The NCAA publishes a guide
for college bound student athletes that provides
information for players and their parents who
wish to pursue playing soccer at the collegiate
level. All prospective players and their parents
should read this manual in order to familiarize
themselves with the recruiting process.
The most current version of the guide can be
found at the following link:
NCAA Parent's Guide
The NCAA also offers on-line brochures that will
help answer questions that you may have
regarding recruiting, eligibility and academic
qualifications. These brochures can be found at
the following links:
NCAA Media/Events - General Interest
NCAA Legislation - Eligibility and
Recruiting
NCAA Division I Manual
Listed below is a timeline to follow in this
process:
Recruiting Tasks timeline:
During Sophomore year:
● Review NCAA Athletic eligibility guidelines.
● Take the PSAT's.
● Start preparing soccer resume and portfolio.
● Review NCAA Clearinghouse eligibility
guidelines and understand what course and grade
requirements are. https://web1.ncaa.org/eligibilitycenter/common/
● Select Junior year courses that further the
completion of the NCAA Clearinghouse
requirements.
During the summer before Junior or first half of
Junior year:
● Register with NCAA Clearinghouse.
● Have profile and resume completed.
● Begin search for colleges/universities that
meet your interest.
● Research the teams and academic programs at
the colleges/universities you are interested in.
● Play in as many and the highest quality
College Showcase tournaments as possible
● Begin sending profile and resume to coaches
that you are interested in playing for.
During Junior year:
● Take PSAT test for national Merit Scholarship.
● Concentrate on improving Grades.
● Play in as many and the best Showcase
tournaments as possible, and attend recruiting
seminars.
● Narrowed search to 10-15
colleges/universities.
● Contact coaches by phone or email to determine
good times to visit campus for an unofficial
visit.
● Make unofficial (at your expense) visits to
colleges and universities you are interested in.
● Take SAT tests
● Check status with NCAA Clearinghouse.
● Select Senior year courses that complete the
NCAA Clearinghouse requirements.
● Obtain college financial aid (FAFSA) form.
● Send updated resume information to coaches.
During the summer before Senior year:
● Complete unofficial visits.
● Narrow seach to 5-10 colleges/universities.
● Evaluate opportunities during recruiting calls
from coaches.
● Advise coaches when they call if you are no
longer interested in their program.
● Complete FAFSA form (if applying for federal
aid/grants/loans) for an estimate of available
aid.
Before February of Senior year:
● Check status with NCAA Clearinghouse.
● Narrow search to 5 colleges/universities.
● Send "early admission" application to the 5
colleges/universities that you are interested
in.
● Complete FAFSA form again with recent year tax
information.
● Complete your 5 "Official" visits.
● Make a decision and sign National Letter of
Intent.
● Enjoy your senior year!
Questions to consider when deciding on a college
athletic program:
Is the college one where I will succeed
academically and socially?
Is the athletic program one where I will succeed
athletically?
Are there sufficient academic support programs
for the team?
Do I like and respect both the coach and the
members of the team?
Have I seen them play in a match to gauge their
level of character, play, and sportsmanship?
Have I spent enough time with players and
coaching staff to determine whether their
morals, beliefs, and goals are similar to mine?
How long will I wait to get a chance to play?
Will I be comfortable in my role as either a
starter or a substitute?
Will I be happy if my role changes during my
college career?
Has the coach offered a guaranteed spot on the
team or a chance to walk-on?
Will I be redshirted?
Can I afford the costs to attend this college?
Use the Advanced College Search utility on
CollegeBoard.com to narrow you initial college
selections.
College financing tip:
Try to get the most grants and scholarship money
available that is not related to athletic
ability. These monies may last for the entire
four years, whereas Athletic Scholarships are
only granted for one year at a time, and are not
available for a Division 3 program. Getting the
best grades possible will increase you chances
of obtaining academic scholarships and grant
monies. Make sure you evaluate what are the
total costs are for attending a specific
university: including books, fees, meals, travel
to home, housing, and social expenses. Remember
that a larger scholarship at one college does
not necessarily mean less cost to you, when
everything is added up.
*Do not use, publish, present, or post any part of this
content without obtaining prior written consent
from FC Pennsylvania
