I know I have seem plenty of this information here and there, some of it from people on DFP, but I don't recall seeing it all in one place. I came up a webpage that organizes the timeline, but I do not know if this is accurate. Does this make sense?
** Steps to College: A Quick Overview of the Recruiting Timeline **
8th Grade
* Research & start a list of colleges you're interested in. Aim to begin writing college coaches freshman year of HS.
* Work on study and time management skills, important to get good grades beginning Freshman year of HS.
* Character matters, make good choices … every day. Learn to be very careful of what you put on social media.
* Play at the highest level of club team you can. Ask your coach what you need to do athletically to compete well at the HS level.
Freshman year HS
* Continue your research & compile an initial list of 20 to 30 schools you're interested in. Rank schools based on the attributes that are most important to you
*Begin writing coaches of schools you're interested in, get on their radar and get your name out there!
* Play at the highest level of club/HS team you can. Ask your coaches where you need improvement and set goals.
* Look for College camps and clinics to attend.
* Good grades are critical ALL 4 years of HS - hit the ground running freshman year!
* Consider working with a personal trainer to improve speed, strength and overall athleticism.
Sophomore year HS
* Register with NCAA & NAIA eligibility Centers, complete recruiting questionnaires for all schools on your list.
* Begin compiling highlight & game videos, consider setting up a channel within YouTube
* Continue to research and update your list and write coaches & schools. Send videos and/or links to videos.
* Consider working with a speech coach to develop and improve communications skills - make a good first impression when you talk to coaches.
* Begin making phone calls to coaches, let them know your game / meet / match schedule - stay on their radars!
* Take SAT / ACT practice tests and/or test prep courses, keep your grades up!
* Pick a good attitude and show it. Recognize that nothing is owed to you just because you're a good athlete
Junior year HS
* Continue to research schools but narrow your list to 10 to 15 schools.
* Keep in contact with coaches often , let them know of your continued interest and also if you're no longer interested.
* Continue to send videos & grades to schools you are interested in. Be your own advocate & keep your name out there!
* Ask coaches where you stand on their recruiting list and their timeline.
* Take SAT/ACT Tests
* Look to attend Showcase games and tournaments and let coaches know your schedule.
* Continue to play at the highest level of club/HS team you can. Get feedback on where you can improve skills.
* Make unofficial visits to schools you're interested in.
* Take AP courses, challenge yourself academically!
Senior year HS
* Narrow your list to 3 to 5 schools, stay in contact with coaches on a weekly basis.
* Ask coaches for the timeline they will make offers.
* Quickly & politely let schools know if you're no longer interested
* Contact players on your short list of schools, get their direct feedback on the school and program.
* Take official visits to schools on your short list, meet coaches and players.
* Complete FAFSA form, get college applications in early and apply to all schools on your short list.
* Keep your grades up - avoid Senior Slump!
* Character is key, make good choices every day. Who are you when no one is looking?
* Post nothing on social media you may later regret. Don't let a 100 character tweet cost you a $100,000 scholarship!.
* Receive, consider and respond to all written offers from schools
* Make the decision ... make sure it's your decision!
** Steps to College: A Quick Overview of the Recruiting Timeline **
8th Grade
* Research & start a list of colleges you're interested in. Aim to begin writing college coaches freshman year of HS.
* Work on study and time management skills, important to get good grades beginning Freshman year of HS.
* Character matters, make good choices … every day. Learn to be very careful of what you put on social media.
* Play at the highest level of club team you can. Ask your coach what you need to do athletically to compete well at the HS level.
Freshman year HS
* Continue your research & compile an initial list of 20 to 30 schools you're interested in. Rank schools based on the attributes that are most important to you
*Begin writing coaches of schools you're interested in, get on their radar and get your name out there!
* Play at the highest level of club/HS team you can. Ask your coaches where you need improvement and set goals.
* Look for College camps and clinics to attend.
* Good grades are critical ALL 4 years of HS - hit the ground running freshman year!
* Consider working with a personal trainer to improve speed, strength and overall athleticism.
Sophomore year HS
* Register with NCAA & NAIA eligibility Centers, complete recruiting questionnaires for all schools on your list.
* Begin compiling highlight & game videos, consider setting up a channel within YouTube
* Continue to research and update your list and write coaches & schools. Send videos and/or links to videos.
* Consider working with a speech coach to develop and improve communications skills - make a good first impression when you talk to coaches.
* Begin making phone calls to coaches, let them know your game / meet / match schedule - stay on their radars!
* Take SAT / ACT practice tests and/or test prep courses, keep your grades up!
* Pick a good attitude and show it. Recognize that nothing is owed to you just because you're a good athlete
Junior year HS
* Continue to research schools but narrow your list to 10 to 15 schools.
* Keep in contact with coaches often , let them know of your continued interest and also if you're no longer interested.
* Continue to send videos & grades to schools you are interested in. Be your own advocate & keep your name out there!
* Ask coaches where you stand on their recruiting list and their timeline.
* Take SAT/ACT Tests
* Look to attend Showcase games and tournaments and let coaches know your schedule.
* Continue to play at the highest level of club/HS team you can. Get feedback on where you can improve skills.
* Make unofficial visits to schools you're interested in.
* Take AP courses, challenge yourself academically!
Senior year HS
* Narrow your list to 3 to 5 schools, stay in contact with coaches on a weekly basis.
* Ask coaches for the timeline they will make offers.
* Quickly & politely let schools know if you're no longer interested
* Contact players on your short list of schools, get their direct feedback on the school and program.
* Take official visits to schools on your short list, meet coaches and players.
* Complete FAFSA form, get college applications in early and apply to all schools on your short list.
* Keep your grades up - avoid Senior Slump!
* Character is key, make good choices every day. Who are you when no one is looking?
* Post nothing on social media you may later regret. Don't let a 100 character tweet cost you a $100,000 scholarship!.
* Receive, consider and respond to all written offers from schools
* Make the decision ... make sure it's your decision!