THE HOW TO GUIDE DURING HIGH SCHOOL
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Key Points The game of college recruiting can generally be broken into five steps: 1.
Every student-athlete needs an objective third-party evaluation to determine “best fit” qualifications for various college programs. A knowledgeable third party helps set realistic expectations about programs, competition levels, and academic fit, helping the athlete target one hundred to two hundred realistic prospects.
2.
Every student-athlete needs a résumé posted online. The days of delivering paper résumés are over. Coaches now view websites that contain all the athletic and academic information needed to recruit a prospect. This allows coaches the ability to see more athletes, more efficiently.
3.
Every student-athlete needs a winning highlight, game, or skills video that best conveys athletic ability. Videos are typically streamed online and sent through email. A student-athlete should not send dozens of unsolicited DVDs to college coaches. Unless the video has been requested or is sent from a credible third party, coaches will likely never receive it, much less watch it!
4.
Every student-athlete must contact college coaches from at least one hundred to two hundred college programs. Receiving a few emails or letters from college coaches does not constitute serious recruitment. College coaches contact thousands of student-athletes so that they have enough options to fill their needs. Student-athletes should play the same game, contacting one hundred to two hundred college coaches. About 10 percent will show serious interest, giving the athlete about ten to twenty programs to actively consider.
5.
Every student-athlete needs a step-by-step plan to successfully navigate through the recruiting process. Doing it right takes hard work, perseverance, and a consolidated team effort among the student-athlete, parents, coaches, guidance counselors, and credible inside recruiting experts.
The last step alone will take one hundred to two hundred hours, which is why many families turn to reliable recruiting services to handle the bulk of the work.