Embarking on the journey to college as a student-athlete requires meticulous planning and proactive steps starting from early high school years. Whether you're eyeing Division I, II, or III athletics or considering NAIA options, staying ahead with academic and recruitment requirements is crucial. Here’s a comprehensive checklist to guide you through the process:

Freshman Year

1. Confirm Course Registration: Ensure enrollment in at least 4 NCAA-approved core courses per semester, covering areas like English, Math, Social Sciences, Natural Sciences, and World Languages. Summer school may be necessary if requirements aren’t met.

   
   

2. Review NCAA Guidelines: Familiarize yourself with the NCAA’s College-Bound Student-Athlete Guide for insights into eligibility rules and academic benchmarks.

   
   

3. Monitor NCAA Core GPA: Regularly check your NCAA Core GPA to track eligibility status and set academic goals.

   
   

4. Plan for Mid-Year Transfers: If transferring schools, verify that new courses meet NCAA core credit criteria.

Sophomore Year

1. Complete NCAA/NAIA Registration: Register with the NCAA Eligibility Center or NAIA Eligibility Center to initiate the recruitment process and obtain your NCAA ID number.

   
   

2. Evaluate NCAA Core Courses: Retake courses if necessary to boost NCAA Core GPA, especially if aiming for Division I or II athletics.

   
   

3. Build College List: Research and compile a list of potential colleges based on academic fit, location, and athletic opportunities. Divide into safety, best-fit, and reach schools.

   
   

4. Engage with Coaches: Fill out online questionnaires and start contacting coaches to showcase your academic and athletic achievements.

Junior Year

1. Meet NCAA Requirements: Fulfill the NCAA’s 10/7 rule and maintain high academic standards. Schedule campus visits and refine your college list based on evolving preferences and coach interactions.

   
   

2. Prepare for Verbal Commitments: Junior year is a critical time for verbal commitments. Keep grades up and continue to excel athletically to secure offers.

   
   

3. Confirm Transcript Submission: Ensure your official transcript is sent to the NCAA Eligibility Center by your school counselor.

Senior Year

1. Finalize College Applications: Complete college applications early and apply for financial aid using FAFSA forms.

   
   

2. Monitor Academic Progress: Stay on track with coursework as senior spring semester grades count towards NCAA eligibility.

   
   

3. Sign National Letter of Intent: If committing, sign the National Letter of Intent and complete NCAA Amateurism Certification

   
   

4. Confirm Graduation Requirements: Verify that your final transcript with proof of graduation is submitted to NCAA or NAIA Eligibility Centers.

By following this checklist, you'll navigate the complexities of college recruitment and ensure you're well-prepared for both academic and athletic success at the collegiate level.