Senior December. Navigating the Path to College Sports: A Senior Athlete’s Guide
Congratulations! You’re reaching the end of your high school career, and what a journey it has been. One more semester remains. As you gear up for your final year, don’t forget to start planning for your future. With the month of December already upon us, there’s no better time to start preparing for what lies ahead. In this blog post, we’ll walk you through a checklist of essential tasks that every high school student-athlete should prioritize during their senior year. Whether you’ve already committed to a school or are still weighing your options, we’ve got you covered.
Admissions Deadlines
If you haven’t already committed to a school, or know whether you will be accepted “early decision”, it’s crucial that you continue applying to colleges and universities by their deadlines. Missing these deadlines could result in lost opportunities for financial aid and scholarships, or even admission to your favorite schools. Stay up to date with your school’s application process, and don’t hesitate to reach out to admissions offices if you have any questions.
NAIA Eligibility Center
If you feel like the NCAA may not be the best fit for you, or you’re in a bind, you can explore the NAIA application programs by registering with the NAIA Eligibility Center. This program offers a variety of sports, and you won’t want to pass up any opportunities to potentially play in college. The application process is similar to the NCAA’s, but with less stringencies, and is worth considering if you’re having doubts or if NCAA is not your cup of tea.
Explore College Offers
This is the perfect time to start learning about the various types of college offers and commitments. It can all be a little overwhelming and confusing. It’s okay, we all started there. But don’t worry- this is why we’re here at the College Recruiting Playbook. Our services can help you navigate the process and make informed decisions. Take advantage of all the help and resources available to you because it can be an overwhelming process.
D1 Football Early Signing Period
If you play football, be aware of the D1 football early signing period, if applicable. This is an excellent opportunity to solidify your commitment to a school and to lock in your scholarship offer. You don’t want to miss out on any of these opportunities, so make sure that you’re in communication with coaches and that you’re aware of important dates.
Complete FAFSA
Make sure you complete your FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) as soon as possible. By filling out this application, you can secure financial aid packages that may be available to you. The financial aid office will evaluate your application, and you may qualify for grants, scholarships, loans, or work-study programs.
Negotiation Skills
If you’re having to entertain multiple scholarship offers, it’s essential to utilize services and mentors (like College Recruiting Experts) to develop your negotiation skills. It’s essential to remember that it’s a two-way street when it comes to scholarships, so proceed with respect, patience, and clear communication. Sports is a small world and you never want to burn any of your bridges.
Conclusion:
As a high school student-athlete, it’s essential to make strides in both academics and athletics during your senior year, but it’s also essential to keep an eye toward your future. Planning to attend college, explore multiple offers, and secure financial aid is a process that takes time, effort, and dedication. By taking advantage of the resources that are available to you, you can help make that process more manageable and informed. Stay organized, stay on top of deadlines, seek advice, and you’ll be well on your way to securing your future after high school.