College Bound Athletes
Download the NCAA Academic Requirements
Download the 2022-23 Guide for the College-Bound Athlete
Other NCAA Educational Resources
Step-by Step to College Athletics
The intent here is to provide for parents and students a guide for reaching athletic goals in college.
FRESHMAN YEAR
SOPHOMORE YEAR
JUNIOR YEAR
For example, here is the answer to a frequently asked question:
Question: When should a student register with the NCAA Initial-Eligibility Clearinghouse?
Answer: Students should register with the clearinghouse after the completion of their junior year in high school. At this time, a transcript, which includes six semesters of grades, should be sent to the clearinghouse from the high school. Additionally, students should have their SAT or ACT test scores forwarded directly to the clearinghouse whenever they take the exam.
SENIOR YEAR
Download the 2022-23 Guide for the College-Bound Athlete
Other NCAA Educational Resources
Step-by Step to College Athletics
The intent here is to provide for parents and students a guide for reaching athletic goals in college.
FRESHMAN YEAR
- Adjust to the High School schedule. Learn how to budget your time. Parents, students and guidance counselors should work together to make sure that the student is placed in the appropriate level of class.
- Adjust to the level of competitiveness and intensity of High School athletics. Learn what it is to play hard at the High School level.
- Understand that there are 15 core courses that colleges look at when determining Grade Point Average (GPA):
- 4 years of English
- 3 years of Math
- 2 years of Social Science
- 2 years of Science (including one Lab)
- 2 years of Foreign Language
- 1 year college prep elective
- 1 visual and performing arts.
- Make the Freshman team.
- Begin a strength and conditioning program that includes weight training.
- Improve your skills in the off-season by playing your sport on your own and by attending sports camps.
SOPHOMORE YEAR
- Be a starter on the JV team.
- Continue to improve your skills in the off-season. Attend camps where college coaches work.
- Make sure to keep track of classes you are taking, staying on top of requirements that must be met by UC’s and CSU’s admissions .
JUNIOR YEAR
- Work to become a starter on the Varsity team
- Receive some league recognition (honorable mention, all league, etc.)
- Take the PSAT in the fall and the SAT in the spring of junior year.
- In September, pick up College Athletics Packet from the Athletic department. The packet contains forms, and other information that would be beneficial to students and families.
- Register with the NCAA Clearing House at www.ncaaclearinghouse.net. Take the time to read through the whole site . . . it is very important!
For example, here is the answer to a frequently asked question:
Question: When should a student register with the NCAA Initial-Eligibility Clearinghouse?
Answer: Students should register with the clearinghouse after the completion of their junior year in high school. At this time, a transcript, which includes six semesters of grades, should be sent to the clearinghouse from the high school. Additionally, students should have their SAT or ACT test scores forwarded directly to the clearinghouse whenever they take the exam.
- Assemble an athletic portfolio. List accomplishments, statistics, PSAT/SAT scores, list indicators of strength and speed.
- Contact colleges in which you are interested (they cannot contact you).
- Attend camps and clinics where college coaches work.
- Make college visits.
SENIOR YEAR
- Continue to work hard to be a starter on the Varsity team.
- Receive high league recognition (All League, All City).
- Receive State recognition.
- Ask your coach if they would call or write college coaches on your behalf.
- Work with your guidance counselors to complete the application process.