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College Athletics Guide

Are you planning to play a sport in college? Fordham Prep’s counselors work closely with you, your coach and your parents throughout the search and application process.

It is important that you keep your counselors, coaches and parents involved and informed of your progress. Good communication and understanding how the admission process works will make it easier for you to find the right school and athletic program for you.

  • Talk with your coaches about playing at the collegiate level. They can assess your skills and help you with an individualized plan to develop essential skills: a coach can also help you explore the option of age-appropriate camps.
  • Meet your counselor, athletic director, coach and parents to discuss goals. Be sure to document all of your accomplishments. Your counselor will begin a file about you and your athletic goals.
  • Complete prospective student-athlete questionnaires on the web sites of the colleges that interest you. Be sure to share the list of completed athlete questionnaires with your counselor and coach. Remember to follow up with an email to the college coach to confirm your interest.
  • Familiarize yourself with the NCAA Guide for the College Bound Student-Athlete (available at eligibilitycenter.org). It includes information about academic eligibility requirements, the differences between Division I, II and III athletic programs, recruiting regulations, financial aid and NCAA-sponsored sports.
  • Register for the NCAA clearinghouse. Create an account on eligibilitycenter.org.
  • When you register to take the ACT and/or SAT, you can use the NCAA Eligibility Center code 9999 as a score recipient. This will send your official scores directly to the NCAA Eligibility Center.
  • Send emails to college coaches updating them on your academic and athletic accomplishments. Notify them of any visits you make to their schools.
  • Prepare a highlight video if it is relevant to your sport.
  • When a college coach requests your transcript/scores, please submit that request to the Prep’s Counseling Department. Be sure to include the coach’s name, the school which he/she represents and his/her email or fax.
  • Keep your coaches up-to-date with a list of any contacts you have had with college coaches. Ask your Prep and/or club coaches to contact your top choice college coaches on your behalf.
  • At the end of your junior year, send your transcript to the NCAA if you are registered. They will not accept faxed or emailed transcript/test scores.
  • Remember, the better your overall academic program and performance, the more options you will have. Prepare for the ACT, SAT and the SAT Subject Tests.
  • In addition to your sport, continue to develop yourself personally through extra-curricular opportunities. Find ways to develop leadership qualities through your activities, athletic or otherwise.

Final Points

College coaches look at the way a student-athlete and his family approach the college application process. Respond promptly to the requests of coaches. Remember that communication between you, your counselor, your coach and your parents is critical to making the recruiting process as successful as possible.

Academics
You must achieve certain academic requirements (GPA and standardized test scores) to be eligible to play college sports.

Choices
Even if you have your heart set on one particular school, keep your options open.

Contacts
Do not wait for coaches to find you. Call, write or email coaches to let them know that you are interested in playing on their teams. Register on their web sites under “prospective student-athlete.”

Help
keep your counselor, coach and parents involved in the recruiting process.  

Big Picture
Good character, a positive attitude, a strong work ethic and hustle are qualities a college coach looks for in players.

Be Seen
Attend showcases, tournaments and prospect camps. These events are good opportunities to demonstrate your ability to college coaches.

Financial Aid
Many students receive other sources of financial aid, not just athletic scholarships. Some schools “stack” academic and athletic money.

Remember that we are here to help you!

Mr. Thomas J. O’Sullivan '98
Director of College Counselor
osullivt@fordhamprep.org

Mrs. Erica Keough
College Counselor
keoughe@fordhamprep.org