All-American College Planning

With a realistic view of your academic standing and your athletic ability, you should have options. Don't make just one Division I program your main goal. The main goals are to get an education, be able to continue to play the sport you love and to potentially get scholarship money to help finance your education.

The dream of playing baseball at college is very exciting. Be sure to look at your college options through many lenses by asking yourself the following questions.

•   Do the colleges match my academic interests and ability?

•   Can I envision myself fitting in with the students and campus life?

•   What is the GSR? (Graduation Success Rate)

•   Are the coaches committed to academic success of the players? (Remember, a college degree is important to your future success)

•   Can my financial needs be met by these schools?

 

The pie chart above illustrates the fact that there are a lot of colleges where you can play sports. Many opportunities exist at "under the radar" schools - schools across the country that you may not have heard of, but should consider.

(credit: ncaasports.org)

 

 

Here is a general recruiting timeline that gives you an idea of your "to do" list from April-June of your respected year. Keep in mind that there may be other aspects of recruiting that are unique to each player.

 

Freshman

• It's time to develop a schedule to keep your academics and athletics on track. If you'd like to be a successful student athlete, you'll need this for the next eight years.

• Starting looking into college baseball programs that offer camps. This can be an excellent way to get noticed by a school you may be interested in attending.

 

Sophomores

• Grades still count, so continue to put effort into your academics.

• Research NCAA academic requirements.

• Start investigating colleges and their admission requirements.

• Visit college campuses when you can-even if you can only drive around the campus.

• Send letters of interest to college coaches where you feel you will fit in academically and athletically.

• Let your guidance counselor know you want to play college baseball and be sure you are on the right track.

• Follow the same spring schedule as last year.

 

Juniors

• If not done yet, send letters to prospective colleges you feel are a good match and updates on your junior year season.

• Be sure to manage your baseball and school schedule.

• If not done yet, prepare a videotape to be sent out to prospective colleges.

• Plan visits to as many schools as possible from now through the summer.

• All visits to colleges at this point are unofficial, which means the college does not pay for any part of the visit.

• Make contact with showcase groups (usually June and July). If you qualify, you will receive an invitation. These fill up fast.

• When creating your schedule for senior year with your guidance counselor, make sure you are on graduation track.

• When your season closes, send an update with new stats and any recognitions you may have earned.

• Be prepared to talk. College coaches can start calling you July 1st. Coaches may also request your video at this time.

 

Seniors

• If haven't signed during the early signing period (November 11-18, 2009), the National Letter of Intent (NLI) initial signing date is April 14th, 2010.

• Upon receipt of your National Letter of Intent you and your parent/legal guardian must sign the NLI and financial aid 

(if applicable) within 14 days.

• It is not necessary for you to sign your NLI the first day of receipt, but many athletes choose to do so and put an end to the very demanding recruiting process.

• Please be aware if you wait to sign your NLI, less or no funding may be available to you.

• Make your decision for the future and don't let your academics falter.

• Finish your high school career both on the field and in the classroom to the best of your ability.