate on improving Grades.
● Play in as many and the best Showcase tournaments
as possible, and attend recruiting seminars.
● Narrowed search to 10-15 colleges/universities.
● Contact coaches by phone or email to determine
good times to visit campus for an unofficial visit.
● Make unofficial (at your expense) visits to colleges
and universities you are interested in.
● Take SAT tests
● Check status with NCAA Clearinghouse.
● Select Senior year courses that complete the NCAA
Clearinghouse requirements.
● Obtain college financial aid (FAFSA) form.
● Send updated resume information to coaches.
During the summer before Senior year:
● Complete unofficial visits.
● Narrow seach to 5-10 colleges/universities.
● Evaluate opportunities during recruiting calls
from coaches.
● Advise coaches when they call if you are no longer
interested in their program.
● Complete FAFSA form (if applying for federal aid/grants/loans)
for an estimate of available aid.
Before February of Senior year:
● Check status with NCAA Clearinghouse.
● Narrow search to 5 colleges/universities.
● Send "early admission" application to
the 5 colleges/universities that you are interested in.
● Complete FAFSA form again with recent year tax
information.
● Complete your 5 "Official" visits.
● Make a decision and sign National Letter of Intent.
● Enjoy your senior year!
Questions to consider when deciding on a college athletic
program:
Is the college one where I will succeed academically and
socially?
Is the athletic program one where I will succeed athletically?
Are there sufficient academic support programs for the
team?
Do I like and respect both the coach and the members of
the team?
Have I seen them play in a match to gauge their level
of character, play, and sportsmanship?
Have I spent enough time with players and coaching staff
to determine whether their morals, beliefs, and goals
are similar to mine?
How long will I wait to get a chance to play?
Will I be comfortable in my role as either a starter or
a substitute?
Will I be happy if my role changes during my college career?
Has the coach offered a guaranteed spot on the team or
a chance to walk-on?
Will I be redshirted?
Can I afford the costs to attend this college?
Use the Advanced College Search utility on CollegeBoard.com
to narrow you initial college selections.
College financing tip:
Try to get the most grants and scholarship money available
that is not related to athletic ability. These monies
may last for the entire four years, whereas Athletic Scholarships
are only granted for one year at a time, and are not available
for a Division 3 program. Getting the best grades possible
will increase you chances of obtaining academic scholarships
and grant monies. Make sure you evaluate what are the
total costs are for attending a specific university: including
books, fees, meals, travel to home, housing, and social
expenses. Remember that a larger scholarship at one college
does not necessarily mean less cost to you, when everything
is added up.
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