Guide for CollegeBound StudentAthletes

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Guide for College-Bound Student-Athletes

• Prepared by
• Eastern Athletic Department
• 2007-08

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Dear Parents/Guardians Potential College-Bound
Student-Athletes

• In order to help alleviate some college selection
  concerns, the Eastern High School Athletic
  Department has put together this manual to guide
  you in your quest for both a college and a
  scholarship. We believe that it will be of value
  to you. It is the intention of the Athletic
  Department to help you in any way possible to
  plan your future including your participation in
  intercollegiate athletics.

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Dear Parents/Guardians Potential College-Bound
Student-Athletes(cont.)

• Your high school coaches are most familiar with
  your athletic abilities, college coaches and
  college athletic programs. They will be the key
  people to work with, and will give you valuable
  assistance. Your guidance counselor will also
  play a key role in the selection of the right
  school for you. They will be able to guide you
  toward a school that best meets your academic and
  career needs. However, the most important person
  in the whole college recruiting process is the
  student-athlete. The average potential college
  athlete must be highly involved in the process,
  taking the initiative of contacting schools and
  coaches.

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Step 1

• The first thing to do is make a list of colleges
  that fit your academic and athletic needs. Next,
  learn the rules of recruiting and then start
  contacting the coaches on your list for
  information about their teams and athletic grant
  possibilities.
• For some fortunate athletes, coaches will contact
  you and sell their school to you. Most student-
  athletes, however, must pursue coaches and
  schools. Don't wait for schools to get in touch
  with you be assertive and visible. If a coach
  hasn't contacted you, don't assume that the coach
  is not interested in you. Many great college
  athletes recruited the schools they attend. The
  following information will help you on your path
  to college.

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College Athletics, Admissions, and You

• College admissions are based on the following
  criteria
• grades
• course difficulty(minimum of 16 academic courses)
• class rank or percentile
• SAT/ATC scores
• activities
• essay/recommendations

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College Athletics, Admissions, and You(cont.)

• Student-athletes need to do well academically so
  that coaches can help them get admitted. Coaches
  can push for student-athletes that are slightly
  below the schools median, but the bottom line is
  that you need to be close to the schools
  admission standards.
• Work hard now so that you can attend the school
  you want
• Remember that everything in high school counts.
• Some schools have special applications for
  student-athletes - Contact the coach.

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At what level can I compete?

• Four Year Colleges
• NCAA
• Division I-scholarship and financial aid for
  athletic ability
• Division II-scholarships and financial aid for
  athletic ability
• Division III-financial aid is based on need only

• NAIA
• any type of financial aid is allowed and is
  administered by the individual school.

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At what level can I compete?

• Two-Year Junior Colleges
• governed by the NJCAA (National Junior College
  Athletic Association).Admissions/eligibility
  requirements are not as stringent at this level.
  This type of program is good if-
• 1. You were denied admission to a four-year
  school for academic reasons
• 2. You can not afford a four-year school
• 3. You choose to delay applying to a four-year
  school
• Remember, it is possible to prove yourself
  academically at a junior college and then
  transfer to a four-year school.
• When you transfer from an NJCAA school, your high
  school academic record does not count. Your
  junior college academic record will be the basis
  for an admission decision. If you play a sport at
  an NJCAA school, those years count against your
  four years of eligibility at the four-year school
  to which you transfer.

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Questions to Ask Yourself and Your Coach

• How well do you play your sport?
• It is difficult for you to answer this question
  realistically and objectively. Also, college
  coaches will not recruit you because you think
  you are good or because your parents say that you
  are good. Just as college admissions offices want
  proof (the SAT'S, your GPA, recommendations), so
  do college coaches. Recruiters rely on
  videotapes, observation, your coach's
  recommendation, height, weight, speed, strength,
  and times.

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Questions to Ask Yourself and Your Coach

• The student-high school coach relationship is an
  important one. Seek help from your coach in your
  college search. Right from the beginning be
  honest with yourself and your coach. Set up an
  appointment for a heart-to-heart talk to discuss
  your future. It is helpful to take these steps in
  your junior year to ensure that recruiters
  receive your game schedules and a videotape can
  be prepared. Following are some sample questions
  to go over with your coach

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Questions for Coach

• How good do you think I am?
• At what division do you think I can play?
• With what programs are you familiar?
• Will you contact coaches on my behalf?
• Will you write a recommendation?
• Do you have any suggestions for me in my college
  search?
• Can arrangements be made for a videotape?

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Info to share with your Coach

• Tell your coach where you stand academically -
  your scores, your GPA, your class percentile. Let
  your coach know what you might like to major in.
  Also, when college coaches observe your video and
  review your file, ask them if they feel you can
  compete at the level of their programs, if they
  feel you might be on their J.V., etc.

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NCAA Initial Eligibility Clearinghouse

• Any student-athlete who wants to participate at
  the Division I or II athletic level must join the
  NCAA Clearinghouse. If you are undecided about
  the division in which you will complete, join in
  order to be safe.
• I urge you to join in the spring/summer of your
  junior year

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ClearinghouseStep 1

• Complete and send a NCAA Initial Clearinghouse
  Student Release Form to the NCAA Clearinghouse
• guidance department
• 1-800-638-3731
• 50
• Fee waiver is possible

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NCAA ClearinghouseStep 2

• Have your SAT and/or ACT scores sent directly to
  the clearinghouse
• When you register to take the SAT or ACTs use
  code 9999.
• This process is a must!!

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NCAA Div. I Academic Eligibility Requirements

• Qualifier
• Graduate from HS
• Successfully complete a core curriculum of at
  least 16 academic courses as follows
• English 4 yrs
• Math3 yrs (1 from algebra and 1 geometry)
• Natural or Physical Science2 yrs (including 1
  lab)
• Additional course in Eng., Math Science1yr
• Social Science2yrs
• Additional courses4 yrs(any of the above, or
  from foreign lang., philosophy or nondoctrinal
  religion)

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NCAA Div. I Academic Eligibility Requirements

• Qualifier (cont.)
• Have a core-course GPA and a combined score on
  the SAT verbal and math sections or a sum score
  on the ACT base on the qualifier index scale.

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NCAA Div. I Academic Eligibility Requirements

• Partial Qualifier- is eligible to practice with
  the team at its home facility and receive
  athletic scholarships during his/her first year
  and has three years of competition remaining.
• Graduate from HS
• Successfully complete a core curriculum of at
  least 16 academic courses in the appropriate core
  areas
• Present a core-course grade point average and a
  combined SAT on the partial qualifier index
  scales.

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NCAA Div. I Academic Eligibility Requirements

• Nonqualifier - is a student who has graduated
  from HS or who has presented neither the
  core-curriculum GPA and SAT/ACT scores required
  for a qualifier.
• A nonqulaifier shall not be eligible for
  competition or practice during their first year
  and has three seasons of competition remaining.
  Financial aid is based upon need only---NO
  SCHOLARSHIPS

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NCAA Div. III Academic Eligibility Requirements

• These requirements currently do not apply to
  Division III colleges, where eligibility for
  financial aid, practice and competition is
  governed by institutional conferences and other
  NCAA regulations.

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Qualifier Index

• Go to the NCAA Eligibility Center Online

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Core Courses

• Definition of a Core Course
• To meet the core-course requirement, a "core
  course" is defined as a recognized academic
  course (as opposed to a vocational or
  personal-services course) that offers fundamental
  instruction in a specific area of study. Courses
  taught below your high school's regular academic
  instructional level (e.g., remedial or
  compensatory) can't be considered core regardless
  of the content of the courses. At least 75
  percent of the course's instructional content
  must be in one or more of the required areas (as
  listed below) and "statistics," as referred to in
  the math section, must be advanced
  (algebra-based).

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Core Courses

• Courses for students with disabilities may be
  approved even if such courses are taught at a
  level below the high school's regular academic
  institutional level (e.g., special education
  classes) if the high school principal verifies
  (on the core-course forms) that the courses are
  substantially comparable, quantitatively and
  qualitatively, to similar approved core-course
  offerings in that academic discipline at that
  high school.

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Some NCAA Rules and Regulations

• The NCAA has a manual of rules and infractions
  that is 500 pages long. Following are a few rules
  that you should be familiar with. Familiarity
  will help you maintain eligibility and will help
  you in the recruiting process.

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Why is it so important to know the rules?

• If a recruiter breaks a rule while recruiting
  you, you may lose your eligibility for a year if
  you attend the school that violates the rule.
• Knowing the rules will help in your ability to
  get yourself recruited.
• You will be better able to make an informed
  decision about which school is best for you

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Division I IIRule 1

• No alumni, boosters or representatives of a
  college's athletic interests may be involved in
  your recruiting (you may not receive letters or
  phone calls). This rule does not apply to regular
  admissions officers or athletic coaches. Division
  II schools allow boosters to mail letters to you.

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Division I IIRule 2

• PHONE CALLS - In all sports other than football,
  no coach may call you until JULY I after your
  junior year (for football the date is August I5).
  After this date, they may call you once a week
  (exceptions a coach may call you more than once
  a week during the five days before an official
  visit, on the day of an off-campus contact, or
  during the National Letter of Intent signing
  period). Basketball coaches can call you once
  after June 20. Beginning in July a basketball
  coach may call you three times in July, but no
  more than once a week.

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Division I IIRule 3

• You or your parents may call a coach at your
  expense as often as you wish. Coaches may accept
  collect calls from you and may use a 1-800 number
  to receive telephone calls from you "on or after
  July I" of your junior year.

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Division I IIRule 4

• Enrolled college athletes may not make a
  recruiting call to you

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Division I IIRule 5

• LETTERS - from colleges, coaches, students, and
  faculty are not permitted until September I of
  your junior year however, you may receive form
  letters, questionnaires and NCAA guides before
  that time.

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Division I IIRule 6

• CONTACTS - A college coach may contact you in
  person off the campus "on or after July I" of
  your junior year. A contact is a face-to-face
  meeting at which you say more than Hello. In most
  sports coaches may contact you three times. In
  football, a coach may contact you seven times.

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Division I IIRule 7

• EVALUATIONS - An evaluation is an off-campus
  activity (such as observing a game or practice)
  used to assess your academic and athletic
  qualifications. In football you may be evaluated
  twice a year in basketball a coach may use any
  combination of contacts and/or evaluations that
  equal five in all other sports you may be
  evaluated a total of four times.
• For basketball and football there are certain
  dates when contact and evaluations are permitted
  and certain dates when no contact is permitted
  (dead periods).

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Division I IIRule 8 - Visits

• UNOFFICIAL VISIT - You visit the campus at your
  expense. You may do this at any time and as many
  times as your like.

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Division I IIRule 8 - Visits(cont.)

• OFFICIAL VISITS - During your senior year, you
  may have one expense-paid visit to a school. You
  may receive a total of five visits to all schools
  you are interested in. You may not visit a school
  officially more than once. You can't have an
  official visit unless you have given the college
  your high-school (or college) academic transcript
  and a score from a PSAT, an SAT, a PACT Plus or
  an ACT taken on a national test date under
  national testing conditions. Note In this
  instance, the Division I school may use the
  services of the Initial-Eligibility Clearinghouse
  to validate your credentials. An official visit
  may not exceed 48 hours. You may receive round
  trip transportation costs between your house and
  the school, meals, lodging, and complimentary
  tickets to athletic events.

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Division I IIRule 9

• GIFTS- You may receive from schools official
  university publications, letters, game programs,
  media guides, pre-enrollment info., a
  student-athlete handbook. You may not receive
  clothing, college mementos, cash, cars, improper
  expenses, gifts or loans.

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Division III Recruiting

• After your junior year you may receive unlimited
  phone calls, letters, etc.
• Contacts - you may be contacted after your junior
  year and there is no limit to the number of
  contacts.
• Unofficial visits are the same as for Divisions I
  and II.
• Official visits are the same EXCEPT you may visit
  an unlimited number of Division III schools.
• Gifts and monies are the same as for Divisions I
  and II and are not allowed.

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THE RECRUITED ATHLETE

• Is this you?

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THE RECRUITED ATHLETE

• The NCAA defines a recruited athlete as one who
  has been on an official visit, one who has spent
  time with a coach away from a college campus (and
  this visit was initiated by the coach), or one
  who has been called by a coach - on the coach's
  initiative-more than once.
• Congratulations to you for being recruited. Take
  pride in the fact that coaches are interested in
  you. Being recruited can make you feel on top of
  the world, but it can also make you feel confused
  and pressured. Remember that as quickly as a
  coach shows interest in you the coach can also
  just as quickly pull away from you.

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The Recruited Athlete - The following is a list
of suggestions and pointers to help you on your
way.

• Get your list of schools to 5 or 10, then go
  through the following check list.

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The Recruited Athlete - The following is a list
of suggestions and pointers to help you on your
way(cont.)

• 1. Fill out all coaches' questionnaires for
  schools you are interested in. Don't wait until
  they call you or send you another letter because
  they probably won't.
• 2. Fill out an application (preferably one that
  the coach has sent you and that is stamped so
  that admissions knows that you are an athlete)
• 3. Review this packet and familiarize yourself
  with NCAA rules.

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The Recruited Athlete - The following is a list
of suggestions and pointers to help you on your
way(cont

• 4. Make sure you have joined the Clearinghouse.
• 5. Start thinking about which schools you want to
  visit and remember that you may only have five
  official visits (you may only go on five visits
  that a college pays for).
• 6. If scholarship and aid packages are being
  offered, weigh out your choices and see which
  schools and scholarships fit your needs. Discuss
  your options with counselors, parents, and
  coaches.

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HOW TO GET RECRUITED

• Its up to you!

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HOW TO GET RECRUITED

• If you have your heart set on playing for a
  particular school and the school doesn't know
  that you exist, you need to communicate with the
  coach. Do not leave anything to chance and work
  hard to get recruited. Promoting yourself to a
  school is similar to a job search. Following is a
  list of suggestions

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HOW TO GET RECRUITED-1

• At the end of your junior year or in the summer
  before your senior year, write a cover letter and
  a resume and provide a list of references who are
  familiar with your athletic ability.
• Wait three weeks and if you do not hear back
  follow up with a phone call asking if the coach
  received your letter.
• Immediately fill out any questionnaires a coach
  sends you and deliver to your high school coach
  any forms that the colleges send you.
• Send a videotape of a game. Tapes of highlights
  and shots of your running around in your backyard
  are nice but not particularly helpful to college
  coaches.

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HOW TO GET RECRUITED-2

• Ask coaches for an application to their school
  and see if it is possible to get a coded
  application that notifies admissions that you are
  an athlete.
• Send coaches your game schedules with a note
  stating that you hope they can attend a game.
  Also send any updated or changed schedule.
• Send coaches articles in which you are
  highlighted or that state you made an
• all-star team. Do not send clippings in which
  your name appears once.
• If a school is your number one choice, tell the
  coach. Coaches like to recruit athletes who want
  to come to their school.

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HOW TO GET RECRUITED-3

• Be persistent with coaches. Be patient with
  coaches. They often hear from hundreds of
  athletes and they want to hear from you, but they
  may not necessarily contact you.
• If a coach writes back and says that he or she is
  not interested in you as a scholarship athlete or
  as a highly recruited athlete, you may still
  apply on your own and try out as a walk-on.

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DECIDING WHICH SCHOOL IS RIGHT FOR YOU
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Choosing a college is difficult, and as a
student-athlete there is a twist added into your
decision process. The bottom line is you want
to choose a school where you feel comfortable
academically. Participation in sports does not
generally lead to a professional career. Keep in
mind that the odds of a college basketball
player's making it to the pros are 10,000-1, and
for football players the odds are 6,000 - 1. Your
future lies in a college education. Therefore,
think hard about what each school can offer you
academically
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• Consider the college's environment the size of
  the school, the location, the student body, the
  student-athletes, etc. You want to spend these
  next four years in a place you like.
• Athletically, think about in what division you
  would like to play and can play. See what
  scholarships are available, what financial
  packages are offered to you, and what your family
  can afford. Make sure you like the coach, but
  keep in mind that the assistant coach that
  recruited you may move on and remember that
  coaches are not tenured and work on contracts
  that usually last only a few years. Therefore,
  the coach is important, but if that coach were to
  leave you want to make sure that the school can
  make you happy without him or her.

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The best way to figure out which school is
right for you is to visit schools. If you are
offered official visits, take them. Make as many
unofficial visits as you need. Meet the team, the
coach, the faculty, and then make an evaluation
based on your visit, not on how many times a
coach called you or whether the media guide
appealed to you. Look at the big picture.
Lastly, talk about your options with your
parents, your coach, and your guidance counselor.
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TIMETABLE FOR COLLEGE BOUND STUDENT-ATHLETES
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JUNIOR YEAR

• Refine your list of schools. This is the time to
  make some serious decisions. Your athletic skills
  will be more fully developed, so you and your
  coach may now be able to make more realistic
  assessment of just where your game will stack up
  for college.
• Academically, you will have taken the PSAT, which
  gives you some idea of how you will do on the
  .SAT. The PSAT results can also motivate you to
  enroll in a preparatory course for the SAT/ACT.

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JUNIOR YEAR-1

• Your life goals will also be more refined at this
  time. Continue to work with your guidance
  counselor to tailor your schedule toward both
  your interests and rise NCAA core-course
  requirements.
• Be sure that as your list of schools narrows, you
  are aware of specific entrance requirements.
• This is when you should approach selected college
  coaches seriously. Remember, getting the correct
  name and spelling is critical.

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JUNIOR YEAR-2

• Develop a sports resume.
• Letters to college coaches at this level should
  again reflect familiarity with each program. You
  should tell each coach why you are considering
  that college. You must also go beyond your
  interest in the sports program and explain how
  the school will help realize your overall goals.
  In addition, you should tell the coach how you
  think you could be an asset to his/her program.
  It would be appropriate to inquire about
  scholarships and/or other financial aid at this

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JUNIOR YEAR-3

• Get recommendations from your high school coach.
  He/She should tell college coach what you could
  contribute to the program. This goes beyond
  physical skills - work habits, sportsmanship and
  inspiration should all be expanded upon in this
  recommendation. Caution Many college coaches
  feel that high school coaches' letters often are
  sheer puffery. Talk to your coach before he/she
  writes the letter ask him/her to be as specific
  as possible regarding accomplishments and
  potential and to be realistic. Providing the
  coach with a stamped and addressed envelope will
  allow the coach to mail the letter directly. When
  a college coach sees this, he/she is more apt to
  trust the validity of the letter.

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JUNIOR YEAR-4

• The college coach's response will be limited.
  NCAA rules prevent him/her from phoning you,
  accepting a collect call from you or making
  personal contact before July I following your
  junior year. They can write you, and there's
  nothing to bar you from talking to the coach
  while visiting the campus.
• Your high school coach's role does not have to be
  limited to letter writing. He or she will be the
  point person if and when you attract a college's
  interest. Your coach may get phone calls
  inquiring about your progress. Maintaining that
  interest, once expressed, is very important. Be
  sure your coach knows you appreciate the help.

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JUNIOR YEAR-5

• In addition to a letter and resume, you might
  also include an unofficial transcript of your
  academic record to that point. This would work
  best if your academic record is impressive,
  otherwise don't send one until it is requested.
• Keep this in mind - you never know who is
  watching you. Carry yourself at your best at all
  times. Opposing coaches may have key contacts
  with colleges and universities on your list. If
  you haven't impressed everyone with your
  character and behavior, it could come back to
  hurt you.

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JUNIOR YEAR-6

• If you will be playing in a summer league or
  attending a camp, be sure to send this
  information to coaches who have expressed
  interest.
• During the junior year, if you plan to play
  Division I or II athletics, you must register
  with the Initial Eligibility Clearinghouse. Your
  official transcript will be mailed immediately
  following your junior year, so be sure that the
  paperwork is complete by April or May.

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SENIOR YEAR
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SENIOR YEAR

• The summer between your junior and senior years
  is your last chance to showcase your skills at
  sports camps, clinics or in summer leagues. If a
  school high on your list has a sports camp, you
  should attend if at all possible.
• Again, be sure to work closely with your guidance
  counselor to be sure that you are on track to
  meet all initial eligibility requirements of the
  NCAA.

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Senior Year - 2

• Continue to keep in contact with schools high on
  your list. At this point, you should have
  narrowed your list based upon both your needs and
  schools' interest.
• Be sure to be honest with college coaches and
  always-return telephone calls. Disinterest on
  your part is the fastest way to be dropped from a
  recruiting list. Also, do not string along any
  coaches if you have definitely ruled out his/her
  school.

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Senior Year - 3

• You may be offered official visits at this
  time. These trips are limited, but you should
  take advantage of as many opportunities as
  possible. While there, be sure to ask questions
  of coaches, students and athletes.
• Visiting all colleges on your list is a good idea.

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September - October of Senior Year

• Secure college applications and submit through
  your guidance counselor ASAP. Different schools
  have different deadlines, so be sure to work with
  your counselor to meet all deadlines.
• Keep college coaches updated on when and where
  you are competing - send schedules. You may want
  to send a video to your top choices. Be sure that
  it is short and to the point. Coaches are too
  busy to wade through unnecessary information.

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November - December of Senior Year

• Retake SAT if necessary.
• Attend available financial aid seminars if
  possible.

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January - February of Senior Year

• Submit Financial Aid Form application.
• Forward senior year grades where requested.

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March - June of Senior Year

• Notification of acceptances and denials.
• Follow up on applications where necessary.