Basics

• Do you want to stay close or go far from home?  Do you want a big or small school?  Do you prefer a city or country setting?  Major?  Etc.

Academics

• Your GPA?  Class rank?  # of level 4/AP courses?  SAT scores?

Athletics

• Evaluate your own ability level.  Watch DI, II, and III games.  Talk with former players who are in college now (or who have played and graduated).

What Do You Want in a Program?

• Do you want an intense, very challenging program—physically and mentally?  Do you want to be challenged?  Is your objective to start/play your first year?

“Long List” (9^th and 10^th Grade years)

• Your long list should have plenty of options. (Don’t worry—you will not apply to all these schools in the end.)  If a school interests you for whatever reason, put it on the list.

Research (9^th and 10^th Grade years)

• GET INFO!  Check the internet.  Talk to me, other coaches, and former teammates.  Your guidance counselor may have some insight.    

Contact the Colleges/Coaches on Your Long List (10^th and 11^th Grade years)

• Introduce yourself (I have sample letters).  Keep copies of everything you send out.
• Always follow up to anything sent by the school.  Note: a coach cannot contact you before July 1 after your junior year.  The absolute best resource for any and all NCAA questions—www.ncaa.org.
• Put together a video tape of your play.  Borrow our program’s tapes. 

Continue to Research

• Visit the school.  If you plan on visiting a coach on your own, CALL AHEAD.  If you talk with a coach, make sure you have questions for him/her.  (Note:  I have a list of suggestions.)  Keep coaches updated as to your activities, both academic and athletic.

The Short List (11^th grade school year and summer)

• Narrow your list.  Included a “stretch” school (either academically or athletically), 2 or 3 “comfortable” schools, and a “safety” school—confident about being accepted.  
• Prepare the applications.  Make sure the lacrosse coach is aware you are applying.
• Keep coaches updated as to your activities, both academic and athletic.
• If you decide against a school (it comes off of your list), let the coach know.  Remember, throughout this entire process, you represent not only yourself but our program, too.
• Take SAT and/or ACT test

After Junior Year

• Register on-line with the clearinghouse (www.ncaaclearinghouse.net)
• Fill out Guidance’s Pink sheet

Senior Year

• Continue to get good grades
• Follow up to make sure your counselor sent your final transcript (with proof of graduation) to the clearinghouse

Parents

• Visit the institutions together.  This is one of the best ways to evaluate the schools.
• Be cautious with “scouting firms” and “scouting publications.”  If you come across one you like, please let me know.  However, please keep in mind:  your daughter, you, other SWHS resources and staff, and I can accomplish all that needs to be done.