College Preparation Guidelines for Student-Athletes
FRESHMAN and SOPHOMORE YEAR
Develop a strong academic base. Strive for excellence in the classroom.
Plan a challenging academic program that will meet NCAA requirements.
Maintain at least a 2.000 GPA out of 4.000 in core course.
Take PSAT test in October of Sophomore year.
Participate in off-season programs in your sport.
Attend summer athletic camps at colleges that you might like to attend.
Join 1or 2 clubs which interest you. Be sure to choose a club that you will stick with
for all four years.
Look into community service programs that interest you and that you can make a
contribution.
Keep a record of your athletic and academic achievements.
JUNIOR YEAR
Continue to emphasize academic excellence.
Continue to schedule challenging courses.
Continue with clubs and community service.
Attend all Voorhees sponsored events that discuss the college process.
Some examples are the Financial Aid Night and the college fairs
Take the PSAT in October of Junior Year.
Take SAT or ACT prep classes.
Take the SAT test given in December or January and again in May unless you are
satisfied with previous results..
Take the ACT.
Ask coach for a realistic athletic evaluation - Can you play at the collegiate level?
What level is realistic?
Develop an athletic portfolio that contains:
- Academic records (grades, SATs)
- Athletic awards, honors, and achievements
- Coaches recommendation letters
- All artifacts which show athletic success
Send a letter of interest to college coaches along with your athletic resume
Organize a filling system on all colleges that respond to your inquiry
File the proper forms for the NCAA Clearinghouse (found in Guidance Office)
Participate in summer programs.
Begin college visits. Attempt to meet with coach during visit.
SENIOR YEAR
Write to colleges in August and request an application. Be sure to inquire about the
deadline for early admission.
Begin the checklist for Student/Athletes and Parents.
Meet with counselor to make sure you meet NCAA academic requirements and
discuss your college choices.
Continue to emphasize academic excellence.
Send out applications early.
Complete Financial Aid Forms as early as possible.
Visit any college that may be a late addition to your list.
Re-take the SAT or ACT if you are not satisfied with previous results.
Continue with clubs and community service.
See Coach Makoski as soon as the season is over to discuss your plans and which game
tapes you would like to be sent out. Coach Makoski will assist you in copying tapes
and sending them to the correct colleges.
GUIDELINES FOR A SUCCESSFUL COLLEGE VISIT
Dress appropriately. The following are some examples of some dos and donts:
Dos
Always wear clean, wrinkle free clothes..
Wear little or no jewelry
Have clean, neatly cut hair.
Always have shirt tucked into pants.
Donts
. Never wear sloppy jeans.
Never wear earrings.
Never wear a hat.
Give a firm handshake. When meeting all coaches, secretaries, or athletic
directors, or professors, you should always shake their hand with confidence as you
look them in the eyes. Players have been dropped from recruiting lists because of a
weak handshake.
Be sure to give the coach your undivided attention. Always look the coach in
the eyes when you talk. Do not look away or gaze out the window.
Be prepared. Take the time to find out information about the institution that you are
visiting. Check out their web site, read their team media guide, or find another
publication that will provide you with some insight.
Be honest. Always answer questions in a sincere and honest manner.
Speak for yourself. While it is important for your parent or guardian to clarify any
questions they may have, it is important that you do most of the talking. The coach
wants to get a feeling of how you express yourself.
Show and interest in the school. Explain why the school is a good fit for you both
academically and athletically. Discuss what you can bring to his/her program.
Ask questions. After answering any questions the coach may have, be sure to
discuss any questions or concerns you have. Asking questions show that you have
a sincere interest in the program.
Shake hands before leaving the office. When the visit is over, stand up and
shake hands with the coach. Tell him you enjoyed the visit and thank him for
spending some time with you.
Send a Thank You Letter or email . Forward a letter thanking the coach for taking the time to meet with you. This will also allow you to show a continued interest in his
program as well as provide you the opportunity to send an updated schedule, video,
or other valuable information.