Recruiting Tips
Subscribe to our NewsletterPurpose of Recruiting Tips
Interested in playing college baseball? The Smithsburg baseball program believes in the development of it's student athletes, and will do whatever they can to get them to the next level, and in a place that best fits them athletically, academically, financially, and socially. There is a place for everyone to play, all you need is the passion to play, and we can find a place for you. Playing a college sport truly separates individuals when they still make time for college, and learn how to prioritze, time manage, and knowing how to deal with adversity and work with others, and not to mention the camaraderie. Read over the tips and if you have any questions be sure to contact Coach Cobb.
Importance of Grades
When I ask players where they want to go to school, the most common answer is "anywhere I can play baseball." Unfortunately, if you do not have the grades to be admitted to a school, it is all for nothing.
It is important to know that the NCAA will determine your eligibility for college baseball by determining your grade point average in your "core courses." Your core courses consist of history, English, foreign language, math, and science. Unfortunately, your elective classes such as gym, computer science, and art do not count towards your core course GPA.
In addition, your standardized test scores (SAT or ACT) are also a factor. The NCAA uses a "sliding scale" to determine your eligibility. The sliding scale goes up and down as it relates to GPA and SAT/ACT scores. For example, if your GPA is higher, your SAT can be lower. To be NCAA Division I eligible you need a minimum 2.5 GPA or 820 on the SAT. Remember, NCAA eligibility does not ensure that you will be admitted to a particular university because each school has its own academic standards. Here are a few reasons why college coaches like to recruit players with strong grades:
1. They have fewer reservations about whether a player will be eligible to play in college
2. They feel more secure offering a player a scholarship, if he will probably be eligible.
3. They feel that the player will be able to balance his studies and baseball responsibilities while in college.
The best thing you can do for yourself as you prepare for college baseball is to study and work hard in the classroom. A "full ride" in baseball is next to unheard of! If you can get some academic scholarship money, you will have a better chance to defray the cost of college for you and your parents.
It is important to know that the NCAA will determine your eligibility for college baseball by determining your grade point average in your "core courses." Your core courses consist of history, English, foreign language, math, and science. Unfortunately, your elective classes such as gym, computer science, and art do not count towards your core course GPA.
In addition, your standardized test scores (SAT or ACT) are also a factor. The NCAA uses a "sliding scale" to determine your eligibility. The sliding scale goes up and down as it relates to GPA and SAT/ACT scores. For example, if your GPA is higher, your SAT can be lower. To be NCAA Division I eligible you need a minimum 2.5 GPA or 820 on the SAT. Remember, NCAA eligibility does not ensure that you will be admitted to a particular university because each school has its own academic standards. Here are a few reasons why college coaches like to recruit players with strong grades:
1. They have fewer reservations about whether a player will be eligible to play in college
2. They feel more secure offering a player a scholarship, if he will probably be eligible.
3. They feel that the player will be able to balance his studies and baseball responsibilities while in college.
The best thing you can do for yourself as you prepare for college baseball is to study and work hard in the classroom. A "full ride" in baseball is next to unheard of! If you can get some academic scholarship money, you will have a better chance to defray the cost of college for you and your parents.
Freshman Year Timeline
Freshman Year College planning timeline
-get to know your school counselor
-get involved in school activities: do what you enjoy!
-get involved in community activities and service
-earn the best grades you can
-take the most challenging (but appropriate) courses you can read, even when not assigned for school, on a regular basis
-depending on your courses, you might take an SAT II: Subject Test at the end of the year; talk with your counselor
-if your family travels over spring break or during the summer, and if you pass near a college campus, stop and take the tour
-in addition to enjoying your time off, plan to do something constructive with your summer vacation
-get to know your school counselor
-get involved in school activities: do what you enjoy!
-get involved in community activities and service
-earn the best grades you can
-take the most challenging (but appropriate) courses you can read, even when not assigned for school, on a regular basis
-depending on your courses, you might take an SAT II: Subject Test at the end of the year; talk with your counselor
-if your family travels over spring break or during the summer, and if you pass near a college campus, stop and take the tour
-in addition to enjoying your time off, plan to do something constructive with your summer vacation
Sophomore Year Timeline
Planning for college: How to start preparing for college in your sophomore year.
The countdown to college has begun. While you’re watching your friends in their junior year stressing out about college admissions, there are a lot of things you can do to make it easier for yourself next year.
The primary focus your sophomore year should be on keeping that grade point average (What is a GPA?) up, getting involved in extra-curricular activities and preparing for taking standardized national tests. Here’s how to make sure you stay on the right track to getting into the college of your choice.
Fall (August-October)
Make an appointment with your guidance counselor to talk about planning for college: Together you can discuss programs, majors, degrees and careers and figure out which colleges offer the degree or major you want. If you’ve identified some universities you’re interested in, make sure you’re meeting the academic requirements for admission.
Early in September, decide whether you’re going to take the PSAT/NMSQT test (preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test (can take sophomore and junior year) or the PLAN test (pre-ACT test) or both. Not sure? Ask your guidance counselor about which is best for you. Also, be sure to find out about registration dates at your school. The PSAT is given in October, and the PLAN doesn’t have a national testing date but is given during the fall. Taking these tests will help prepare you for the SAT and ACT tests, which you will need for admission to college and to boost your financial aid opportunities.
Study hard to keep that GPA up. Your grade point average is cumulative and will appear prominently in your school transcript. Universities scrutinize your GPA when considering your transcript for college admission. A higher GPA also improves your chances of being awarded scholarships.
Participate in extracurricular activities, such as sports, arts or volunteer groups.
Winter (November-February)
Analyze your results from the PLAN and PSAT tests and study your weak points. Talk to teachers and your counselor about ways to improve your scores.
Search for colleges that fit your criteria and will get you on your way to the career path you want to follow. Use the Campus Explorer college search to learn about schools’ academics, costs and admission requirements.
Visit a college or university nearby to get a feel for the campus environment.
Spring (March-May)
Go to college fairs, get in touch with current or former students, and use Campus Explorer’s school comparison tool to find and narrow college choices. When you find a college, start your official college list. Choose two or three “reach” schools and two or three “safety” schools.
You are halfway through your high school career! This is when you really start preparing for college. Meet with your guidance counselor again to plan out your junior and senior year class schedule, keeping in mind the requirements of the colleges and majors you are considering.
Summer (June, July)
Make the most of your summer. In addition to having fun, volunteer for community service, get an internship or participate in a summer program at a local community college.
Enroll in an SAT or ACT preparation course or take online practice tests to get a feel for the real tests.
Get a summer job. In addition to helping you save money for university, a job will build your leadership skills and teach you more about the types of majors and jobs you’re interested in.
Visit colleges to see what types of schools appeal to you.
Sophomore Year College Planning Tips & Tactics
Keep a calendar of all of your deadlines and test dates.
Make sure you’re taking all the required courses you need for college.
Many top four-year colleges prefer your high school education to include classes in English, math, science, social studies and foreign language all four years.
Evaluate your extra-curricular activities, keeping in mind that quality is more important than quantity. Schools evaluate how you spend your free time to see that you’ve made a meaningful contribution and a long-term commitment to an organization, cause or hobby.
Keep up your list of all of your awards and extracurricular activities, along with the dates you participated and the names and contact information of people who you might want to ask to write a letter of recommendation for you. Keeping track of all of this information now will make it easier for you to remember during the college admissions process.
In Summary
-stay in touch with your school counselor
-if your school offers it, take the PSAT or PLAN in the fall remain involved in school and community activities: follow your passions!
-earn the best grades you can
-continue to take the most challenging courses you can continue to read for pleasure
-depending on the courses you take this year, it is even more likely that you would consider an SAT II: Subject Test at the end of the school year;
-talk with your counselor in the spring, look at the list of senior college acceptances: who do you know and where is he/she going?
-continue to take advantage of college visits if your family is near a college-- just to get a feel for the different types of colleges there are
-use your free time in the summer productively, while also enjoying your time of
The countdown to college has begun. While you’re watching your friends in their junior year stressing out about college admissions, there are a lot of things you can do to make it easier for yourself next year.
The primary focus your sophomore year should be on keeping that grade point average (What is a GPA?) up, getting involved in extra-curricular activities and preparing for taking standardized national tests. Here’s how to make sure you stay on the right track to getting into the college of your choice.
Fall (August-October)
Make an appointment with your guidance counselor to talk about planning for college: Together you can discuss programs, majors, degrees and careers and figure out which colleges offer the degree or major you want. If you’ve identified some universities you’re interested in, make sure you’re meeting the academic requirements for admission.
Early in September, decide whether you’re going to take the PSAT/NMSQT test (preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test (can take sophomore and junior year) or the PLAN test (pre-ACT test) or both. Not sure? Ask your guidance counselor about which is best for you. Also, be sure to find out about registration dates at your school. The PSAT is given in October, and the PLAN doesn’t have a national testing date but is given during the fall. Taking these tests will help prepare you for the SAT and ACT tests, which you will need for admission to college and to boost your financial aid opportunities.
Study hard to keep that GPA up. Your grade point average is cumulative and will appear prominently in your school transcript. Universities scrutinize your GPA when considering your transcript for college admission. A higher GPA also improves your chances of being awarded scholarships.
Participate in extracurricular activities, such as sports, arts or volunteer groups.
Winter (November-February)
Analyze your results from the PLAN and PSAT tests and study your weak points. Talk to teachers and your counselor about ways to improve your scores.
Search for colleges that fit your criteria and will get you on your way to the career path you want to follow. Use the Campus Explorer college search to learn about schools’ academics, costs and admission requirements.
Visit a college or university nearby to get a feel for the campus environment.
Spring (March-May)
Go to college fairs, get in touch with current or former students, and use Campus Explorer’s school comparison tool to find and narrow college choices. When you find a college, start your official college list. Choose two or three “reach” schools and two or three “safety” schools.
You are halfway through your high school career! This is when you really start preparing for college. Meet with your guidance counselor again to plan out your junior and senior year class schedule, keeping in mind the requirements of the colleges and majors you are considering.
Summer (June, July)
Make the most of your summer. In addition to having fun, volunteer for community service, get an internship or participate in a summer program at a local community college.
Enroll in an SAT or ACT preparation course or take online practice tests to get a feel for the real tests.
Get a summer job. In addition to helping you save money for university, a job will build your leadership skills and teach you more about the types of majors and jobs you’re interested in.
Visit colleges to see what types of schools appeal to you.
Sophomore Year College Planning Tips & Tactics
Keep a calendar of all of your deadlines and test dates.
Make sure you’re taking all the required courses you need for college.
Many top four-year colleges prefer your high school education to include classes in English, math, science, social studies and foreign language all four years.
Evaluate your extra-curricular activities, keeping in mind that quality is more important than quantity. Schools evaluate how you spend your free time to see that you’ve made a meaningful contribution and a long-term commitment to an organization, cause or hobby.
Keep up your list of all of your awards and extracurricular activities, along with the dates you participated and the names and contact information of people who you might want to ask to write a letter of recommendation for you. Keeping track of all of this information now will make it easier for you to remember during the college admissions process.
In Summary
-stay in touch with your school counselor
-if your school offers it, take the PSAT or PLAN in the fall remain involved in school and community activities: follow your passions!
-earn the best grades you can
-continue to take the most challenging courses you can continue to read for pleasure
-depending on the courses you take this year, it is even more likely that you would consider an SAT II: Subject Test at the end of the school year;
-talk with your counselor in the spring, look at the list of senior college acceptances: who do you know and where is he/she going?
-continue to take advantage of college visits if your family is near a college-- just to get a feel for the different types of colleges there are
-use your free time in the summer productively, while also enjoying your time of
Junior Year Timeline
College Planning Timeline for Juniors
No, your senior year IS NOT the time to begin the college selection process. The college selection process must begin your junior year!!
Your junior year is perhaps the most important year of all for preparing for your academic goals. Not only do you need to concentrate on your grades this year, you also need to meet important deadlines and complete specific college planning tasks as you begin the college selection process.
Perhaps this monthly calendar of college planning details will help keep you organized and remind you of the things that you need to get done during your junior year. If you take this process month by month, it’s all manageable; otherwise, it can be overwhelming.
September
Get a good academic start during the second half of high school career! Your GPA and class rank at the end of this year will be very critical determinants in assessing eligibility for admission at many colleges.
Meet with your counselor to review your courses for this year and check for appropriate rigor.
Increase your involvement in extracurricular activities both in-school and in the community. Maintain a record of your co-curricular involvement all year.
Identify sources of college and career information at your school. Two great websites that provide specific information on both careers and post secondary institutions (colleges and trade schools) are FastWeb Education and Careers and Education. Just submit a request and they will mail you the information! in addition FastWeb Education also provides you access to their huge scholarship database for free.
Develop a list of colleges using the college search software at your high school. Also, you can watch free college videos at FreeCollegeVideos.com to get a "feel" for the campus and a behind-the-scenes look at what the college might offer you.
Check with your counselor about scholarship opportunities. Keep a file of local scholarships, their deadlines, and their requirements so that you will be able to work on scholarship essays ahead of time. Get your FREE Guide to $38 million in Scholarships at Course Advisor. In addition, great places to start searching for scholarships include ScholarshipExperts and FastWeb and FastWeb Education---each has a huge scholarship database and they will customize your search to fit you. If you haven't already registered, you should register today at both sites! If you prefer to start easy, find random drawing scholarships that require little more than filling out a simple entry form such as the one found at FreeCollegeScholarships. FreeCollegeScholarships.net offers a monthly drawing for a $10K scholarship to pay your college expenses.
Sign up for the PSAT which is administered in mid October.
Take the practice test in the PSAT/NMSQT Student Bulletin.
October
Take the PSAT/NMSQT and do well! With a high enough score, you will qualify to receive a National Merit Scholarship or the National Achievement and the National Hispanic Scholars Program. (Remember, take your calculator with you to the test!)
TIP: If you wish to receive publications from various colleges, be sure to indicate your preference on the PSAT for the Student Search Service.
Attend meetings with college reps who visit your high school.
Attend college fairs and financial aid/parent nights.
If you are interested in attending a military academy, start the process now! Meet with your guidance counselor about the special application process.
Continue to do well in classes. First quarter will be ending soon!
November
Begin online scholarship searches if you will require financial aid to attend college. Download your free guide for scholarships at Course Advisor and register at FastWeb to start an online search.
Keep your grades up! Your junior year grades are extremely important in the admissions process because they are a measure of how well you do in advanced courses, and they also serve as eligibility and selection criteria for scholarships--two good reasons why extra academic effort might prove worthwhile in the end!
December
Your PSAT/NMSQT Score Report Plus should arrive. Schedule a meeting with your guidance counselor to go over your results.
Use the PSAT score report as a practice tool for the upcoming SAT reasoning test. It might also be a good idea to take a SAT Test prep course. Grockit is the only social learning network on the web and allows you to interact with other students prepping for the SAT. Study for the SAT online with Grockit---it works. It's fun. It's guaranteed. And a FREE trial option is available too.
If you plan to take the ACT, register now for the February ACT. Again, you should prep for this test too. Register at Grockit's Social Learning Network for ACT Prep.
Continue to gather college information from schools that interest you. Explore college websites, get on mailing lists, read through catalogues, and contact admission officers to answer questions you might have.
January
Organize a file for college brochures, viewbooks, and other related college information that soon will be flooding your mailbox.
Study for and do well on your semester exams. Remember: Semester grades impact your GPA.
February
Meet with your college counselor to go over your preliminary college list to make sure you have schools that fit in 3 tiers of admission selectivity: Reach Schools, Probable Schools, and Safety Schools. Perhaps your counselor will have other colleges that you should consider.
Register for the March SAT Reasoning Test if you have completed the level of math needed for the test. If not, plan on taking the SAT in May or June.
Select your senior courses carefully; be sure to continue challenging yourself academically. You need to demonstrate depth and breadth in academics. Don’t plan on slacking off in your senior year! If appropriate, seriously consider taking AP classes. These courses could save you a lot of money when you enroll in college.
March
Continue your college search. Write, call, or email college admission offices to request admission material and financial aid information.
Plan a few college visits during your April break. Call the admission office to arrange a tour, a class visit, and a meeting, even an interview with an admissions officer. if you can't afford to visit all of the colleges on your list, at least watch a video about the college showing you what really happens on campus at FreeCollegeVideos.com. They have filmed over 2000 college, including the Ivy league colleges.
Register for the April ACT test.
April
Register for the May/June SAT Reasoning test and/or the May/June Subject tests
TIP: Not all Subject test are given on every test date. Check with your teacher to see which type of Subject Test corresponds with the curriculum at your school, especially in the Foreign Language area.
Take the ACT test.
Begin visiting colleges during your spring break.
Take an SAT prep course to help prepare for the upcoming test. If you haven't already, you might want to take an online course such as Peterson's Online Test Prep. Many students find their score is increased through simple practice and employing the strategies taught in a class like this.
After your college visits, evaluate your college list and eliminate colleges that you are no longer interested in.
May
Take the SAT Reasoning Test or the SAT Subject Tests.
If appropriate, take the Advanced Placement (AP) exams which are given in high schools nationally in early May.
Continue gathering information on local and national scholarships. You may have to begin applying for scholarships awarded to seniors the summer after your junior year.
Apply for special summer academic or enrichment programs such as a pre-college summer program, an internship in a possible career field, or travel abroad.
June
Take the SAT or the Subject Tests if you did not take them last month.
Do well on your final exams. Your GPA after 6 semesters is used by colleges to determine admission decision.
Summer
Visit colleges, take tours, and have interviews.
Continue to refine your college list.
Complete the NCAA Initial-Eligibility Clearinghouse form if you plan to play Division I or II sports.
If you are an athlete, contact coaches at the schools to which you are applying to get any information you need about the process. Be sure to include an athletic resume in your correspondence with coaches.
Tip! Before submitting your resume, It would be wise to have it professionally reviewed by resume writers such as ResumeEdge so that you are sure it is a perfect product.
Begin to work on your application; draft college essays, collect writing samples, if needed, assemble portfolios, and any other supplementary material needed. Also make sure you compile a general academic resume and have it reviewed professionally. ResumeEdge provides this service at a reasonable cost. Finally, remember to register to take a Test Prep class (Peterson's Online Test Prep is one of the best!).
In Summary
-this is the most important year academically: do your best, challenge yourself appropriately
-continue to remain involved in activities; try to move into positions of responsibility or leadership
-take the PSAT and/or PLAN in the fall
-following your school's guidelines for meeting with your counselor to start the college process; in many schools, the process begins in the late fall or after the holiday break
-in the winter, think of how you will prepare for your first SAT and/or ACT
-search for a typical standardized testing schedule for juniors
-when you select your courses for senior year, get advice and choose wisely
-with your counselor, develop an initial list of colleges during the spring
-try to make some preliminary visits to colleges during spring break
-take advantage of college representative visits to your school and evening programs in your community
-research colleges, collect information
-use your summer vacation time productively; visit colleges during the summer
No, your senior year IS NOT the time to begin the college selection process. The college selection process must begin your junior year!!
Your junior year is perhaps the most important year of all for preparing for your academic goals. Not only do you need to concentrate on your grades this year, you also need to meet important deadlines and complete specific college planning tasks as you begin the college selection process.
Perhaps this monthly calendar of college planning details will help keep you organized and remind you of the things that you need to get done during your junior year. If you take this process month by month, it’s all manageable; otherwise, it can be overwhelming.
September
Get a good academic start during the second half of high school career! Your GPA and class rank at the end of this year will be very critical determinants in assessing eligibility for admission at many colleges.
Meet with your counselor to review your courses for this year and check for appropriate rigor.
Increase your involvement in extracurricular activities both in-school and in the community. Maintain a record of your co-curricular involvement all year.
Identify sources of college and career information at your school. Two great websites that provide specific information on both careers and post secondary institutions (colleges and trade schools) are FastWeb Education and Careers and Education. Just submit a request and they will mail you the information! in addition FastWeb Education also provides you access to their huge scholarship database for free.
Develop a list of colleges using the college search software at your high school. Also, you can watch free college videos at FreeCollegeVideos.com to get a "feel" for the campus and a behind-the-scenes look at what the college might offer you.
Check with your counselor about scholarship opportunities. Keep a file of local scholarships, their deadlines, and their requirements so that you will be able to work on scholarship essays ahead of time. Get your FREE Guide to $38 million in Scholarships at Course Advisor. In addition, great places to start searching for scholarships include ScholarshipExperts and FastWeb and FastWeb Education---each has a huge scholarship database and they will customize your search to fit you. If you haven't already registered, you should register today at both sites! If you prefer to start easy, find random drawing scholarships that require little more than filling out a simple entry form such as the one found at FreeCollegeScholarships. FreeCollegeScholarships.net offers a monthly drawing for a $10K scholarship to pay your college expenses.
Sign up for the PSAT which is administered in mid October.
Take the practice test in the PSAT/NMSQT Student Bulletin.
October
Take the PSAT/NMSQT and do well! With a high enough score, you will qualify to receive a National Merit Scholarship or the National Achievement and the National Hispanic Scholars Program. (Remember, take your calculator with you to the test!)
TIP: If you wish to receive publications from various colleges, be sure to indicate your preference on the PSAT for the Student Search Service.
Attend meetings with college reps who visit your high school.
Attend college fairs and financial aid/parent nights.
If you are interested in attending a military academy, start the process now! Meet with your guidance counselor about the special application process.
Continue to do well in classes. First quarter will be ending soon!
November
Begin online scholarship searches if you will require financial aid to attend college. Download your free guide for scholarships at Course Advisor and register at FastWeb to start an online search.
Keep your grades up! Your junior year grades are extremely important in the admissions process because they are a measure of how well you do in advanced courses, and they also serve as eligibility and selection criteria for scholarships--two good reasons why extra academic effort might prove worthwhile in the end!
December
Your PSAT/NMSQT Score Report Plus should arrive. Schedule a meeting with your guidance counselor to go over your results.
Use the PSAT score report as a practice tool for the upcoming SAT reasoning test. It might also be a good idea to take a SAT Test prep course. Grockit is the only social learning network on the web and allows you to interact with other students prepping for the SAT. Study for the SAT online with Grockit---it works. It's fun. It's guaranteed. And a FREE trial option is available too.
If you plan to take the ACT, register now for the February ACT. Again, you should prep for this test too. Register at Grockit's Social Learning Network for ACT Prep.
Continue to gather college information from schools that interest you. Explore college websites, get on mailing lists, read through catalogues, and contact admission officers to answer questions you might have.
January
Organize a file for college brochures, viewbooks, and other related college information that soon will be flooding your mailbox.
Study for and do well on your semester exams. Remember: Semester grades impact your GPA.
February
Meet with your college counselor to go over your preliminary college list to make sure you have schools that fit in 3 tiers of admission selectivity: Reach Schools, Probable Schools, and Safety Schools. Perhaps your counselor will have other colleges that you should consider.
Register for the March SAT Reasoning Test if you have completed the level of math needed for the test. If not, plan on taking the SAT in May or June.
Select your senior courses carefully; be sure to continue challenging yourself academically. You need to demonstrate depth and breadth in academics. Don’t plan on slacking off in your senior year! If appropriate, seriously consider taking AP classes. These courses could save you a lot of money when you enroll in college.
March
Continue your college search. Write, call, or email college admission offices to request admission material and financial aid information.
Plan a few college visits during your April break. Call the admission office to arrange a tour, a class visit, and a meeting, even an interview with an admissions officer. if you can't afford to visit all of the colleges on your list, at least watch a video about the college showing you what really happens on campus at FreeCollegeVideos.com. They have filmed over 2000 college, including the Ivy league colleges.
Register for the April ACT test.
April
Register for the May/June SAT Reasoning test and/or the May/June Subject tests
TIP: Not all Subject test are given on every test date. Check with your teacher to see which type of Subject Test corresponds with the curriculum at your school, especially in the Foreign Language area.
Take the ACT test.
Begin visiting colleges during your spring break.
Take an SAT prep course to help prepare for the upcoming test. If you haven't already, you might want to take an online course such as Peterson's Online Test Prep. Many students find their score is increased through simple practice and employing the strategies taught in a class like this.
After your college visits, evaluate your college list and eliminate colleges that you are no longer interested in.
May
Take the SAT Reasoning Test or the SAT Subject Tests.
If appropriate, take the Advanced Placement (AP) exams which are given in high schools nationally in early May.
Continue gathering information on local and national scholarships. You may have to begin applying for scholarships awarded to seniors the summer after your junior year.
Apply for special summer academic or enrichment programs such as a pre-college summer program, an internship in a possible career field, or travel abroad.
June
Take the SAT or the Subject Tests if you did not take them last month.
Do well on your final exams. Your GPA after 6 semesters is used by colleges to determine admission decision.
Summer
Visit colleges, take tours, and have interviews.
Continue to refine your college list.
Complete the NCAA Initial-Eligibility Clearinghouse form if you plan to play Division I or II sports.
If you are an athlete, contact coaches at the schools to which you are applying to get any information you need about the process. Be sure to include an athletic resume in your correspondence with coaches.
Tip! Before submitting your resume, It would be wise to have it professionally reviewed by resume writers such as ResumeEdge so that you are sure it is a perfect product.
Begin to work on your application; draft college essays, collect writing samples, if needed, assemble portfolios, and any other supplementary material needed. Also make sure you compile a general academic resume and have it reviewed professionally. ResumeEdge provides this service at a reasonable cost. Finally, remember to register to take a Test Prep class (Peterson's Online Test Prep is one of the best!).
In Summary
-this is the most important year academically: do your best, challenge yourself appropriately
-continue to remain involved in activities; try to move into positions of responsibility or leadership
-take the PSAT and/or PLAN in the fall
-following your school's guidelines for meeting with your counselor to start the college process; in many schools, the process begins in the late fall or after the holiday break
-in the winter, think of how you will prepare for your first SAT and/or ACT
-search for a typical standardized testing schedule for juniors
-when you select your courses for senior year, get advice and choose wisely
-with your counselor, develop an initial list of colleges during the spring
-try to make some preliminary visits to colleges during spring break
-take advantage of college representative visits to your school and evening programs in your community
-research colleges, collect information
-use your summer vacation time productively; visit colleges during the summer
Senior Year Timeline
A College Planning Timeline for Seniors
One of the most important goals for your senior year is to remain focused on your academics. You can not allow senioritis to creep in and ruin all of your hard work in your previous high school years.
Also you have to be aware of the many deadlines you must deal with as you start the college application process: testing deadlines, financial aid deadlines, scholarship deadlines, and, of course, application deadlines. This is a year where organization is critical.
Hopefully this timeline will help you keep track of the things you need to get done month by month!
SUMMER
Start writing drafts for your college application and scholarship essays. All essays should be be reviewed and polished to perfection. Consider using a professional editing service such as EssayEdge for your final polish. They will make sure your essay is the best he can possibly be!
Schedule college visits and any required interviews.
Prepare for the SAT and ACT by taking a prep course (Peterson's Online Test Prep is one of the best!) and/or reviewing and taking practice tests on your own.
SEPTEMBER
On the first day of school, be sure to register for both the SAT and/or the ACT to be administered in October; the deadlines for both tests are fast approaching!
TIP: To save time, you should register online at the College Board for the SAT and/or Subject tests, but you will need to pay by credit card. If you have a fee waiver or prefer not to use a credit card, you MUST complete a regular registration form and mail the form with your payment enclosed before the registration deadline date.
Pick up a free copy of Taking the SAT in your high school guidance office and take time to read through this booklet. Be sure to take the practice test! If you are planning to take the ACT, you should also request a copy of Taking the ACT Assessment.
Meet with your guidance counselor to discuss your college plans to be sure that your list includes colleges appropriate to your academic and personal needs; review your senior course schedule and adjust it, if necessary; and review your official permanent record for accuracy.
If you are a college-bound athlete who intends to participate in athletics at a Division I or II college or university, you MUST complete the NCAA. Clearinghouse Form. The initial eligibility form is available in your guidance office or online at the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) website.
Meet with admission representatives who are visiting your school.
Attend the college fair in your area. Pick up current college applications, financial aid information, brochures, and college catalogues.
TIP: Request a business card from the college rep so that you will have his/her contact information available to you during the college application process.
Continue to plan visits to colleges and schedule required college interviews either on campus or with college alumni.
In late September, register to take the November SAT or Subject Tests.
OCTOBER
In early October complete the registration for the CSS/ PROFILE for financial aid, if needed.
Take SAT and/or ACT tests.
Give Teacher Recommendations Forms to your teachers and the School Report Form to your guidance counselor.
If applicable, meet your November 1st Early Decision deadline. Mail in your ED application postmarked BEFORE November 1st!
NOVEMBER
If applicable, meet the November 15th Early Decision deadline. Submit these applications during the first week of November!
Be aware that very early in November the SAT/Subject Tests Registration Deadline is due for the December Test Date.
Be aware that in the first week of November the ACT Registration Deadline for the December test date is due.
Take Subject Tests of the College Board exam.
DECEMBER
Submit your financial aid PROFILE to appropriate colleges.
Obtain a copy of the Free Application for federal Student Aid (FAFSA) from your guidance office and attend the Financial Aid Night at your high school.
All college applications should be mailed before your winter break! Even applications due February 1st should be mailed now so you can be both ahead of time and so you can relax.
TIP: Always make copies of your application to file for reference and proof of submission.
Now that your college applications are done, devote serious time finding outside scholarships to help offset college costs. Download your FREE Scholarship Guide at Course Advisor now! It provides information about $38 million in scholarships.
TIP #1: If you prefer to start easy, you can find random drawing scholarships, such as FreeCollegeScholarships offers every month, that require little more than filling out a simple entry form.
TIP #2: Register at FastWeb and ScholarshipExperts today for a list of all scholarships that are customized to you !
JANUARY
Complete and mail the FAFSA during the first week of January.
TIP: Keep copies of your financial aid forms too.
Study hard and do well on your mid-semester exams.
Do NOT get senioritis and slack off during the second semester of your senior year.
REMIND PARENTS! Taxes should be completed as early as possible; colleges may request them to prove eligibility for financial aid.
FEBRUARY
Check to see that your Mid-Year transcript and Mid-Year Report Forms have been sent to all of the colleges to which you applied.
Continue your search for outside scholarship opportunities and complete the scholarship applications.
MARCH
Keep an eye out for your Student Aid Report (SAR) in the mail. Your SAR contains federal financial aid information.
Review your SAR carefully for accuracy; make any corrections that are needed and then return it to the FAFSA processing center.
If requested by any college, submit your SAR and tax forms to the financial aid office. Contact each college’s financial aid office to make certain that your application is complete. Be sure to ask what else you need to do to establish and maintain your eligibility for financial aid.
APRIL
College acceptance letters start to arrive!
Review your financial aid award packages with your parents. Be sure you understand the differences in the types of aid that you receive so that you can accurately make comparisons between colleges.
Make your final decision on the college that you want to attend; then mail in the deposit before the deadline.
Notify all the other schools that you will not be attending. This is important for other students hoping to get off the wait list. They need a space to open up for them before they have a chance to be admitted.
MAY
MAY 1st is Universal Acceptance Day! This is the absolute deadline to decide on your preferred college. You MUST let the college know by this date and send your deposit. Congratulations!
WRITE THANK YOU NOTES to every person who helped you through the college process!
Take Advanced Placement (AP) Exams to get possible college credit(s).
JUNE
Happy Graduation!
In Summary
-don't forget how important your grades continue to be: the first semester/ trimester is critical
-remain in close contact with your counselor
-remain involved in activities which you enjoy, assume leadership positions and more responsibility
-continue to add or subtract colleges from your list as you learn about schools, make visits, etc.
-be attentive to in-school deadlines and procedures established by your guidance or college counseling office
-continue to take appropriate tests as you need to take them (standardized testing schedule)
-meet with college representatives who visit your school in the fall;
-attend evening programs in your community which are hosted by colleges in which you are interested
-when you are able, continue to visit colleges in which you are interested when you have time off from school during the fall
-if you are applying early, be aware that application deadlines are just a few weeks after school begins
-make arrangements with teachers and others for recommendations; follow your school's procedures
-by Thanksgiving time, your list of colleges should be final: six to eight schools is a good number for most students looking at selective colleges; get advice from your counselor
-before the holiday break, be attentive to early deadlines and/ or preferred or recommended application deadlines for state universities, honors programs, rolling admission schools, and scholarship programs
-give yourself plenty of time to work on applications, especially essays
know what financial aid forms you must submit, and submit them in a timely fashion
-take advantage of interviews when given the opportunity
-after your applications are completed, continue to work hard: senior slump can have disastrous consequences
-as you receive decisions, inform your counselor, teachers, and others who helped you; thank them
-in April, consider participating in the open house/ accepted student programs hosted by colleges
-have your one deposit at the school you will attend by May 1
-if you are on a waiting list, get advice from your counselor
-enjoy senior year sensibly and responsibly!
One of the most important goals for your senior year is to remain focused on your academics. You can not allow senioritis to creep in and ruin all of your hard work in your previous high school years.
Also you have to be aware of the many deadlines you must deal with as you start the college application process: testing deadlines, financial aid deadlines, scholarship deadlines, and, of course, application deadlines. This is a year where organization is critical.
Hopefully this timeline will help you keep track of the things you need to get done month by month!
SUMMER
Start writing drafts for your college application and scholarship essays. All essays should be be reviewed and polished to perfection. Consider using a professional editing service such as EssayEdge for your final polish. They will make sure your essay is the best he can possibly be!
Schedule college visits and any required interviews.
Prepare for the SAT and ACT by taking a prep course (Peterson's Online Test Prep is one of the best!) and/or reviewing and taking practice tests on your own.
SEPTEMBER
On the first day of school, be sure to register for both the SAT and/or the ACT to be administered in October; the deadlines for both tests are fast approaching!
TIP: To save time, you should register online at the College Board for the SAT and/or Subject tests, but you will need to pay by credit card. If you have a fee waiver or prefer not to use a credit card, you MUST complete a regular registration form and mail the form with your payment enclosed before the registration deadline date.
Pick up a free copy of Taking the SAT in your high school guidance office and take time to read through this booklet. Be sure to take the practice test! If you are planning to take the ACT, you should also request a copy of Taking the ACT Assessment.
Meet with your guidance counselor to discuss your college plans to be sure that your list includes colleges appropriate to your academic and personal needs; review your senior course schedule and adjust it, if necessary; and review your official permanent record for accuracy.
If you are a college-bound athlete who intends to participate in athletics at a Division I or II college or university, you MUST complete the NCAA. Clearinghouse Form. The initial eligibility form is available in your guidance office or online at the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) website.
Meet with admission representatives who are visiting your school.
Attend the college fair in your area. Pick up current college applications, financial aid information, brochures, and college catalogues.
TIP: Request a business card from the college rep so that you will have his/her contact information available to you during the college application process.
Continue to plan visits to colleges and schedule required college interviews either on campus or with college alumni.
In late September, register to take the November SAT or Subject Tests.
OCTOBER
In early October complete the registration for the CSS/ PROFILE for financial aid, if needed.
Take SAT and/or ACT tests.
Give Teacher Recommendations Forms to your teachers and the School Report Form to your guidance counselor.
If applicable, meet your November 1st Early Decision deadline. Mail in your ED application postmarked BEFORE November 1st!
NOVEMBER
If applicable, meet the November 15th Early Decision deadline. Submit these applications during the first week of November!
Be aware that very early in November the SAT/Subject Tests Registration Deadline is due for the December Test Date.
Be aware that in the first week of November the ACT Registration Deadline for the December test date is due.
Take Subject Tests of the College Board exam.
DECEMBER
Submit your financial aid PROFILE to appropriate colleges.
Obtain a copy of the Free Application for federal Student Aid (FAFSA) from your guidance office and attend the Financial Aid Night at your high school.
All college applications should be mailed before your winter break! Even applications due February 1st should be mailed now so you can be both ahead of time and so you can relax.
TIP: Always make copies of your application to file for reference and proof of submission.
Now that your college applications are done, devote serious time finding outside scholarships to help offset college costs. Download your FREE Scholarship Guide at Course Advisor now! It provides information about $38 million in scholarships.
TIP #1: If you prefer to start easy, you can find random drawing scholarships, such as FreeCollegeScholarships offers every month, that require little more than filling out a simple entry form.
TIP #2: Register at FastWeb and ScholarshipExperts today for a list of all scholarships that are customized to you !
JANUARY
Complete and mail the FAFSA during the first week of January.
TIP: Keep copies of your financial aid forms too.
Study hard and do well on your mid-semester exams.
Do NOT get senioritis and slack off during the second semester of your senior year.
REMIND PARENTS! Taxes should be completed as early as possible; colleges may request them to prove eligibility for financial aid.
FEBRUARY
Check to see that your Mid-Year transcript and Mid-Year Report Forms have been sent to all of the colleges to which you applied.
Continue your search for outside scholarship opportunities and complete the scholarship applications.
MARCH
Keep an eye out for your Student Aid Report (SAR) in the mail. Your SAR contains federal financial aid information.
Review your SAR carefully for accuracy; make any corrections that are needed and then return it to the FAFSA processing center.
If requested by any college, submit your SAR and tax forms to the financial aid office. Contact each college’s financial aid office to make certain that your application is complete. Be sure to ask what else you need to do to establish and maintain your eligibility for financial aid.
APRIL
College acceptance letters start to arrive!
Review your financial aid award packages with your parents. Be sure you understand the differences in the types of aid that you receive so that you can accurately make comparisons between colleges.
Make your final decision on the college that you want to attend; then mail in the deposit before the deadline.
Notify all the other schools that you will not be attending. This is important for other students hoping to get off the wait list. They need a space to open up for them before they have a chance to be admitted.
MAY
MAY 1st is Universal Acceptance Day! This is the absolute deadline to decide on your preferred college. You MUST let the college know by this date and send your deposit. Congratulations!
WRITE THANK YOU NOTES to every person who helped you through the college process!
Take Advanced Placement (AP) Exams to get possible college credit(s).
JUNE
Happy Graduation!
In Summary
-don't forget how important your grades continue to be: the first semester/ trimester is critical
-remain in close contact with your counselor
-remain involved in activities which you enjoy, assume leadership positions and more responsibility
-continue to add or subtract colleges from your list as you learn about schools, make visits, etc.
-be attentive to in-school deadlines and procedures established by your guidance or college counseling office
-continue to take appropriate tests as you need to take them (standardized testing schedule)
-meet with college representatives who visit your school in the fall;
-attend evening programs in your community which are hosted by colleges in which you are interested
-when you are able, continue to visit colleges in which you are interested when you have time off from school during the fall
-if you are applying early, be aware that application deadlines are just a few weeks after school begins
-make arrangements with teachers and others for recommendations; follow your school's procedures
-by Thanksgiving time, your list of colleges should be final: six to eight schools is a good number for most students looking at selective colleges; get advice from your counselor
-before the holiday break, be attentive to early deadlines and/ or preferred or recommended application deadlines for state universities, honors programs, rolling admission schools, and scholarship programs
-give yourself plenty of time to work on applications, especially essays
know what financial aid forms you must submit, and submit them in a timely fashion
-take advantage of interviews when given the opportunity
-after your applications are completed, continue to work hard: senior slump can have disastrous consequences
-as you receive decisions, inform your counselor, teachers, and others who helped you; thank them
-in April, consider participating in the open house/ accepted student programs hosted by colleges
-have your one deposit at the school you will attend by May 1
-if you are on a waiting list, get advice from your counselor
-enjoy senior year sensibly and responsibly!
Getting Started
The name of the game in collegiate athletics is recruiting. As a college coach, if you are unable to recruit good players it really does not matter what type of coach you are or the type of assistants you have--it will be very difficult to be competitive and have a chance to win championships. Coaches must be able to bring in talented players to fill their roster needs. Team needs exist as players graduate, sign professional contracts, and transfer to other schools, thereby vacating roster spots. Baseball coaches do not want to put themselves in positions where they have six first-basemen and zero catchers on the roster. Obviously, it is very important for coaches to recruit the best players they can find--players who fill their needs and also fit into their specific baseball program.
Prospective student-athletes must recruit the school just as much as the school is recruiting them. It is essential to find the school that has a need for you and at the same time, provides the right fit for you academically, socially, and athletically.
The recruiting process is just that--a "process." Consider all the factors that go into bringing a prospective student-athlete to a college: academic high school grades and core GPA; SAT/ACT scores; NCAA Clearinghouse; letters and emails; phone calls; campus visits (both official and unofficial); in-person evaluations; roster-spot and scholarship offers; and National Letter of Intent. College coaches want to find the best players possible, but they need to make sure they are finding players that have the right kind of academics and personality for their team. Only by covering each step of the recruiting process will they be able to find out which players they want in their program.
The main areas of the recruiting process that players need to take special interest in are:
• Letter-writing (and Email)
• Phone calls
• Un-official visits
By excelling in these areas, prospective student-athletes can help college coaches evaluate their needs and thereby provide specific and useful information to the player. Stay in contact with the colleges that confirm an interest in you. If a school no longer has an interest in you, cross it off your list and move on. Coaches will ultimately let you know their intentions if you communicate effectively.
Contact schools beginning in your junior year, preferably during the winter when coaches are in their off-season and have more time to respond to potential recruits. First, make a broad list of colleges--the list will be updated gradually throughout your junior year and the summer before your senior year.
A broad list can look something like this:
• 25-30 total schools
• 4-6 schools within four hours of where you live
• 2-4 Division-I schools
• 2-4 Division-II schools
• 2-4 Division-III schools
• 2-4 NAIA schools
• 2-4 NJCAA schools
• 4-8 others (can be schools from any of the areas above)
It is very important to contact schools from all different levels and sizes. This will allow you to receive information from many different types of programs, making it easy to compare and contrast. You will be able to see what type of school will provide the right fit for you.
LETTER-WRITING (and Email):
Letters (Emails) to college coaches need to be precise and to the point. It is important to provide the following information when communicating with a coach for the first time:
Introductions - provide information where you introduce yourself: name, high school, graduation year, position you play.
Express desire - provide information that lets the coach know you have an interest in his program and have a desire to play at the school in the future.
Request information - be sure to ask for information about the program and school. The second or third time you write to a school, you should include copies of high school and summer-league playing schedules in order to give the coach opportunities to see you play in-person. Be sure to include information on all baseball showcases, tournaments, camps, etc. that you will be participating in. Provide as complete a schedule as possible.
PHONE CALLS:
NCAA rules do not allow college coaches to speak to prospective student- athletes specifically about their baseball program until July 1, prior to the start of their senior year in high school. Once this date comes, coaches and players are able to speak on the phone and in-person. A college coach is allowed, under NCAA guidelines, to contact a prospective student-athlete on the phone once a week. However, a player is able to call the coach as many times as he likes. It is not advisable to call a coach more times per week than is necessary, but do not be afraid to keep attempting contact if you have been unable to get in touch with a coach.
Remember, it is important for the student-athlete to "recruit the school" - so, making telephone calls to coaches is imperative in order to obtain information. Also, college coaches respect players that are mature enough to handle this responsibility and also show the ability to communicate and express themselves properly on the phone and in-person. Recruiting mature individuals that display confidence off the field is very important for coaches.
When placing calls to coaches, here are a few things to remember:
1. Be prepared–rehearse some of the questions you want to make sure you get answered. Also, be ready to answer questions from the coach in a clear and coherent manner.
2. Have a notepad with you so you may take notes on your conversation. Be organized.
3. When speaking with a coach the first time, be sure to cover these ares:
• Introduce yourself, and let the coach know that you have sent him
information in the mail prior to the conversation.
• Find out if the coach received the information you sent to him
• Inquire about where the coach stands in his recruiting process. What are his specific needs for this year? Is he still actively recruiting players that play the same position as you?
• If a phone call results in the coach having a possible need for you, definitely let the coach know that you would like the opportunity to visit the school and be able to meet with him in person.
UNOFFICIAL VISITS:
(Official visits will not be discussed here as they are typically set up by the college coach. An official visit indicates that the college pays for the trip.) Unofficial visits can be made during the athlete's junior year. The only part of the trip that will be different than a senior-year visit is that the student-athlete will be unable to speak with any of the coaches about their specific program. Despite this, a lot of valuable information can be gathered on a trip during your junior year:
• Campus tour with the admissions office staff:
o View a college academic class
o View college life in the dormitories
o View campus life – cafeterias, book stores, etc...
• Meet with an admissions staff office member to discuss academic requirements.
• View baseball team workout, practice, or game
• Meet with a team-member of the baseball program to get first-hand information about the program. This should be arranged prior to the trip. Unofficial visits made during the senior year will cover the same areas with the addition of meeting with the coaching staff to discuss specific information about the school's baseball program, your individual abilities, the school's specific recruiting needs etc. It is important to meet with as many of the current baseball players at the school as possible. Ask the players questions about practices, off- season workouts, and coaching philosophies.
Too many times, high school baseball players sit back and wait for college coaches to contact them. The college baseball recruiting process is proactive-- prospective student-athletes need to be aggressive in their approach with college coaches by putting themselves in front of coaches and letting them know of their intentions and interests. Once the coach and player establish a line of communication, the coach will reveal his level of interest. If the interest is positive, the coach will take over the process and provide information to the player in an attempt to obtain a commitment. Obviously, if the staff is not interested, the player can cross that school off of his list and move on to the next school. By gathering information the player will be able to see what schools have an interest; he will be able to see what schools have a specific need for him; he will be able to see what schools provide a solid fit for him. Gathering all of this information, continuing to make telephone calls, making visits, and communicating with the people involved in their program will present the player with the school that provides him with everything he is looking for. The player should look for a school to attend that he will want to remain at if his baseball career ends because of injury, lack of ability, etc. If baseball does not work out, it is important he has still chosen the best fit academically and socially-- the education will still be there.
Prospective student-athletes must recruit the school just as much as the school is recruiting them. It is essential to find the school that has a need for you and at the same time, provides the right fit for you academically, socially, and athletically.
The recruiting process is just that--a "process." Consider all the factors that go into bringing a prospective student-athlete to a college: academic high school grades and core GPA; SAT/ACT scores; NCAA Clearinghouse; letters and emails; phone calls; campus visits (both official and unofficial); in-person evaluations; roster-spot and scholarship offers; and National Letter of Intent. College coaches want to find the best players possible, but they need to make sure they are finding players that have the right kind of academics and personality for their team. Only by covering each step of the recruiting process will they be able to find out which players they want in their program.
The main areas of the recruiting process that players need to take special interest in are:
• Letter-writing (and Email)
• Phone calls
• Un-official visits
By excelling in these areas, prospective student-athletes can help college coaches evaluate their needs and thereby provide specific and useful information to the player. Stay in contact with the colleges that confirm an interest in you. If a school no longer has an interest in you, cross it off your list and move on. Coaches will ultimately let you know their intentions if you communicate effectively.
Contact schools beginning in your junior year, preferably during the winter when coaches are in their off-season and have more time to respond to potential recruits. First, make a broad list of colleges--the list will be updated gradually throughout your junior year and the summer before your senior year.
A broad list can look something like this:
• 25-30 total schools
• 4-6 schools within four hours of where you live
• 2-4 Division-I schools
• 2-4 Division-II schools
• 2-4 Division-III schools
• 2-4 NAIA schools
• 2-4 NJCAA schools
• 4-8 others (can be schools from any of the areas above)
It is very important to contact schools from all different levels and sizes. This will allow you to receive information from many different types of programs, making it easy to compare and contrast. You will be able to see what type of school will provide the right fit for you.
LETTER-WRITING (and Email):
Letters (Emails) to college coaches need to be precise and to the point. It is important to provide the following information when communicating with a coach for the first time:
Introductions - provide information where you introduce yourself: name, high school, graduation year, position you play.
Express desire - provide information that lets the coach know you have an interest in his program and have a desire to play at the school in the future.
Request information - be sure to ask for information about the program and school. The second or third time you write to a school, you should include copies of high school and summer-league playing schedules in order to give the coach opportunities to see you play in-person. Be sure to include information on all baseball showcases, tournaments, camps, etc. that you will be participating in. Provide as complete a schedule as possible.
PHONE CALLS:
NCAA rules do not allow college coaches to speak to prospective student- athletes specifically about their baseball program until July 1, prior to the start of their senior year in high school. Once this date comes, coaches and players are able to speak on the phone and in-person. A college coach is allowed, under NCAA guidelines, to contact a prospective student-athlete on the phone once a week. However, a player is able to call the coach as many times as he likes. It is not advisable to call a coach more times per week than is necessary, but do not be afraid to keep attempting contact if you have been unable to get in touch with a coach.
Remember, it is important for the student-athlete to "recruit the school" - so, making telephone calls to coaches is imperative in order to obtain information. Also, college coaches respect players that are mature enough to handle this responsibility and also show the ability to communicate and express themselves properly on the phone and in-person. Recruiting mature individuals that display confidence off the field is very important for coaches.
When placing calls to coaches, here are a few things to remember:
1. Be prepared–rehearse some of the questions you want to make sure you get answered. Also, be ready to answer questions from the coach in a clear and coherent manner.
2. Have a notepad with you so you may take notes on your conversation. Be organized.
3. When speaking with a coach the first time, be sure to cover these ares:
• Introduce yourself, and let the coach know that you have sent him
information in the mail prior to the conversation.
• Find out if the coach received the information you sent to him
• Inquire about where the coach stands in his recruiting process. What are his specific needs for this year? Is he still actively recruiting players that play the same position as you?
• If a phone call results in the coach having a possible need for you, definitely let the coach know that you would like the opportunity to visit the school and be able to meet with him in person.
UNOFFICIAL VISITS:
(Official visits will not be discussed here as they are typically set up by the college coach. An official visit indicates that the college pays for the trip.) Unofficial visits can be made during the athlete's junior year. The only part of the trip that will be different than a senior-year visit is that the student-athlete will be unable to speak with any of the coaches about their specific program. Despite this, a lot of valuable information can be gathered on a trip during your junior year:
• Campus tour with the admissions office staff:
o View a college academic class
o View college life in the dormitories
o View campus life – cafeterias, book stores, etc...
• Meet with an admissions staff office member to discuss academic requirements.
• View baseball team workout, practice, or game
• Meet with a team-member of the baseball program to get first-hand information about the program. This should be arranged prior to the trip. Unofficial visits made during the senior year will cover the same areas with the addition of meeting with the coaching staff to discuss specific information about the school's baseball program, your individual abilities, the school's specific recruiting needs etc. It is important to meet with as many of the current baseball players at the school as possible. Ask the players questions about practices, off- season workouts, and coaching philosophies.
Too many times, high school baseball players sit back and wait for college coaches to contact them. The college baseball recruiting process is proactive-- prospective student-athletes need to be aggressive in their approach with college coaches by putting themselves in front of coaches and letting them know of their intentions and interests. Once the coach and player establish a line of communication, the coach will reveal his level of interest. If the interest is positive, the coach will take over the process and provide information to the player in an attempt to obtain a commitment. Obviously, if the staff is not interested, the player can cross that school off of his list and move on to the next school. By gathering information the player will be able to see what schools have an interest; he will be able to see what schools have a specific need for him; he will be able to see what schools provide a solid fit for him. Gathering all of this information, continuing to make telephone calls, making visits, and communicating with the people involved in their program will present the player with the school that provides him with everything he is looking for. The player should look for a school to attend that he will want to remain at if his baseball career ends because of injury, lack of ability, etc. If baseball does not work out, it is important he has still chosen the best fit academically and socially-- the education will still be there.
Recruiting Calendar
2010-2011 NCAA Division I Baseball Recruiting Calendar
NCAA Division I Baseball Recruiting Calendar
August 1, 2010 through July 31, 2011
(See NCAA Division I Bylaw 13.17.1 for baseball calendar formula)
The dates in this calendar reflect the application of Bylaw 13.17 at the time of publication of this manual but are subject to change per Constitution 5.2.3.1 or if certain dates (e.g., National Letter of Intent signing dates) are altered.
(a)Contact Period - August 1-31, 2010:
(b)Quiet Period - September 1-9, 2010:
(c)Contact Period - September 10 through November 7, 2010:
(d)Dead Period - November 8-11, 2010:
(e)Quiet Period - November 12, 2010, through February 28, 2011, [except for (1) below]:
(1)Dead Period - January 6 (12:01 a.m.) through January 10, 2011, (12:01 a.m.)*:
(f)Contact Period - March 1 through July 31, 2011, [except for (1) below]:
(1)Dead Period - April 11-14, 2011:
*Dates are based on the American Baseball Coaches Association Convention. January 6-9, 2011, registration and convention dates.
Glossary of terms
(a)Contact occurs any time a coach has any face-to-face contact with a prospective student-athlete or the prospect’s parents off the college’s campus and says more than hello. A contact also occurs if a coach has any contact with the prospective student-athlete or his or her parents at the prospective student-athlete’s high school or any location where the prospect is engaging in competition or practice.
(f)Contact period is the time when a college coach may have in-person contact with a prospective student-athlete and the prospect’s parents on or off the college’s campus. The coach may also watch the prospective student-athlete play or visit his or her high school. The prospect and the parents may visit a college campus, and the coach may write and telephone during this period.
(d)Dead period is a time when the college coach may not have any in-person contact with the prospective student-athlete or the prospect’s parents at any time. The coach may write and telephone during this time.
Evaluation is an activity by a coach to evaluate a prospective student-athlete’s academic or athletics ability. This would include visiting the prospective student-athlete’s high school or watching the prospect practice or compete.
Evaluation period is the time a college coach may watch a prospective student-athlete play or visit the high school but cannot have any in-person conversations with the possible recruit or the parents off the college’s campus. The prospective student-athlete and the parents can visit a college campus during this period and a coach may call or write during this period.
National Letter of Intent is the document a prospective student-athlete signs when he or she agrees to attend the designated college or university for one academic year. According to the terms of the National Letter of Intent program, participating institutions agree to provide athletics financial aid for one academic year to the student-athlete, provided he or she is admitted to the institution and is eligible for financial aid under NCAA rules. An important provision of the National Letter of Intent program is a recruiting prohibition applied after a prospective student-athlete signs a National Letter of Intent. This prohibition requires participating institutions to cease recruitment of a prospective student-athlete once a National Letter of Intent is signed with another institution.
Official visit is a prospective student-athlete’s visit to a college campus paid for by the college. The college can pay for transportation to and from the college, room and meals (three per day) while visiting and reasonable entertainment expenses, including three complimentary admissions to a home athletics contest. NCAA recruiting bylaws limit the number of official visits a recruit may take to five.
Prospective student-athlete is the title given when a student enters ninth grade. It also applies when, before a student’s ninth-grade year, a college gives the student, the student’s relatives or their friends any financial aid or other benefits that the college does not generally provide to prospective students.
(b)Quiet period is a time when the college may not have any in-person talk with the prospective student-athlete or the parents off the college’s campus. The coach may not watch the prospect play or practice.The prospective student-athlete can visit college campuses during this time and a coach may write or telephone.
Unofficial visit is any visit by a prospective student-athlete and their parents to a college campus paid for by the prospective student athlete or the prospect’s parents. The only expense the prospective student-athlete can receive from the college is three complimentary admissions to a home athletics contest. The prospect may make as many visits as he or she likes and may take the visits at any time. The only time the prospective student-athlete cannot talk with a coach during an unofficial visit is during a dead period.
Verbal commitment is the phrase used to describe a college-bound student-athlete’s commitment to a school before he or she is able to sign a National Letter of Intent. A college-bound student athlete can announce a verbal commitment at any time. While verbal commitments have become popular, they are NOT binding on either the college-bound student-athlete or the school.
NCAA Division I Baseball Recruiting Calendar
August 1, 2010 through July 31, 2011
(See NCAA Division I Bylaw 13.17.1 for baseball calendar formula)
The dates in this calendar reflect the application of Bylaw 13.17 at the time of publication of this manual but are subject to change per Constitution 5.2.3.1 or if certain dates (e.g., National Letter of Intent signing dates) are altered.
(a)Contact Period - August 1-31, 2010:
(b)Quiet Period - September 1-9, 2010:
(c)Contact Period - September 10 through November 7, 2010:
(d)Dead Period - November 8-11, 2010:
(e)Quiet Period - November 12, 2010, through February 28, 2011, [except for (1) below]:
(1)Dead Period - January 6 (12:01 a.m.) through January 10, 2011, (12:01 a.m.)*:
(f)Contact Period - March 1 through July 31, 2011, [except for (1) below]:
(1)Dead Period - April 11-14, 2011:
*Dates are based on the American Baseball Coaches Association Convention. January 6-9, 2011, registration and convention dates.
Glossary of terms
(a)Contact occurs any time a coach has any face-to-face contact with a prospective student-athlete or the prospect’s parents off the college’s campus and says more than hello. A contact also occurs if a coach has any contact with the prospective student-athlete or his or her parents at the prospective student-athlete’s high school or any location where the prospect is engaging in competition or practice.
(f)Contact period is the time when a college coach may have in-person contact with a prospective student-athlete and the prospect’s parents on or off the college’s campus. The coach may also watch the prospective student-athlete play or visit his or her high school. The prospect and the parents may visit a college campus, and the coach may write and telephone during this period.
(d)Dead period is a time when the college coach may not have any in-person contact with the prospective student-athlete or the prospect’s parents at any time. The coach may write and telephone during this time.
Evaluation is an activity by a coach to evaluate a prospective student-athlete’s academic or athletics ability. This would include visiting the prospective student-athlete’s high school or watching the prospect practice or compete.
Evaluation period is the time a college coach may watch a prospective student-athlete play or visit the high school but cannot have any in-person conversations with the possible recruit or the parents off the college’s campus. The prospective student-athlete and the parents can visit a college campus during this period and a coach may call or write during this period.
National Letter of Intent is the document a prospective student-athlete signs when he or she agrees to attend the designated college or university for one academic year. According to the terms of the National Letter of Intent program, participating institutions agree to provide athletics financial aid for one academic year to the student-athlete, provided he or she is admitted to the institution and is eligible for financial aid under NCAA rules. An important provision of the National Letter of Intent program is a recruiting prohibition applied after a prospective student-athlete signs a National Letter of Intent. This prohibition requires participating institutions to cease recruitment of a prospective student-athlete once a National Letter of Intent is signed with another institution.
Official visit is a prospective student-athlete’s visit to a college campus paid for by the college. The college can pay for transportation to and from the college, room and meals (three per day) while visiting and reasonable entertainment expenses, including three complimentary admissions to a home athletics contest. NCAA recruiting bylaws limit the number of official visits a recruit may take to five.
Prospective student-athlete is the title given when a student enters ninth grade. It also applies when, before a student’s ninth-grade year, a college gives the student, the student’s relatives or their friends any financial aid or other benefits that the college does not generally provide to prospective students.
(b)Quiet period is a time when the college may not have any in-person talk with the prospective student-athlete or the parents off the college’s campus. The coach may not watch the prospect play or practice.The prospective student-athlete can visit college campuses during this time and a coach may write or telephone.
Unofficial visit is any visit by a prospective student-athlete and their parents to a college campus paid for by the prospective student athlete or the prospect’s parents. The only expense the prospective student-athlete can receive from the college is three complimentary admissions to a home athletics contest. The prospect may make as many visits as he or she likes and may take the visits at any time. The only time the prospective student-athlete cannot talk with a coach during an unofficial visit is during a dead period.
Verbal commitment is the phrase used to describe a college-bound student-athlete’s commitment to a school before he or she is able to sign a National Letter of Intent. A college-bound student athlete can announce a verbal commitment at any time. While verbal commitments have become popular, they are NOT binding on either the college-bound student-athlete or the school.
College Visits
For a high school student wavering between a seemingly infinite number of college choices, a visit to a campus can often be the determining factor. Student-athletes must consider NCAA regulations when arranging these visits as to not jeopardize their eligibility.
There are two types of visits according to NCAA regulations - official and unofficial. Official visits are taken during the athlete's senior year and are financed in whole or in part by the respective institution. Unofficial visits, however, are those that are typically taken during or before the end of an athlete's junior year.
The following limitations apply to official visits: An official visit may not be taken prior to the start of classes or September 1 of the athlete's senior year A school may finance only one official visit per prospect to its campus A prospect may take a maximum of five expenses-paid official visits to DI and DII schools and an unlimited number to DIII schools if the prospect enrolls in a DIII school.
In DI and II, you cannot be offered an official visit without receiving initial eligibility form the NCAA Clearinghouse.
The length of an official visit may not exceed 48 hours.
The school must limit the entertainment, meals and lodging on an official visit to the prospect, the prospect's parents (or guardian) and spouse.
The institution may provide the following on an unofficial visit: Complimentary admission to an on-campus athletic event Transportation within 30 miles to off-campus practice and competition sites, but not to attend one of the institution's athletic events In DI and DII, a meal to the prospect in the school's on-campus dining facility (or off-campus if all on-campus facilities are closed). In DIII schools a meal can be provided if it is a normal policy to provide a meal to all prospective students.
In DIII, the institution can provide housing to the prospect, provided such housing is available to all visiting prospective students
Players can take an unlimited number of unofficial visits to any campus and can make them before their senior years in high school.
Though daunting, it is the responsibility of the student-athlete to ensure that he is in compliance with NCAA regulations throughout the entire recruiting process. Failure to do so can result in his inability to compete on the varsity team during his freshman year at college.
Steps for Successful Visits
1) Gather contact information on about 6 -10 schools which peak your interest.
2) Contact each of these coaches by phone. Be sure that the PLAYER not the PARENT is the one making these calls. Coaches are interested in speaking with and getting to know potential players, not their parents. It is as important to the coach as it is to the player, to find a perfect fit. Players, who rely on their parents to write letters, make phone calls and arrange visits, will find it difficult to make a connection with the coaching staff.
When speaking with college coaches:
1) Let them know that you are interested in finding out more about their program
2) Make them aware you live within a close proximity of their university and would like to schedule a visit at a time when you can watch the team practice.
3) Ask the coach if there is a way you could take a campus tour in order to find out more about the school, the academics, social life, etc.
4) Ask them if there would be time to meet with anyone from the coaching staff
5) Express an interest in meeting a few of the players
When visiting day arrives, make the most of the experience. Watch the practice intently and try to picture how you would fit in athletically. Pay close attention to the athletes that play your position and ask yourself how you compare and what you can do to bring yourself to that level. Observe the dynamics of the practice and determine if the coaching style will benefit you in the coming years.
Meet with someone in the admissions office to learn about the university's academic programs, social atmosphere and campus environment. What is the student to teacher ratio? What majors does the school offer? What academic scholarships/grants are available? When do most students declare their major? Do most students live on or off campus? What is the percentage of students who go home on the weekends? Come up with other questions that are of importance to you. Do not be afraid to make a list.
Talk with the coaching staff and find out what type of player they are recruiting, who they have signed already, how much scholarship money they have left, if they have an interest in you, have they seen you play (either in person or from a video), etc.
Talk with the players and ask specific questions about the coaching staff, the school life, the team, the town, etc. Players will give you honest feedback and may help you decide if the college is right for you.
By scheduling several visits you will be able to make comparisons between schools and discover which will be the best fit for you athletically, academically and socially.
College visits are essential for seniors but juniors can benefit from them as well. Keep in mind though that the coaching staff is not permitted to make verbal contact with you until July 1 before your senior year according to NCAA regulations. Juniors can set up visits through the admissions office and still obtain valuable, first-hand information about the schools. If you have not done so already, be sure to take along an introductory package of information (letter of interest, baseball resume etc) with you that you can leave with baseball coaches.
January and February are perfect visitation months because:
The college baseball team will be practicing
They have not started playing games, so, the coaching staff (and players) will not be totally stressed out YET!!!!
You will be able to see the entire college "scene" - campus life, classes, professors, baseball practice, possibly even a basketball game while you are on campus.
There are two types of visits according to NCAA regulations - official and unofficial. Official visits are taken during the athlete's senior year and are financed in whole or in part by the respective institution. Unofficial visits, however, are those that are typically taken during or before the end of an athlete's junior year.
The following limitations apply to official visits: An official visit may not be taken prior to the start of classes or September 1 of the athlete's senior year A school may finance only one official visit per prospect to its campus A prospect may take a maximum of five expenses-paid official visits to DI and DII schools and an unlimited number to DIII schools if the prospect enrolls in a DIII school.
In DI and II, you cannot be offered an official visit without receiving initial eligibility form the NCAA Clearinghouse.
The length of an official visit may not exceed 48 hours.
The school must limit the entertainment, meals and lodging on an official visit to the prospect, the prospect's parents (or guardian) and spouse.
The institution may provide the following on an unofficial visit: Complimentary admission to an on-campus athletic event Transportation within 30 miles to off-campus practice and competition sites, but not to attend one of the institution's athletic events In DI and DII, a meal to the prospect in the school's on-campus dining facility (or off-campus if all on-campus facilities are closed). In DIII schools a meal can be provided if it is a normal policy to provide a meal to all prospective students.
In DIII, the institution can provide housing to the prospect, provided such housing is available to all visiting prospective students
Players can take an unlimited number of unofficial visits to any campus and can make them before their senior years in high school.
Though daunting, it is the responsibility of the student-athlete to ensure that he is in compliance with NCAA regulations throughout the entire recruiting process. Failure to do so can result in his inability to compete on the varsity team during his freshman year at college.
Steps for Successful Visits
1) Gather contact information on about 6 -10 schools which peak your interest.
2) Contact each of these coaches by phone. Be sure that the PLAYER not the PARENT is the one making these calls. Coaches are interested in speaking with and getting to know potential players, not their parents. It is as important to the coach as it is to the player, to find a perfect fit. Players, who rely on their parents to write letters, make phone calls and arrange visits, will find it difficult to make a connection with the coaching staff.
When speaking with college coaches:
1) Let them know that you are interested in finding out more about their program
2) Make them aware you live within a close proximity of their university and would like to schedule a visit at a time when you can watch the team practice.
3) Ask the coach if there is a way you could take a campus tour in order to find out more about the school, the academics, social life, etc.
4) Ask them if there would be time to meet with anyone from the coaching staff
5) Express an interest in meeting a few of the players
When visiting day arrives, make the most of the experience. Watch the practice intently and try to picture how you would fit in athletically. Pay close attention to the athletes that play your position and ask yourself how you compare and what you can do to bring yourself to that level. Observe the dynamics of the practice and determine if the coaching style will benefit you in the coming years.
Meet with someone in the admissions office to learn about the university's academic programs, social atmosphere and campus environment. What is the student to teacher ratio? What majors does the school offer? What academic scholarships/grants are available? When do most students declare their major? Do most students live on or off campus? What is the percentage of students who go home on the weekends? Come up with other questions that are of importance to you. Do not be afraid to make a list.
Talk with the coaching staff and find out what type of player they are recruiting, who they have signed already, how much scholarship money they have left, if they have an interest in you, have they seen you play (either in person or from a video), etc.
Talk with the players and ask specific questions about the coaching staff, the school life, the team, the town, etc. Players will give you honest feedback and may help you decide if the college is right for you.
By scheduling several visits you will be able to make comparisons between schools and discover which will be the best fit for you athletically, academically and socially.
College visits are essential for seniors but juniors can benefit from them as well. Keep in mind though that the coaching staff is not permitted to make verbal contact with you until July 1 before your senior year according to NCAA regulations. Juniors can set up visits through the admissions office and still obtain valuable, first-hand information about the schools. If you have not done so already, be sure to take along an introductory package of information (letter of interest, baseball resume etc) with you that you can leave with baseball coaches.
January and February are perfect visitation months because:
The college baseball team will be practicing
They have not started playing games, so, the coaching staff (and players) will not be totally stressed out YET!!!!
You will be able to see the entire college "scene" - campus life, classes, professors, baseball practice, possibly even a basketball game while you are on campus.
Clearinghouse Questions
Athletes who wish to pursue their baseball career at the DI or DII level must register with the NCAA Clearinghouse in order to be deemed eligible. Players will be cleared following graduation provided that they have met the necessary academic requirements. High school juniors should schedule an appointment with their guidance counselor in order to obtain the necessary forms and ensure that they are on track to being cleared.
1) What is the minimum SAT/ACT score I need to achieve?
The minimum SAT score is an 820 and the minimum ACT score is a 17. These scores will be compared with your GPA on a sliding scale. Your scores directly correspond with your GPA, so the higher your GPA the lower standardized test score you will need to achieve.
2) What is the minimum GPA I must obtain?
A 2.5 is the minimum GPA, but it is based on a sliding scale with standardized test scores.
3) Where can I find a list of core courses?
Athletes can learn about core courses by contacting the Clearinghouse or by visiting the NCAA website. High school guidance centers should also have a basic knowledge of what classes are considered "core courses."
4) What if I am not cleared after graduation?
Following graduation if you are not cleared, you will be deemed a partial qualifier or a non- qualifier. If you were a partial qualifier you would have achieved either the required GPA or necessary SAT scores but not both. This will give you the opportunity to practice with the team, but you will not be permitted to play in a game until the following year. As a non- qualifier, you are not eligible to participate in athletics at all your freshman year. Provided that you achieve the minimum GPA and are on a track to graduate you will be eligible in your sophomore year.
5) What if I want to start out at a community college? Is there anything that has to be done once I decide to attend a 4-year institution?
If you did not qualify with the NCAA Clearinghouse following your senior year you must graduate from the 2-year institution before you are eligible to participate at the DI or DII level. If you were cleared after graduation, you can play immediately once you transfer to another school.
For mor information go to the "Links" menu on left side bar, and click on Clearinghouse link.
1) What is the minimum SAT/ACT score I need to achieve?
The minimum SAT score is an 820 and the minimum ACT score is a 17. These scores will be compared with your GPA on a sliding scale. Your scores directly correspond with your GPA, so the higher your GPA the lower standardized test score you will need to achieve.
2) What is the minimum GPA I must obtain?
A 2.5 is the minimum GPA, but it is based on a sliding scale with standardized test scores.
3) Where can I find a list of core courses?
Athletes can learn about core courses by contacting the Clearinghouse or by visiting the NCAA website. High school guidance centers should also have a basic knowledge of what classes are considered "core courses."
4) What if I am not cleared after graduation?
Following graduation if you are not cleared, you will be deemed a partial qualifier or a non- qualifier. If you were a partial qualifier you would have achieved either the required GPA or necessary SAT scores but not both. This will give you the opportunity to practice with the team, but you will not be permitted to play in a game until the following year. As a non- qualifier, you are not eligible to participate in athletics at all your freshman year. Provided that you achieve the minimum GPA and are on a track to graduate you will be eligible in your sophomore year.
5) What if I want to start out at a community college? Is there anything that has to be done once I decide to attend a 4-year institution?
If you did not qualify with the NCAA Clearinghouse following your senior year you must graduate from the 2-year institution before you are eligible to participate at the DI or DII level. If you were cleared after graduation, you can play immediately once you transfer to another school.
For mor information go to the "Links" menu on left side bar, and click on Clearinghouse link.
Scholarships
Undoubtedly one of the most confusing parts of the college recruiting process is the distribution of athletic scholarships. It varies from division to division, conference to conference and even school to school, leaving players and parents wondering what their chances are of receiving awards and assistance.
Each athletic division is allotted a predetermined number of athletic scholarships to distribute how they see fit. The maximum amount of scholarships awarded to each level of school is as follows:
NCAA Division I: 11.7 NCAA Division II: 9.0 Junior College: DI and DII: 24 DIII: 0 NCAA Division III: 0 NAIA: 12
It is a common misconception that each division is awarded the above number of scholarships PER YEAR to spend on the incoming class. In fact, this is the number of scholarships that is allocated for the entire team at any given time. For example, Division I colleges are allowed to have 11.7 total scholarships on their roster.
These numbers represent the maximum amount that each level has to distribute. Each baseball program is different depending on the level of university support. Typically the top conferences in the country are fully funded. Other conferences limit the number of scholarships each program has so that there is parity among the schools. Some Division I schools, like those in the Ivy or Patriot Leagues, do not offer athletic scholarships at all.
Although Division III schools do not offer athletic scholarships there is still hope for those who are looking for ways to defer the costs of tuition. Coaches at these schools can provide assistance with state and university grants as well as financial aid awards.
There is no equation for scholarship distribution but there are several rules that coaches tend to follow. Generally 65%-80% of a program's total athletic money is handed out to players in the middle of the field. Pitchers get the most scholarships, followed by middle infielders, catchers and centerfielders who can run.
Creativity allows coaches to make the most of their allotted scholarships. Coaches eager to get the most out of their funds will combine financial aid, academic money, grants and athletic money into a "package." For example:
Baseball University Costs $14,000
Player X Gets a $12,000 package Athletic Money = $2,000 (14.3% scholarship) Academic Money = $3,500 State Grant = $2,000 Baseball U award = $1,500 Pell Grant = $3,000 Total = $12,000 (85.7% total scholarship)
Keep in mind that in baseball a 30% scholarship offer is considered a major commitment on behalf of the college.
Players also have the potential to earn scholarship raises throughout their college careers. This means that someone who starts off with a 15% athletic scholarship could be receiving a 75% athletic scholarship his senior year.
Each athletic division is allotted a predetermined number of athletic scholarships to distribute how they see fit. The maximum amount of scholarships awarded to each level of school is as follows:
NCAA Division I: 11.7 NCAA Division II: 9.0 Junior College: DI and DII: 24 DIII: 0 NCAA Division III: 0 NAIA: 12
It is a common misconception that each division is awarded the above number of scholarships PER YEAR to spend on the incoming class. In fact, this is the number of scholarships that is allocated for the entire team at any given time. For example, Division I colleges are allowed to have 11.7 total scholarships on their roster.
These numbers represent the maximum amount that each level has to distribute. Each baseball program is different depending on the level of university support. Typically the top conferences in the country are fully funded. Other conferences limit the number of scholarships each program has so that there is parity among the schools. Some Division I schools, like those in the Ivy or Patriot Leagues, do not offer athletic scholarships at all.
Although Division III schools do not offer athletic scholarships there is still hope for those who are looking for ways to defer the costs of tuition. Coaches at these schools can provide assistance with state and university grants as well as financial aid awards.
There is no equation for scholarship distribution but there are several rules that coaches tend to follow. Generally 65%-80% of a program's total athletic money is handed out to players in the middle of the field. Pitchers get the most scholarships, followed by middle infielders, catchers and centerfielders who can run.
Creativity allows coaches to make the most of their allotted scholarships. Coaches eager to get the most out of their funds will combine financial aid, academic money, grants and athletic money into a "package." For example:
Baseball University Costs $14,000
Player X Gets a $12,000 package Athletic Money = $2,000 (14.3% scholarship) Academic Money = $3,500 State Grant = $2,000 Baseball U award = $1,500 Pell Grant = $3,000 Total = $12,000 (85.7% total scholarship)
Keep in mind that in baseball a 30% scholarship offer is considered a major commitment on behalf of the college.
Players also have the potential to earn scholarship raises throughout their college careers. This means that someone who starts off with a 15% athletic scholarship could be receiving a 75% athletic scholarship his senior year.
Signing a National Letter of Intent
What is a national letter of intent? Does it guarantee playing time? Once I sign a letter of intent, can other colleges recruit me? The national letter of intent is one of many aspects of the college recruiting process that can spark confusion among players and parents. Signed by the rising college athlete (and his parent or guardian if he is under the age of 18) the written agreement declares that he will plan to attend that institution for at least one year. In return, he will receive the agreed upon athletic scholarship. Should the player decide he no longer wants to attend the school with which he signed, he will lose two years eligibility. The signing of this letter signals the end of the college recruiting process for the ballplayer as colleges are not permitted to recruit athletes whom have already signed with another institution. The national letter of intent must be signed during the designated time frame which varies by sport. Baseball players must sign during one of two periods: Mid November or Mid April – August (see the NCAA web site for exact dates). Otherwise the statement will be considered invalid. Most players sign letters of intent sometime during their senior year. If they have not done so already, players who sign should submit the necessary information to the NCAA Clearinghouse. If the Clearinghouse deems you a non-qualifier, your National Letter of Intent will be considered void.
If you would like further information about the National Letter of Intent, please contact the school you are interested in attending or visit the National Letter of Intent program online at www.national-letter.org.Please read the National Letter of Intent below take from the official website of the National Letter of Intent program. Text of the National Letter of Intent *From national-letter.org
1. Initial Enrollment in Four-Year Institution. This NLI is applicable only to prospective student-athletes who will be entering four-year institutions for the first time as full-time students. It is also permissible for 4-2-4 transfers who are graduating from a junior college as outlined in provision 8b to sign the NLI. With the exception of midyear transfer students in football, (who must graduate at midyear for this NLI to be valid), no prospective student- athlete enrolling at midyear shall sign a NLI.
2. Financial Aid Requirement. At the time I sign this NLI, I must receive a written offer of athletics financial aid applicable for the entire 2006-2007 academic year from the institution named in this document. The offer shall list the terms and conditions of the award, including the amount and duration of the financial aid. (A midyear football junior college transfer must receive a written offer of athletics financial aid applicable for the
remainder of the 2005-2006 academic year.) In order for this NLI to be valid, my parent/legal guardian and I must sign the NLI and the offer of athletics aid prior to submission to the institution named in this document, and any other stated conditions must also be met. If the conditions stated on the financial aid offer are not met, this NLI shall be declared null and void. An institution submitting an improper offer of athletics aid may be in violation of the NLI program and subject to sanctions.
a. Professional Sports Contract. If I sign a professional sports contract in the sport in which I signed the NLI, I remain bound by the provisions of the NLI in all other sports, even if NCAA rules prohibit the institution named in this document from providing me with athletics financial aid.
3. Provisions of Letter Satisfied.
a. One-year Attendance Requirement Met. The terms of this NLI shall be
satisfied if I attend the institution named in this document for at least
one academic year as a full-time student.
b. Junior College Graduation. The terms of this NLI shall be satisfied if I
graduate from junior college after signing this NLI either while in high school or during my first year of full-time enrollment in junior college, provided it is not the year I am scheduled to graduate from junior college.
4. Basic Penalty. I understand that if I do not attend the institution named in this document for one full academic year, and I enroll in another institution participating in the NLI program, I may not represent the latter institution in intercollegiate athletics competition until I have completed one full academic year in residence at the latter institution. Further, I understand I shall be charged with the loss of one season of intercollegiate athletics eligibility in all sports, except as otherwise provided in this NLI. This is in addition to any eligibility expended at any institution.
a. Early Signing Period Penalties. Prospective student-athletes who will participate in football are prohibited from signing an NLI during the early signing period. A student who signs an NLI during the early period in a sport other than football will be ineligible for practice and competition in the sport of football during the student’s first year of enrollment at an NLI member institution, and shall forfeit one season of eligibility in the sport of football. In circumstances where a student’s primary sport is not football, but the student anticipates participating in football, the student should delay signing an NLI until either the football signing period or during the late signing period for all other sports.
5. Release Request Form. An NLI Release Request Form may be obtained and completed in the event I wish to be released from my NLI obligation. I must sign the form, along with my parent/legal guardian, and the Director of Athletics of the institution named in this document. A Release Request Form may be obtained from the NLI website at www.national- letter.org/documents/.
a. Authority to Release. A coach is not authorized to void, cancel or provide any form of release to this NLI.
b. Extent of the Release Request Form. The provisions of the Release Request Form shall apply to all NLI participating institutions and shall not be conditional or selective by institution.
6. Appeal Process. I understand the NLI Steering Committee has been authorized to issue interpretations, settle disputes and consider petitions for a complete release from the provisions of this NLI when extenuating circumstances are determined to exist and the signing institution denies my request for complete release. I further understand the Steering Committee’s decision may be appealed to the NLI Appeals Committee, whose decision shall be final and binding.
7. Letter Becomes Null and Void. This NLI shall be declared null and void if any of the following occur:
a. Admissions Requirement. This NLI shall be declared null and void if the institution named in this document notifies me in writing that I have been denied admission or, by the opening day of classes in the fall 2006 has failed to provide me with written notice of admission, provided I have submitted a complete admission application.
1. It is presumed that I am eligible for admission and financial aid until information is submitted to the contrary. Thus, it is mandatory for me, upon request, to provide a transcript of my previous academic record and an application for admission to the institution named in this document.
2. If I am eligible for admission, but the institution named in this document defers admission to a subsequent term, the NLI shall be rendered null and void. However, if I defer my admission, this NLI remains binding.
b. Eligibility Requirements. This NLI shall be declared null and void if, by the opening day of classes in the fall of 2006, I have not met (a) the institution’s requirements for admissions, (b) its academic requirements for financial aid to athletes, or (c) the NCAA requirements for freshman financial aid (NCAA Bylaw 14.3) or the junior college transfer requirements.
1. If I become a nonqualifier (per NCAA Bylaw 14.3), this NLI shall be rendered null and void.
2. If I am a midyear junior college football transfer, the NLI becomes null and void if I fail to graduate from junior college at midyear. The NLI remains binding for the following fall term if I graduated, was eligible for admission and financial aid and met the junior college transfer requirements for competition for the winter or spring term, but chose to delay my admission.
c. One-Year Absence. This NLI shall be null and void if I have not attended any institution (or attended an institution, including a junior college, not participating in the NLI program) for at least one academic year, provided my request for athletics financial aid for a subsequent fall term is denied. I may still apply this provision if I initially enrolled in an NLI member institution but have been absent for a period of one academic year. To apply this provision, I must file with the appropriate conference office a statement from the director
of athletics at the institution named in this document that such
financial aid will not be available to me for the requested fall term.
d. Service in the U.S. Armed Forces. Church Mission. This NLI shall be
null and void if I serve on active duty with the armed forces of the United States or on an official church mission for at least eighteen (18) months.
e. Discontinued Sport. This NLI shall be null and void if the institution named in the document discontinues my sport.
f. Recruiting Rules Violation. If the institution (or a representative of its athletics interests) named in this document violated NCAA or conference rules while recruiting me, as found through the NCAA or conference enforcement process or acknowledged by the institution, this NLI shall be declared null and void. Such declaration shall not take place until all appeals to the NCAA or conference for restoration of eligibility have been concluded.
8. Only One Valid NLI Permitted. I understand that I may sign only one valid NLI, except as listed below.
a. Subsequent Signing Year. If this NLI is rendered null and void under Provision 7, I remain free to enroll in any institution of my choice where I am admissible and shall be permitted to sign another NLI in a subsequent signing year.
b. Junior College Exception. If I signed a NLI while in high school or during my first year of full-time enrollment in junior college, I may sign another NLI in the signing year in which I am scheduled to graduate from junior college. If I graduate, the second NLI shall be binding on me; otherwise, the original NLI, if not already satisfied, shall remain valid.
9. Recruiting Ban After Signing. I understand all participating conferences and institutions are obligated to respect my signing and shall cease to recruit me upon my signing this NLI. I shall notify any recruiter who contacts me that I have signed an NLI. Once I enroll in the institution with which I signed, the NLI Recruiting Ban is no longer in effect, and I shall be governed by applicable NCAA recruiting bylaws.
10.Institutional Signatures Required Prior to Submission. This NLI must be signed and dated by the Director of Athletics (or his/her authorized representative) before submission in duplicate to me and my parents/legal guardian for our signatures. This NLI may be mailed prior to the initial signing date. When an NLI is issued prior to the initial signing date, the “date issued” shall be the initial NLI signing date and not the date that the NLI was signed or mailed by the institution.
11.Parent/Guardian Signature Required. My parent or legal guardian is required to sign this NLI if I am less than 21 years of age at the time of my signing, regardless of my marital status. If I do not have a living parent or a
legal guardian, the person who is acting in the capacity of a guardian may seek permission from the NLI Steering Committee to sign this NLI.
12.Falsification of NLI. If I falsify any part of this NLI, or if I have knowledge that my parent or guardian falsified any part of this NLI, I understand I shall forfeit the first year of my athletics eligibility at any NLI participating institution as outlined in Provision 4.
13.14-Day Signing Deadline. If my parent/legal guardian and I fail to sign this NLI within 14 days from the date issued, it will be invalid. In that event, another NLI may be issued within the appropriate signing period. (NOTE: This does not apply to the early signing period from November 9-16, 2005.)
14.Institutional Filing Deadline. This NLI must be filed with the appropriate conference by the institution named in this document within 21 days after the date of final signature or it will be invalid. In that event, another NLI may be issued within the appropriate signing period. (NOTE: This does not apply to the early signing period from November 9-16, 2005.)
15.No Additions or Deletions Allowed to NLI. No additions or deletions may be made to this NLI or the Release Request Form.
16.Official Time for Validity. This NLI shall be considered officially signed on the final date of signature by myself or my parent/legal guardian. If no time of day is listed, the time of 11:59 p.m. will be presumed.
17.Statute of Limitations. This NLI is in full force and effect for a period of four (4) years, commencing with the date I sign this NLI.
18.Nullification of Other Agreements. My signature on this NLI nullifies any agreements, oral or otherwise, which would release me from the conditions stated within this NLI.
19.If Coach Leaves. I understand I have signed this NLI with the institution and not for a particular sport or individual. If the coach leaves the institution or the sports program, I remain bound by the provisions of this NLI. I understand it is not uncommon for a coach to leave his or her coaching position.
20.Coaching Contact Prohibited at Time of Signing. A coach or an institutional representative may not hand deliver this NLI off campus or be present off campus at the time I sign it. This NLI may be delivered by express mail, courier service, regular mail, e-mail or facsimile machine. A NLI transmitted to an institution by facsimile machine or electronically shall be considered valid.
For Prospective Student-Athletes Enrolling in the 2011-2012 Academic Year
Baseball Early Singing Period (changes year to year, so be sure to check NLI website for dates)
November 10, 2010 - November 17, 2010
Baseball Regular Signing Period
April 13, 2010 - August 1, 2010
You can "verbally commit" (tell them you are going there without actually signing any papers) at any time to a college. But, this does not hold you a spot on the team, and is not binding by any means for you or the school.
For the updated dates of the signing period (so you know when you can sign), clink on "Links," and then go Find the NLI signing date links
If you would like further information about the National Letter of Intent, please contact the school you are interested in attending or visit the National Letter of Intent program online at www.national-letter.org.Please read the National Letter of Intent below take from the official website of the National Letter of Intent program. Text of the National Letter of Intent *From national-letter.org
1. Initial Enrollment in Four-Year Institution. This NLI is applicable only to prospective student-athletes who will be entering four-year institutions for the first time as full-time students. It is also permissible for 4-2-4 transfers who are graduating from a junior college as outlined in provision 8b to sign the NLI. With the exception of midyear transfer students in football, (who must graduate at midyear for this NLI to be valid), no prospective student- athlete enrolling at midyear shall sign a NLI.
2. Financial Aid Requirement. At the time I sign this NLI, I must receive a written offer of athletics financial aid applicable for the entire 2006-2007 academic year from the institution named in this document. The offer shall list the terms and conditions of the award, including the amount and duration of the financial aid. (A midyear football junior college transfer must receive a written offer of athletics financial aid applicable for the
remainder of the 2005-2006 academic year.) In order for this NLI to be valid, my parent/legal guardian and I must sign the NLI and the offer of athletics aid prior to submission to the institution named in this document, and any other stated conditions must also be met. If the conditions stated on the financial aid offer are not met, this NLI shall be declared null and void. An institution submitting an improper offer of athletics aid may be in violation of the NLI program and subject to sanctions.
a. Professional Sports Contract. If I sign a professional sports contract in the sport in which I signed the NLI, I remain bound by the provisions of the NLI in all other sports, even if NCAA rules prohibit the institution named in this document from providing me with athletics financial aid.
3. Provisions of Letter Satisfied.
a. One-year Attendance Requirement Met. The terms of this NLI shall be
satisfied if I attend the institution named in this document for at least
one academic year as a full-time student.
b. Junior College Graduation. The terms of this NLI shall be satisfied if I
graduate from junior college after signing this NLI either while in high school or during my first year of full-time enrollment in junior college, provided it is not the year I am scheduled to graduate from junior college.
4. Basic Penalty. I understand that if I do not attend the institution named in this document for one full academic year, and I enroll in another institution participating in the NLI program, I may not represent the latter institution in intercollegiate athletics competition until I have completed one full academic year in residence at the latter institution. Further, I understand I shall be charged with the loss of one season of intercollegiate athletics eligibility in all sports, except as otherwise provided in this NLI. This is in addition to any eligibility expended at any institution.
a. Early Signing Period Penalties. Prospective student-athletes who will participate in football are prohibited from signing an NLI during the early signing period. A student who signs an NLI during the early period in a sport other than football will be ineligible for practice and competition in the sport of football during the student’s first year of enrollment at an NLI member institution, and shall forfeit one season of eligibility in the sport of football. In circumstances where a student’s primary sport is not football, but the student anticipates participating in football, the student should delay signing an NLI until either the football signing period or during the late signing period for all other sports.
5. Release Request Form. An NLI Release Request Form may be obtained and completed in the event I wish to be released from my NLI obligation. I must sign the form, along with my parent/legal guardian, and the Director of Athletics of the institution named in this document. A Release Request Form may be obtained from the NLI website at www.national- letter.org/documents/.
a. Authority to Release. A coach is not authorized to void, cancel or provide any form of release to this NLI.
b. Extent of the Release Request Form. The provisions of the Release Request Form shall apply to all NLI participating institutions and shall not be conditional or selective by institution.
6. Appeal Process. I understand the NLI Steering Committee has been authorized to issue interpretations, settle disputes and consider petitions for a complete release from the provisions of this NLI when extenuating circumstances are determined to exist and the signing institution denies my request for complete release. I further understand the Steering Committee’s decision may be appealed to the NLI Appeals Committee, whose decision shall be final and binding.
7. Letter Becomes Null and Void. This NLI shall be declared null and void if any of the following occur:
a. Admissions Requirement. This NLI shall be declared null and void if the institution named in this document notifies me in writing that I have been denied admission or, by the opening day of classes in the fall 2006 has failed to provide me with written notice of admission, provided I have submitted a complete admission application.
1. It is presumed that I am eligible for admission and financial aid until information is submitted to the contrary. Thus, it is mandatory for me, upon request, to provide a transcript of my previous academic record and an application for admission to the institution named in this document.
2. If I am eligible for admission, but the institution named in this document defers admission to a subsequent term, the NLI shall be rendered null and void. However, if I defer my admission, this NLI remains binding.
b. Eligibility Requirements. This NLI shall be declared null and void if, by the opening day of classes in the fall of 2006, I have not met (a) the institution’s requirements for admissions, (b) its academic requirements for financial aid to athletes, or (c) the NCAA requirements for freshman financial aid (NCAA Bylaw 14.3) or the junior college transfer requirements.
1. If I become a nonqualifier (per NCAA Bylaw 14.3), this NLI shall be rendered null and void.
2. If I am a midyear junior college football transfer, the NLI becomes null and void if I fail to graduate from junior college at midyear. The NLI remains binding for the following fall term if I graduated, was eligible for admission and financial aid and met the junior college transfer requirements for competition for the winter or spring term, but chose to delay my admission.
c. One-Year Absence. This NLI shall be null and void if I have not attended any institution (or attended an institution, including a junior college, not participating in the NLI program) for at least one academic year, provided my request for athletics financial aid for a subsequent fall term is denied. I may still apply this provision if I initially enrolled in an NLI member institution but have been absent for a period of one academic year. To apply this provision, I must file with the appropriate conference office a statement from the director
of athletics at the institution named in this document that such
financial aid will not be available to me for the requested fall term.
d. Service in the U.S. Armed Forces. Church Mission. This NLI shall be
null and void if I serve on active duty with the armed forces of the United States or on an official church mission for at least eighteen (18) months.
e. Discontinued Sport. This NLI shall be null and void if the institution named in the document discontinues my sport.
f. Recruiting Rules Violation. If the institution (or a representative of its athletics interests) named in this document violated NCAA or conference rules while recruiting me, as found through the NCAA or conference enforcement process or acknowledged by the institution, this NLI shall be declared null and void. Such declaration shall not take place until all appeals to the NCAA or conference for restoration of eligibility have been concluded.
8. Only One Valid NLI Permitted. I understand that I may sign only one valid NLI, except as listed below.
a. Subsequent Signing Year. If this NLI is rendered null and void under Provision 7, I remain free to enroll in any institution of my choice where I am admissible and shall be permitted to sign another NLI in a subsequent signing year.
b. Junior College Exception. If I signed a NLI while in high school or during my first year of full-time enrollment in junior college, I may sign another NLI in the signing year in which I am scheduled to graduate from junior college. If I graduate, the second NLI shall be binding on me; otherwise, the original NLI, if not already satisfied, shall remain valid.
9. Recruiting Ban After Signing. I understand all participating conferences and institutions are obligated to respect my signing and shall cease to recruit me upon my signing this NLI. I shall notify any recruiter who contacts me that I have signed an NLI. Once I enroll in the institution with which I signed, the NLI Recruiting Ban is no longer in effect, and I shall be governed by applicable NCAA recruiting bylaws.
10.Institutional Signatures Required Prior to Submission. This NLI must be signed and dated by the Director of Athletics (or his/her authorized representative) before submission in duplicate to me and my parents/legal guardian for our signatures. This NLI may be mailed prior to the initial signing date. When an NLI is issued prior to the initial signing date, the “date issued” shall be the initial NLI signing date and not the date that the NLI was signed or mailed by the institution.
11.Parent/Guardian Signature Required. My parent or legal guardian is required to sign this NLI if I am less than 21 years of age at the time of my signing, regardless of my marital status. If I do not have a living parent or a
legal guardian, the person who is acting in the capacity of a guardian may seek permission from the NLI Steering Committee to sign this NLI.
12.Falsification of NLI. If I falsify any part of this NLI, or if I have knowledge that my parent or guardian falsified any part of this NLI, I understand I shall forfeit the first year of my athletics eligibility at any NLI participating institution as outlined in Provision 4.
13.14-Day Signing Deadline. If my parent/legal guardian and I fail to sign this NLI within 14 days from the date issued, it will be invalid. In that event, another NLI may be issued within the appropriate signing period. (NOTE: This does not apply to the early signing period from November 9-16, 2005.)
14.Institutional Filing Deadline. This NLI must be filed with the appropriate conference by the institution named in this document within 21 days after the date of final signature or it will be invalid. In that event, another NLI may be issued within the appropriate signing period. (NOTE: This does not apply to the early signing period from November 9-16, 2005.)
15.No Additions or Deletions Allowed to NLI. No additions or deletions may be made to this NLI or the Release Request Form.
16.Official Time for Validity. This NLI shall be considered officially signed on the final date of signature by myself or my parent/legal guardian. If no time of day is listed, the time of 11:59 p.m. will be presumed.
17.Statute of Limitations. This NLI is in full force and effect for a period of four (4) years, commencing with the date I sign this NLI.
18.Nullification of Other Agreements. My signature on this NLI nullifies any agreements, oral or otherwise, which would release me from the conditions stated within this NLI.
19.If Coach Leaves. I understand I have signed this NLI with the institution and not for a particular sport or individual. If the coach leaves the institution or the sports program, I remain bound by the provisions of this NLI. I understand it is not uncommon for a coach to leave his or her coaching position.
20.Coaching Contact Prohibited at Time of Signing. A coach or an institutional representative may not hand deliver this NLI off campus or be present off campus at the time I sign it. This NLI may be delivered by express mail, courier service, regular mail, e-mail or facsimile machine. A NLI transmitted to an institution by facsimile machine or electronically shall be considered valid.
For Prospective Student-Athletes Enrolling in the 2011-2012 Academic Year
Baseball Early Singing Period (changes year to year, so be sure to check NLI website for dates)
November 10, 2010 - November 17, 2010
Baseball Regular Signing Period
April 13, 2010 - August 1, 2010
You can "verbally commit" (tell them you are going there without actually signing any papers) at any time to a college. But, this does not hold you a spot on the team, and is not binding by any means for you or the school.
For the updated dates of the signing period (so you know when you can sign), clink on "Links," and then go Find the NLI signing date links
