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College Planning Checklist for Student-Athletes

Are you thinking about playing college sports? If so, here’s what you need to do to get ready. 

You can also stay organized and prepared for college by logging in to your account frequently throughout the year and reviewing your college and career planning checklist

Understanding the 3 NCAA Divisions

  • Division I is the biggest and most competitive NCAA division. Colleges that compete in Division I must offer scholarships—many cover full tuition—to their student-athletes.
  • Division II athletic programs are smaller and less competitive than those in Division I. Most student-athletes don’t get full scholarships, but many get financial aid.
  • Division III programs are the least competitive. Division III colleges don’t offer sports-related financial aid but do recruit athletes, which can help you get into a college that wants you in its program.

Students who want to compete at a Division I or Division II college must meet standards set by NCAA members. For Division III, athletes must meet the admission standards set by each college. Find out more about eligibility standards on the NCAA website.

Next, take these steps to make sure you’re thinking about your high school academics and post college plans proactively. 

When you’re in 9th grade: 

If you want to play competitively in any college sport, it’s important to try out and make the junior or varsity teams of the sport you are interested in starting in your 9th-grade year. 

This will help you decide if you want to continue participating in the sports you’re interested in for the remainder of your high school and college years. 

Ask your counselor for a list of your high school’s NCAA core courses and learn more about the academic requirements for both Division I and Division II. This is important because your high school’s graduation requirements might not satisfy the NCAA or the colleges you want to attend.

When you’re in 10th grade: 

When you’re in 11th grade:

When you’re in 12th grade: