Welcome to the Recruiting Help Center.
Here you will learn all the basics and have the resources to take the first steps in the college recruiting process.
The college recruiting process for student-athletes can be an overwhelming experience.
Before you dive in, you want to know what you can expect. After reading this short 10-step guide, you are prepared for what’s coming.
The first step in your college recruiting process is to build your online recruiting profile and highlight video. This is a crucial step as it will make you stand out from the competition.
Your recruiting profile should include:
- athletic stats
- academic information
- contact information, and other relevant information about you as a student-athlete.
Your highlight video is one of the most important pieces in your recruiting journey. While a profile gives them a brief look into your resume, the highlight video is the proof that backs up your profile. We have partnered up with Athleditz. Athleditz is a production company that is specialized in highlight videos.
All of our athletes' highlight videos were made by Athleditz, with huge successes. Check out the highlight reel of Mauricio Restrepo for example:
Next, it is important to find your personal fit both academically and athletically. There are over 4,000 colleges in the USA, and you don’t want to get lost pursuing the wrong colleges in the college recruiting process. Use these 3 steps:
1. Start by using our recruiting standards guides on our sports pages to find out for which division you qualify athletically. Then, use our college database to find out which colleges offer your sport.
2. Research the different divisions of college sports to learn more about their academic requirements:
- NCAA
- NAIA
- NJCAA
3. Additionally, research the different academic requirements per college based on:
- GPA
- SAT/ACT
By taking these steps, you'll be able to filter out the colleges that aren't the best fit for you and find the one that's perfect for you both on and off the field.
Learn here how to find the perfect fit
Test preparation is another important step in the college recruiting process. It is crucial to prepare for these tests well in advance and to take them as early as possible to ensure that the colleges and eligibility center receive your scores in time.
Generally, the following test scores are required:
- SAT or ACT
- TOEFL, IELTS, or DuoLingo for international students
Eligibility registration is another crucial step in the college recruiting process. This step involves registering with the NCAA, NAIA, or NJCAA Eligibility Center and providing the necessary documentation.
The Eligibility Center determines your eligibility based on
- Academic requirements
- Amateur status
It is good to complete the eligibility registration process as soon as possible to ensure you are cleared to compete at the college level.
Learn more about the Eligibility Center
You have built your online recruiting profile, created an impressive highlight video, and identified your ideal academic and athletic fit. Now it's time to take the next step and connect with college coaches.
Whether you choose to reach out to coaches on your own or leverage our extensive network of college coaches and our team's expertise, this is your chance to make a lasting impression and get yourself on the radar of the right coaches.
If a coach is interested in recruiting you, they will likely offer you a scholarship. Reviewing the scholarship offer carefully and understanding the terms and conditions is essential. Make sure to check the following:
- The amount of scholarship
- What is included in my scholarship?
- What expenses are left to pay out of pocket?
- Length of scholarship
It's also important to compare the scholarship offers from different colleges to make the best decision for you.
Read more about Scholarship Offers
If you decide on a college, you must sign a National Letter of Intent (NLI). The NLI is a binding agreement between you and your chosen college. Therefore, it's essential to understand the terms and conditions of the NLI before signing it.
After you have signed the NLI, you will need to complete the college application. The application process may vary from college to college, so it's important to research the application process and requirements for your chosen college.
Read more about the College Application
You must apply for a student visa if you are an international student. The process can be time-consuming and complex, so it's essential to research the visa requirements and start the application process as early as possible.
Read more about the Visa Application
After you have completed all the necessary steps, it's time to prepare for your departure. This includes making travel arrangements, packing, and saying goodbye to friends and family. It's also important to familiarize yourself with the culture and customs of your chosen college before you depart.
The college recruiting process can be overwhelming, but it can be a smooth and stress-free experience with the right guidance and resources. Remember to take your time, research your options, and never hesitate to reach out for help.
At +31 Sports, we are dedicated to helping student-athletes navigate the recruiting process and find the perfect fit for them.
