In part one, EASA emphasized the importance of the factors as to which Colleges EASA Soccer Athletes should be interested in reviewing, before making a final decision as to which College they wish to attend. In part two, EASA wants to help the student interested in communicating with their College Soccer Coach, and how to go about doing so.

First, lets remind readers of the most important fact: your choice of a college should be considered primarily on the basis of academic merit! It is important to realize that the academic level of the college or university has nothing to do with its competitiveness. It does no good if the recruiting coach can have you admitted under “special talent” and you can't compete academically with the other students. Gaining admission is only the beginning. Graduating is what counts.

Differences between NCAA Divisions:

» DIVISION I
1. The most highly skilled level of competition.
2. Colleges that compete in Division I usually offers scholarships.
3. Much more emphasis is placed on sports at Division I schools.
» DIVISION II
1. Athletes at this level may still receive full athletic scholarships.
2. Athletes that play Division II are not interested in the pressure and competitiveness of a Division I school. They would rather be a "big fish in a small pond."
» DIVISION III
1. Generally speaking, the least competitive division athletically. However, there are examples of very competitive sports programs at the Division III level.
2. Division III schools generally do not provide athletic scholarships. However, these schools often have academic and financial need packages that can be awarded.

Each year, a high school student athlete has certain responsibilities that need to be fulfilled. Here are some ideas that EASA and the NCAA feel are important:

A. Freshman/Sophomore Year
Academic Tasks:
1. Take a strong academic course load so you will meet the NCAA regulations at graduation. The regulations state that before you must successfully complete:
— 3 years of English
— 2 years of social studies
— 2 years of math
— 2 years of science
— 2 college of preparatory electives
Note: In these 11 courses, you must maintain a 2.00 for all courses taken during high school.
2. In your Sophomore year consider taking a PSAT which will give you an early look at the format of the SAT and also as an early indicator of some strengths and weaknesses.
Athletic Tasks:
1. Begin to develop a sports record of athletic accomplishments.
2. Participate in select programs for advanced coaching, high level of compensation, exposure.
3. Attend summer camps to improve skills, experience living away from home to compare current skills with others.

B. Junior Year
Academic Tasks:
1. Work with your guidance counselor to develop a list of possible schools you might attend based on your athletic and academic achievements.
2. Continue to take strong academic courses. Your junior year grades are very important.
3. Register for or take the required standardized tests: PSAT, ACT, and SAT.
4. Attend college nights and fairs, read and all literature sent to you. Send postcards requesting information.
5. Develop an Extracurricular Activity worksheet.
6. Investigate if your school has a college search computer program.
7. Visit college campuses.
8. Summer SAT Prep course if necessary (investigate such courses first; consult with Guidance).
Athletic Tasks:
1. Develop an athletic profile sheet.
2. Ask your coach to thoroughly evaluate your athletic skills and recommend the appropriate level of collegiate competition.
3. Collect all the newspaper clippings in which you are listed.
4. Read the booklet “NCAA Guide for the College Bound Athlete”. This booklet summarizes rules and regulations that govern recruiting aid, and transferring.
5. Attend summer camps. Consider attending one at a college you might most like to attend. Especially if the coach of that program knows you are interested in that school.
6. Ask your coach to be active on your behalf by responding to questionnaires and by calling or writing college coaches.

C. Senior Year
Academic Tasks:
1. Send for college applications early in the fall.
2. Register and take the standardized test as early as possible.
3. Update your Extracurricular Activity Sheet and include it with your application.
4. Write a personal statement and include it with your application.
5. Complete your college applications and give them to your guidance counselor to mail to the admissions office.
6. Apply for financial aid by completing the FAF form. This form must be mailed after January 1st.
7. Schedule visits to school where you have applied. Tour the campus and talk with an admissions representative.
Athletic Tasks:
1. Write to college coaches to express your interest in their school and athletic program. Include Athletic Profile. Inform him or her if your application has been sent. Include a copy of your season's schedule.
2. Respond to any general college questionnaires and specific athletic inquiries from coaches.
3. Ask your coaches to write letters of recommendation for you.
4. Market yourself. Do not sit and wait to be contacted. You must take the initiative and work on your own behalf.
5. Visit every college you are seriously considering. Talk with athletes to find out what they like or don't like about the program or coach.
6. Make a list of the positives and negatives of each school immediately after the visit.
If the visits on your own, be sure you called ahead or write both the admissions office and the athletic office and make appointments to meet with their representatives.

In part three, we will provide a few examples of a good letter of introduction to a prospective college coach, how to develop an effective athletic resume and how to stand out from other prospects with memorable promotional collateral.

Advice For College Bound Soccer Players — Part 3

Go to the Top ^