Junior April. Navigating the Path to College Sports: A Junior Athlete’s Guide
In the month of April, there are several key tasks that student-athletes should complete to ensure they are on track for college admissions and NCAA eligibility. In this blog post, we will highlight these tasks and provide guidance on the steps to take.
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Update your ACT or SAT scores: If you have not already taken the ACT or SAT or want to take it again, now is the time. After receiving your scores, schedule a meeting with your guidance counselor to discuss the results and determine if you should retake the test. If you decide to retake the test, make sure to update your college coaches and your online athletic profile with your new scores.
Meet With Your Guidance Counselor
Connect with your high school guidance counselor to make sure that you are meeting all of the NCAA eligibility requirements. Your guidance counselor is a valuable resource and can help you navigate the eligibility requirements, so make sure to utilize them. If you are unsure about your eligibility, consider working with the College Recruiting Playbook to get additional guidance and support.
Plan For Summer Camps and Recruiting Events
Summer is the perfect time to attend college camps, showcase camps, and recruiting events. Start researching events that align with your sport and desired colleges, and coordinate your camp trips with college visit trips. Each campus visit will give you insight into what life is like at each college and help you determine if it is the right fit for you.
Stay On Top Of Your Academics
Junior year is a challenging year academically, so it is important to stay on top of your coursework. Make sure to maintain good grades and focus on challenging courses that will prepare you for college-level work. Additionally, make sure to review your high school transcript to ensure that your courses align with your desired college majors and requirements.
Continue To Build Your Athletic Resume
Throughout the year, continue to build your athletic resume by attending games, tournaments, and events. Take note of your accomplishments, awards, and statistics, and include them in your athletic profile. Additionally, make sure to update your coaches and college recruiters on your progress throughout the year.
Conclusion:
Junior year is a pivotal year for high school student-athletes. By completing the above tasks during the month of April, you will set yourself up for success in college admissions and NCAA eligibility. Make sure to stay on top of your academics, communicate with your guidance counselor and coaches, and attend as many college visits and events as possible. The more effort you put into your college search, the more likely you are to find the right fit for you and your future.