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.

• Create a 4-year high school plan.
• Check if your high school offers the PSAT 8/9.
• Start to think and ask about careers that interest you.
• Explore internship opportunities and ways to save for college.

When you’re in 10th grade: 

• Register for an NCAA Certification Account or Profile Page at the NCAA Eligibility Center.
• Meet with your counselor again and ask these 20 questions to make sure you’re on track with college planning.
• Take the PSAT 10 or PSAT/NMSQT.
• Research financial aid, and don’t hesitate to ask an adult you trust for help.
• Attend college and career fairs with this checklist to help you get the information you want.
• Participate in extracurricular activities.

When you’re in 11th grade:

• Take the PSAT/NMSQT and learn about eligibility for the National Merit^® Scholarship Program.
• Ask your counselor about SAT fee waivers. If you’re eligible, you’ll get other benefits like unlimited free score reports and free college application fee waivers. 
• Register for the SAT and link your College Board account to Official SAT Practice on Khan Academy^® for free practice tests.
• If you’ve taken the PSAT/NMSQT, explore career opportunities and next steps.  
• Create your Federal Student Aid ID (FSA ID) for the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA®) and gather necessary tax returns and other financial documents.
• Build a college list with the college search tool on BigFuture and edit it as you discover more colleges.
• Take the SAT and use code 9999 to make sure the NCAA gets your score.
• Take a college tour from your college list. Use the Campus Visit Checklist as you take your tour. 
• Review application materials needed for the colleges you’re interested in. Some colleges ask for letters of recommendation—think about which teacher, coach, or counselor you would ask.
• At the end of the year, ask your counselor to upload your official transcript to the NCAA Eligibility Center.

When you’re in 12th grade:

• Narrow down and strengthen your college list, and note early admission and regular application deadlines.
• If you take the SAT again, make sure you practice with Official SAT Practice on Khan Academy and use code 9999 to send your score to the NCAA.
• Order official SAT score reports for the colleges you’re applying to.
• Complete the FAFSA.
• Draft your application essays and ask for feedback.
• Ask your counselor to send your official transcript to colleges.
• Complete your college applications by the appropriate deadlines.
• Request your final amateurism certification from the NCAA after April 1 at the NCAA Eligibility Center.
• Commit to a college by May 1.