College Athletics:
A comprehensive guide to college athletics can be found at www.ncaa.org
The Guide for the College-Bound Student Athlete is a useful tool for any student considering participation in college athletics.
Steps for future college athletes:
Meet with your coach to discuss the realities of collegiate athletic participation.
- Determine your level of commitment to a college program.
- Decide which colleges best meet your academic, athletic, and personal goals.
- The NCAA’s membership includes 326 Division I schools, 281 Division II programs and 421 Division III members. Determine which level is an appropriate fit for your ability and talent. Remember that you are a student first and athlete second so be certain to select appropriate colleges for your consideration. Many colleges offer Club and Intramural programs in addition to varsity athletics.
- Note the eligibility requirements for Division I and Division II participation at www.ncaaclearinghouse.net
- To participate in Division I or II programs all student-athletes must register with the NCAA Clearinghouse www.collegeboard.net or www.actstudent.org and send scores to 9999
- View McDonogh’s core courses at www.ncaaclearinghouse.net to be certain that the courses you have selected to take meet all eligibility requirements.
HOW TO COMPLETE THE NCAA STUDENT RELEASE FORM
Go to www.ncaaclearinghouse.net
- Go to ‘Prospective Student Athlete’ link
- Go to ‘Domestic Release Form’
- Complete all of the required information. You will need to create a PIN (Personal Identification Number). Please use numbers that will be easy for you to remember so that you can check your status.
- The McDonogh School Code is 210750.
- You will need a credit card or check to complete this information. (Please see your college counselor if you are eligible for a fee waiver).
- You will need to sign the form. Your parents will also need to sign if you are under 18 years of age.
- You will also need to complete the NCAA Amateurism Certification Questionnaire.
NOTE—After you have submitted the form be certain to print out TWO copies of the release form and bring them to the College Counseling Office. We will send one copy of your transcript to the NCAA Clearinghouse when we receive your release form (and a Transcript Request Form) and another copy when you graduate from McDonogh.
HOW TO CONTACT COACHES:
You should send coaches a cover letter or athletic resume and video tape (if requested).
Be certain to include:
- Name, address, email address, telephone number, year in school, name of school
- Note why you are interested in learning more about the athletic program
- Include information regarding your classroom performance and test scores
- List any honors or recognition you have received
- The names and phone numbers of coaches and references may be helpful
Video Tape/DVD:
- Send what the coach would like to see—full game tape, highlights, speed, skills, etc…
- Identify yourself—jersey number, position, team playing for
- Include your name and other identifying information on the tape
Students will often submit materials to coaches during their junior year. Be certain to meet with your college counselor and coach to review the list of schools/coaches you plan to contact.
Visiting Colleges:
- Official Visit:
- A prospective student athlete may accept an offer from a coach to make an official (paid) visit to a college. The visit may last 48 hours, and include activities that would occur normally on that college campus. Students may take five official visits (only one to each school) to Division I an II schools.
- Students may be invited to “officially” visit Division III institutions.
- Official visits can not begin until the opening day of classes.
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- Unofficial Visit:
- Students may visit institutions at their own expense any number of times at their own expense.
Visit www.ncaa.org for a complete list of regulations regarding the recruiting process
After meeting with coaches it is appropriate to send a thank you note