Senior April. Navigating the Path to College Sports: A Senior Athlete’s Guide
It’s April, you’re a senior high school student-athlete, and it’s time to step up your game. This month, there are several critical tasks you need to complete to ensure that your college enrollment and athletic eligibility process goes as planned. April marks a vital time in the final stages of the admissions process and amateurism certification, and you do not want to miss a deadline. Therefore, we have compiled a comprehensive task list for high school student-athletes to follow this month. After all, your dream of becoming a college varsity athlete is just around the corner.
Request Your Final Amateurism Certification
As a senior student-athlete, you need to request your final amateurism certification. NCAA rules require that you sign off on amateur status before practicing, playing, enrolling in college, or receiving an athletic scholarship. Therefore, you should log in to your NCAA certification account on April 1st and start the process. Remember, this certification is a crucial requirement, so ensure that all your information is correct.
Know The NCAA Calendar And NCAA Due Dates
It would be best if you double-checked the NCAA calendar and NCAA due dates to ensure that you don’t miss any deadlines. For instance, the D1 Basketball Regular Signing Period usually begins around mid-April. Check the NCAA website for exact dates. Missing deadlines can affect your eligibility, so ensure that you understand and keep track of the NCAA recruiting calendar.
Submit Your Enrollment Deposit and Financial Aid
The deadline for submitting your enrollment deposit and applying for financial aid is generally May 1st. However, some colleges have earlier deadlines, so check the admission portal for your college to confirm. Ensure that you complete the enrollment process and receive an official acceptance letter before the deadline.
Participate In Designated NCAA Division I And Division II Approved Events (if applicable)
If you want to be eligible for NCAA Division I and Division II recruitment by coaches, you must participate in specific NCAA approved events. Such events are often called ‘certified’ events and are a great opportunity to showcase your skills and get recruited. So, look up the approved events on the NCAA website, choose the ones that work for you, and sign up.
Follow Up On College Recruitment
By April, you probably know which school you have been recruited to. It is a great time to follow up with the college’s athletic department to ensure that everything is in line. Contact the coach through email or phone and ask any questions you may have concerning your recruitment process or enrollment. Also, follow up on your application status to see if any necessary documents are outstanding.
Conclusion
In conclusion, April is a critical month in your final steps towards college enrollment and athletic eligibility as a high school student-athlete. The above task list is not exhaustive, but it includes some of the critical tasks you need to complete before the due dates pass. As a student-athlete, you need to understand and follow these steps for your college enrollment to go smoothly. Always plan ahead, double-check, and keep track of deadlines. Remember, your dream of playing varsity sports in college is achievable with hard work and determination. You are so close!