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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.