The College Search for the Student-Athlete Kelly Crist School - - PowerPoint PPT Presentation

The College Search for the Student-Athlete

Kelly Crist School Counselor Middletown HS South

Am I A College Athlete?

Do you have…

Heart Passion Dedication Academics Skill

Do You Have G.A.M.E. ?

G – Grades to be admitted to colleges of your choice A – Ability to compete at the collegiate level M – Motivation to find colleges that fit “you” E – Exposure to college coaches

Source: Collegesportsscholarships.com

What Do I Need To Do?

 Research and explore the NCAA Eligibility Center to stay up-to-date and on track with approved core-content courses.  Fill out the NCAA Eligibility Center (formerly the Clearinghouse) form towards the end of junior year.  Have your SAT scores sent to the Eligibility Center (code 9999)  www.eligibilitycenter.org

Division I Requirements

 Students must complete 16 core courses as stipulated by the NCAA  Students must have appropriate SAT scores based off of the student’s GPA (see sliding scale)  10 core courses must be completed before senior year  Minimum core GPA of a 2.3

 This is a recalculated GPA unrelated to the Middletown GPA

Division I Requirements

 4 years of English  3 years of Math (Algebra 1 or higher)  2 years of Natural/Physical Science (1 lab)  1 additional year of English/Math/Science  2 years of Social Sciences (Social Studies)  4 years of additional core courses from any

• f the above (including foreign language)

Division II Requirements

 Students must complete 16 core courses as stipulated by the NCAA  Students must have a minimum GPA of a 2.0  Minimum SAT requirement is 820  Minimum ACT sum score is 68  There is no sliding scale for SATs in Division II

Division II Requirements

 3 years of English  2 years of Math (Algebra 1 or higher)  2 years of Natural/Physical Science (1 lab)  3 additional years of English/Math/Science  2 years of Social Sciences (Social Studies)  4 years of additional core courses from any

• f the above (including foreign language)

Division III Requirements

 Students do not need to apply to the NCAA Eligibility Center if competing in Division III athletics.  Students must meet the standards of the academic institution to be eligible for competition.

Division I Changes for August 2015 Enrollment

 Current high school freshman must achieve a minimum 2.3 GPA in core academic courses  Junior College transfers much achieve a 2.5 GPA  Students must meet an increased sliding scale standard (refer to handout)  Students must complete 10 of the 16 required core courses before the start of senior year (7 of the 10 courses must come from Math, Science, and English)

Division III Overview

 Student-athletes who participate in Division III athletics receive no financial aid related to their athletic ability, leadership, participation, or performance.  The athletic departments are staffed and funded like any other department at the university.  Division III athletic departments place a strong emphasis on the student-athlete’s experience.

Contact with Coaches

 Athletes at any age can contact college coaches at any point by email and/or phone.  Prior to September 1st of junior year, college coaches can reply to athlete emails, but cannot formally recruit at this time. The coach may recommend the athlete fill out the online questionnaire to get the athlete’s information.  September 1st of junior year, college coaches may initiate recruiting by email.  July 1st after junior year, college coaches may call the athlete one time per week.  If there is an official visit scheduled, the college coach may call the athlete unlimited for 5 days prior to visit.

Not Recruited?

 Many student-athletes are not recruited prior to junior or senior year.  Those who are recruited early are considered “blue chip”.  Those who are not need to market themselves.

Visit the team site. Fill out the questionnaire located

• n the site.

Check…

Schedule Roster

Time to Get Noticed

 Prepare a list of schools to contact  Check the school’s academic standards in Naviance  Run your list past your coach(es) to get an opinion on choices  Prepare athletic resume  Attend showcases and clinics  Have film ready to send to college coaches  Return any correspondence promptly

Walking on…

 Athletes typically have the option to “walk on” to a college team.  Risks that come with walking on:

 Having to go through a try-out.  Possibility of being cut from the team.  No scholarships for the first year.

 Benefits that come with walking on:

 A possible roster spot on a team that the athlete was not recruited by.  Possibility for scholarships depending on success.  Opportunity to get the full college athlete experience.

What Coaches Look for on a Visit

 Showing up early for a visit (you are on time if you are early, you are late if you are on time!)  The student is prepared to ask and answer questions.  The student knows information about the school and program.  An email shortly after the visit expressing the student’s interest in the school and program and thanking the coach(es) for the opportunity to meet.

Helpful Pointers

 When meeting with coaches, the more enthusiasm and interest shown, the better.  Coaches want athletes who want them.  Keep coaches updated with your athletic AND academic progress/ accomplishments.  Don’t hesitate to call coaches.

Watching A Practice

 Observe the coaching style  Notice the practice atmosphere  What is the level of intensity  Amount of coaching  Coach/player interaction  Find the program right for you, in less than a year you will be the one at practice

Meeting the Team

 When visiting a school, try to have the coach set up time for the team to meet with you.  Seeing how the team is with and without the coaches around is important.  Can you see yourself as part of the team???

Evaluating the School

 After visiting each school, create a list of pros and cons for athletics, as well as, academics.  This list will help eliminate schools or make schools stand out when the time comes to commit.  Make sure the school has the major and/or programs you are interested in.

Importance of Academics

 Schools are limited to how much athletic scholarships they are allowed to give out.  Fully funded schools vs. partially funded schools  Coaches are more likely to recruit players who will receive academic scholarship over those who will not because it will allow for athletic money to be distributed amongst the team.

Remember…

 Your search is not easier or harder with

• athletics. It’s just different.

 Explore all options and keep all doors open.  As a student-athlete, academic scholarships are more likely than athletic ones.  Athletics MAY open doors to colleges that may have been just beyond your reach.  Find the RIGHT FIT!

Just a Reminder…

 You still need to apply.  Applications go to the admissions office, not the coach.  Your deadlines are the same as other students.  Playing a college sport is far different from high school sports.  Be proud of having the opportunity to play a collegiate sport.  ENJOY THE JOURNEY!