The NCAA website also contains a handy pdf worksheet that allows you to track your academic progress on your own. You can also find out more information about how transfer credits figure in to eligibility.

As an example, a high school athlete looking to land a Division I football scholarship will need a minimum 2. 3 GPA to meet minimum eligibility requirements. Keeping a strong GPA can also help you to land a combined athletic/academic scholarship package. A little known truth is that many athletes, especially at smaller schools, survive off of mixed scholarships. [4] X Research source

For example, a football player with a 3. 55 GPA, who is looking to land at a Division I school, will need a minimum 400 SAT or 37 Sum ACT score for eligibility . [6] X Research source

After you’ve completed your application you can check your status online. Over 90 percent of applicants are determined to be eligible, so your odds are generally good if you’ve followed the basic NCAA rules. Some of the choices that can render an athlete ineligible are the following: playing football in a professional league; accepting prize money; getting agent representation; signing a professional contact. [8] X Research source

Even your campus visits will be subject to NCAA regulation. You must be certified as eligible prior to visiting and the college can only pay for a handful of your expenses, such as transportation. For example, you could be considered guilty of a moral violation if you are caught and found guilty of drinking underage. The same goes with any drug-related offenses.

Ask college officials about how you can use your scholarship monies. Are you able to buy books with these funds? Can it go toward the cost of renting an apartment or just a dorm? Also, find out what happens if you are injured or choose to transfer schools. Does the money disappear or will it continue?[11] X Research source

It may be helpful to organize your list according to interest level. Place your top choice program in the #1 position and move down from there. Be prepared to adjust the list over time. [13] X Research source

You can find out more information about these divisions as well as the number of scholarships awarded by going to the NCAA website.

For example, instead of saying, “I think your program is great,” you might say, “I really admire your consistently high-performing offensive line. ” Be formal and refer to the coaches by their last name, unless by them told to do otherwise. So, say, “Coach Farris,” or “Mr. Farris. ”

To approach your coach you might say, “I’m really interested in playing college ball, where do you think I would fit in?”

In the contact period, a college coach will interact with recruits face-to-face and over the phone. In the evaluation period, a college coach may watch the recruit play a game, but will not approach them. In the quiet period, a college coach may not talk to a recruit face-to-face or visit their high school. However, the coach can also call the recruit. In the dead period, a college coach’s contact is severely limited. [18] X Research source

For example, if a college coach is pressed they may be able to extend a guaranteed scholarship for additional months, such as extending a six-month period into a full year’s ride.

If you change your mind and wish to attend a different school be aware that you may lose a full year of eligibility. Be cautious with verbal agreements during the recruiting process. A coach may make verbal promises to you, but they are not binding. You may also verbally agree to attend a college, but that statement is not binding either.

These camps are also where your “measurables” will be determined. These are personal measurements of your vertical leap, 40-yard dash, and height/weight. Recruiting services, such as ESPN, will post these stats to their main websites. [20] X Research source

College coaches will often ignore videos that last too long or are too elaborate. For example, don’t use slow motion graphics or dramatic music. [21] X Research source Make sure to include your email on the last frame of the video.

Be aware that some coaches can view recruiters as an unnecessary middleman. [22] X Research source