Academics

College coaches understand that not all student-athletes perform the same on tests. They do, however, know the difference between trying hard and being lackadaisical. The harder a student-athlete works in school along with his attendance record is strongly considered by colleges prior to a scholarship being offered. Coaches do believe there is a correlation between effort in the classroom and effort on the ballfield. Dedication and reliability go hand-in-hand.

HIGH SCHOOL ACADEMIC TIMELINE

Use this timeline to help make sure you're accomplishing everything you need to academically and...on time.

Freshman year

Take a solid course load of classes. This means taking courses in all 5 academic areas: English, Social Studies, Math, Science and a Foreign Language.
Get off to a good start with your grades. The grades you earn in ninth grade will be included in your final high school GPA and class rank.
Get involved in activities at your high school or in the community.

Sophomore year

Continue to take a solid course load including classes in the 5 academic areas.
Work hard to insure good grades in 10th grade.
In October, take the PLAN test (preliminary ACT).
Make sure you are taking a core curriculum that meets NCAA requirements.
Stay involved in extra-curricular activities.
In the summer before your junior year, visit some colleges near your home to see what types of colleges you might want to attend.

Junior year

Fall

Take classes in all 5 academic areas.
Take the PSAT in October
Make sure you have a social security number.
Start considering what type of college you might want to attend.
Take a practice SAT and a practice ACT.

Winter

Register for the March SAT and the April ACT.
Study and prepare for the tests.

Spring

Begin visiting colleges.
Evaluate your test scores. If you need to increase your scores, consider taking a class or hiring a tutor that will focus in on your specific needs. Remember, you can take the SAT multiple times. Your highest score will be taken for each section.
Register for Fall SAT or ACT.
Complete the NCAA Initial-Eligibility Clearinghouse form if you hope to play D-I or D-II baseball.

Summer

Continue visiting colleges.
Try to narrow your college list to five to eight colleges.
Begin preparing for the application process by working on application essays.

Senior year

September

Register for the October SAT or ACT exam if necessary.
Mark your calendar with important dates and deadlines for application and financial aid deadlines.
Get started on your applications right away particularly if you plan to apply Early Decision or Early Action.
Consider filling out the Common Application. Many schools accept this application and it will save you time.
Ask your counselor about local scholarships and search for other scholarships that match your skills and interests.
Give recommendation forms to the teachers you have chosen, along with stamped, self-addressed envelopes so your teachers can send them directly to the colleges. Be sure to fill out your name, address, and school name on the top of the form.

October

Be sure you have requested that your test scores be sent to the the colleges of your choice.
Make sure you have requested that your test scores be sent to the NCAA Clearinghouse.
Mail or email any college applications for early decision admission by November 1.
Print extra copies of every application you send.

November/December

Continue working hard in your classes. Colleges will be looking at your senior year grades in making admissions decisions.
Keep track of your college applications and deadlines to make sure that everything is submitted on time.

January

Most regular decision applications are due in January. Be sure all the necessary materials have been sent and received including applications, test scores, and recommendations.
You and your parents should prepare tax returns as early as possible - income and asset figures from your tax returns are needed to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid ( FAFSA).
Submit the FAFSA as soon as possible after January 1. File your FAFSA online and always before the priority financial aid deadlines set by your colleges.
Male students who will be 18 at the time they complete the FAFSA must register with the Selective Service.
Colleges like to see strong second semester grades, so avoid senioritis. Colleges can and do revoke acceptances if a student stops working to their normal ability.

February/March

Continue to search for scholarships and ask your counselor about local scholarships.

April

Most admission decisions and financial aid award letters will arrive by now. Make note of all reply deadlines.
Review financial aid packages.
Send the enrollment form and deposit check to the college of your choice.
Study for the May AP Exams.

May

Take the appropriate AP Exams. Have your scores sent to the college you chose.
Send thank you notes to teachers and other mentors that wrote you recommendations.

June

Have your final high school transcript sent to your college.
Have your final high school transcript sent to the NCAA Clearinghouse.
Notify your college of any scholarships received.