Thinking about playing a sport in college? High-school athletes everywhere are feeling anxious about their college athletics recruiting paths. We’re now six months into Covid, and it’s the beginning of another school year. The start of school usually brings the start of fall sports, and yet many athletes are dealing with cancelled or restricted sports schedules. You’re not alone in your confusion and anxiety over how to navigate college athletics recruiting in the age of Covid. Just yesterday, I received this text from a mom with a junior son.
Trying to figure out how to navigate this crappy junior year for “Jacob”…I know you are in the same boat. We haven’t thought about ACT prep, and “Jacob” is not really motivated about it…Additionally, trying to figure out how we even begin to create a list of schools for him to explore. Starting to look through a list of D2/3 schools with NCAA programs but have no idea how to tackle this. Can you guys help? Not convinced this year’s season will happen. He has been playing with an unknown AAU team the last few summers, but we are starting to explore some more competitive teams to try to get on, to help get him exposure.
5 Key Actions to Jump Start Your Recruiting Process in 2020
Action Step 1: Understand the NCAA Guidelines
Read the NCAA Guide for the College-Bound Student Athlete. This is the guide book for following the rules you’ll need to know and follow in order to be eligible to compete in college. This is especially important now, when things are changing rapidly. Know and understand the academic standards to be able to compete at each level.
Action Step 2: Create Your Athletic Recruiting Profile Online
Find AND TAKE FULL ADVANTAGE OF the recruiting engine that is used by your sport. If you’re not sure, your athletic coach can direct you. For swimming, it’s College Swimming. For volleyball, choose University Athlete, Captain U or SportsRecruits. For soccer, it’s RecruitChute or SportsRecruits. Online recruiting engines help college coaches to see and evaluate you, and it is based upon the sport that you are interested in. Especially now, with reduced or restricted sports seasons, college coaches are spending more time online to discover up-and-coming athletes. Make sure you can be found where they’re looking for talent!
Be sure to complete the entire profile. Some are paid; others offer free versions. Add video, your GPA and ACT/SAT info, and additional activities. Make sure to keep your profile up to date! If your sport has few or no traditional competitions right now, you may need to get creative about showing your skills with video. For example, one creative volleyball player we know showed off her vertical skills and strength with a video of her jumping onto counter tops from floor level and even jumping over family members while they lay down on the lawn. That’s making the best of a challenging situation!
Don’t let cancelled games and tournaments stop you from doing what you CAN to show coaches your gumption, grit and skills. Be resourceful. Be proactive. Take the initiative.
Action Step 3: Reach out to college coaches
Have you contacted college coaches at schools in which you have interest? College athletic recruiting is a two-way street, so your outreach is important, especially in the midst of Covid. Take initiative and reach out to coaches to establish a relationship and let them know you’re interested in their program. Permissible contact varies by Division and sport. In more usual times, camps and clinics have been a way for coaches to be in touch with players. In an era of Covid, you’ll need to be more proactive about reaching out via phone calls and emails to coaches.
This is probably the biggest area of change we have seen versus in the past! If you are interested in a school, let them know! Parents, this is your student athlete’s responsibility. College coaches want to hear from THEM, not from you! In fact, if college coaches hear directly from parents instead of student athletes, it can actually be a red flag for them. One of our junior athletes who’s in contact with several college coaches right now told us that one college coach told her that she is on their short list for consideration in large part because she’s been proactive and persistent about reaching out to them.
Action Step 4: Research colleges and universities to find your fit.
At OnCampus College Planning, we focus on helping you find both the right team AND the right school for you. You’ll need to research schools that are a good fit for you not only athletically, but also academically, socially, financially and geographically. Our College Search services help you do just that, starting with defining your unique Needs, Wants, Don’t Needs and Don’t Wants, and getting really clear about your top priorities for an ideal college experience. We have an entire process designed exclusively to help students unearth their best college options, including athletic, academic and other considerations. There are thousands of options out there, and we can help you find hidden gems and high-value colleges that will reward you for your athletic, academic and other abilities and achievements.
Action Step 5: Visit Colleges (Virtually, When You Can’t Visit In Person)
Visit schools where there is mutual interest, even if that means starting with virtual visits. Getting on campus in person is ideal, but this is not an ideal year. That doesn’t mean do nothing. It means get creative and proactive. Colleges are STILL passionate about helping you explore what they have to offer, and so they’ve stepped up their game, offering robust virtual tours, if they are not physically open. You can (and should) schedule a college campus visit sooner than later. Schedule “unofficial visits” at any time through the Office of Admissions for that school. We’ve also seen students make tremendous progress recently with in-person, “self-guided” tours, especially in cases where they’re going to be in the area anyway. If your family’s traveling, if you do have competitions that include travel, or if you’re simply checking out colleges within driving distance, it can be well worth your time. Follow up your online research and outreach to admissions personnel with actually getting boots on campus for a self-guided tour that gives you a feel for the school, its facilities and amenities.
Ideally, you could coordinate schedules, so that while you’re on campus, you could talk with a coach in the athletic area that you are interested in and with the office of admissions.
We have had many students go on their own tours of universities all summer long, even when admissions offices are closed.
The point is, don’t play the waiting game while other student athletes are preparing to play college sports. Contact OnCampus College Planning for additional guidance on how best to visit your schools of interest as soon as possible. We can help answer your questions and point you in the right direction, based on which schools you’re considering.
College move-in days are happening all across the country, despite school at all levels looking different due to COVID this year than it has in the past.
Yesterday, I repeated the same three pieces of First Day advice to our son as he begins his first semester at the University of Cincinnati. It’s the same three mandates I’ve shared with students for years as they begin their first days of college. In reflecting on this advice during our 8-hour drive home, I realized two critical things:
These three keys are as relevant now in the midst of a pandemic than they’ve ever been. In fact, they are more important now than ever before.
These three keys are just as important for high school students as for college students. These three keys can help high school students start strong this school year, even though school looks different due to COVID. However, the way you apply them looks different this year than in the past.
Three Keys to A Strong Start in College and High School This Year
The three keys to a strong start for you this year, whether you’re a college student or high-school student are these:
Start something.
Join something.
Say something.
Start something on Day One of College or High School
The long version of this mandate goes something like this. On day one of school, you’ll get something called a syllabus from your teachers. This outlines what you’ll cover throughout the semester, key assignments, due dates and more. Most if not all of what’s on that syllabus isn’t due today. Ignore that. START IT TODAY. Start SOMETHING today. A HUGE part of becoming a Student is taking responsibility for moving your own stuff forward. That will be more important for you this year than ever before. For most students, there’s not a bell moving you from room to room this year. So take initiative. Start something. Read your syllabus on day one (this is one key that surprisingly few students actually do.) Then commit to the plan to do the work. This means transferring the contents of the syllabus into whatever planning tool or calendar you use. Plan the work. Work the plan. It starts today.
Then, start the first assignment. Read the chapter. Read the rubric. Give some intentional thought to what the assignment is all about. Take the first step day one.
Start something on day one of the school year this year. Do not let your head hit the pillow on day one until you can say that you took the first step in at least ONE thing that you will need to complete this semester.
Join something on day one of the school year
Engaged students are invested students. Colleges host events to boost engagement among students in the first few weeks of the school year. They’re called Involvement Fairs, Engagement Fairs or something similar. Colleges will do the same thing this year, but quite possibly these engagement events will be virtual or look different than they have in the past. No matter. The goal is the same. Get students engaged. For most college students, the easiest way to track down your school’s upcoming engagement fair is to check your student email. If you don’t see it there, Google “[name of college] + student organizations”. There will likely be the details of the event listed right there on the Campus Life page. Worst case, there will be information for contacts you can reach out to in order to get information.
If you have not already, spend some time researching your school’s student organizations and activities online. Pick 2-3 opportunities that light your fire. Then track down how to reach out to them and get involved.
Not ready to sign on the dotted line? Okay, join something more informal, whether it’s a pickup basketball game happening at the rec center, a game of frisbee on the quad, a conversation in the hallway of your dorm where you start by introducing yourself. Or simply JOIN your roommate for lunch or dinner in the dining hall. Extend yourself to others. If you have your eyes peeled, you will see folks all over campus walking around doe-eyed, waiting to be invited to do something, anything.
Will this feel strange? Yup. Unnatural? Totally. Do it anyway. Will it always result in success? Nope. You will face rejection, poor fits, changing your mind, full rosters, lack of response by folks you reach out to, and more. Doesn’t matter. Keep doing it. By the 21st or 25th time you do it, you will start to develop a habit of joining, engaging, reaching out, extending yourself. You are the new kid. This is what new kids have to do in strange situations to form community. More importantly, this is what ADULTS do to get involved. You are now a young adult. It is on you to get involved. Join something today.
For high school students whose activities have been severely impacted or cancelled by COVID, reaching out may be more important for you than ever before, and probably requires more initiative, guts and gumption on your part than ever before. The opportunities are still there if you look for them. Non-profit organizations need volunteers. Your nearby neighbors need help. Your church needs assistance. Your peer group needs community now more than ever, and so do you.
If you’re really in doubt about what’s available to join that is of interest to you, ask someone. Ask your guidance counselor. Ask a school administrator. Ask your parent. Ask your neighbor. Ask your coach. Google local organizations whose views you support, and ask them how you can help. Look up. Look out. Join something.
Say something on day one of the school year
The long version of this mandate sounds like this. College students, your professors hold office hours for a reason. They expect you to reach out to them when you need help. Go one step further. Reach out before you need help. Reach out day one of college.
Even though classes will be held largely online, many or most college professors are on campus and available for student appointments. On day one, schedule one with each of your professors. Worst case, this takes place via Zoom.
The purpose of the visit is to see and be seen. Having read your syllabus (see step 1), you now know what will be expected of you in this class. Let the professor know what you’re looking forward to about the class and how it fits into your overall goals. Ask them how they prefer to be contacted if and when you have questions. Ask them what steps they’ve seen students take who are committed to being successful in this class. Ask them how you can help support them as a student. Ask them what they love about the campus and the school. Chances are, you’ll learn a lot of valuable insights during this conversation. No doubt, you’ll make a positive first impression on your professor. Most importantly, you’ve established a connection that will be easier to continue when and if you need help during the semester than if you waited until you’re in need to reach out to them.
Say something also looks like this: Participate in class discussions starting day one. No one’s dreading online classes more than teachers. It’s hard enough to stare out into blank stares when the eyes are right there in the room. It’s even more daunting for teachers and professors to try to manage a one-way monologue via Zoom when no one participates. Be the student who makes the job of facilitating a discussion EASIER for your professor. Come prepared to class. Engage. Ask questions. Respond. Raise your hand. Say something.
High-school students, this goes for you, too. If you cannot connect in person with your teachers, make sure you send EACH OF THEM an email on day one or at LEAST during the first week of class to introduce yourself, let them know you’re looking forward to the class, offer your help and build a relationship. You have no idea how grateful your teacher will be that you took the initiative to reach out to them.
Start something. Join something. Say something. These are the three keys to a strong start to this school year, and every year. Good luck!
On May 7, the University of Wisconsin Board of Regents approved a new “test optional” policy for 12 of the 13 UW System campuses. We did a FB Live video regarding this announcement on May 8. You can view it here. The University of Wisconsin-Madison, the state’s flagship university, will still require ACT or SAT scores as part of college applications. For all other UW System schools, the class of 2021 and 2022 will not be required to submit an ACT or SAT score as part of the freshman application. Here are answers to common questions you may have about this announcement.
Do I still have to take the ACT with all other juniors next March?
Yes. As of now, the state-mandated ACT exam will be administered to all Wisconsin public high school juniors on March 9th, 2021 and is required.
Should I still prepare to do my best on the ACT or SAT? What importance does it have?
Yes. Standardized test scores (ACT or SAT) remain one of the top three criteria for the majority of colleges in the United States. For the University of Wisconsin-Madison and the majority of colleges beyond the UW System, a strong score is an essential piece of your application. Most sophomores and juniors do not yet know the complete list of colleges to which they’ll apply. Ensure you’re fully prepared and have the greatest number of options available to you when it’s time to complete college applications by earning your strongest possible ACT or SAT scores. Proven ACT Test Prep programs can help, or you can prep on your own.
What does “test optional” really mean?
Test optional simply means that you have the option of submitting an ACT/SAT score. You CAN submit ACT or SAT scores. It is not required, and by not submitting a score, you won’t decrease your chances of admission.
What if I have a good ACT score? Will they just ignore it?
Not at all. You’ll still be rewarded for a strong ACT/SAT score if you submit it as part of your application. Test optional does not mean “test blind”.
Should I still submit my ACT or SAT score to a test optional school?
The answer is sometimes. It depends. For insight specific to your situation, schedule a free consult anytime. In general, for “test optional” schools, you should submit your score if it will improve your chances for admission and/or merit aid. Think of your college application as a portfolio that tells the story of you. If your GPA is on the low end of the school’s average GPA for admitted students, an ACT or SAT score that falls within the school’s “middle 50% range” for admitted students could help. You can find the “middle 50% ACT range” on a college’s website or use a site such as collegedata.com to find this. Your score should fall within this range, and ideally toward the higher end of that range. Other factors such as cumulative GPA and extracurriculars can impact the score you may need for your best chance of acceptance.
What about the impact of an ACT or SAT score on scholarships and merit aid?
Many colleges and universities reward strong academic performance with merit aid scholarships. Of the factors used to determine awards, the two most common are your cumulative GPA and ACT/SAT score. In many cases, a score beyond what you “need to get in” can dramatically increase your scholarship, and that extra effort and even expense to prep can make a big difference in which schools are affordable. Since merit aid policies vary greatly, you may wish to contact the admissions or financial aid office of any test optional schools on your list to know if ACT/SAT will or will not be used for awarding merit scholarships.
I still have questions about ACT scores, SAT scores and college admissions. How can I get answers?
We’re always here to help. Email Tom Kleese with questions, call Tom directly at 608-553-3445 or schedule a free consult. Freshman, sophomore or junior year is a great time to come in, get your key college questions answered and develop a plan for achieving your college goals.
On April 1, 2020, the NCAA announced it will extend the current recruiting dead period through May 31, a move that was also taken in Division I. Institutional staff members are permitted to communicate with prospective student-athletes by phone or email during this time but cannot engage in in-person recruiting on or off campus. You can read the media release here.
This has significant implications for prospective student athletes still in high school during a time when spring athletic seasons would usually be in full swing, and colleges would be conducting in-person recruiting. It’s frustrating. It’s terribly disappointing, and it may leave prospective student athletes feeling helpless and pretty panicked right now. So what CAN you do? What actions CAN prospective student athletes take to move your college recruiting process forward while you’re standing still?
As high schools and colleges pursue online learning for the balance of this spring semester due to COVID-19, the recruiting landscape is also evolving. Remember, coaches who would usually be out on the road right now are also stuck in their offices or at home, which means they have more time to spend online. They won’t stop recruiting. They’ll just be doing it differently. Here’s how you can make progress in light of our current situation.
Prospective Student Athletes Can Take a Proactive versus Reactive Approach
There are many opportunities for current high-school prospective student athletes to be proactive. Cancelled tournaments, showcases and the dead period now extended through May 31 have changed the landscape of what the recruiting process looks like this spring.
College coaches usually use this time to travel to evaluate players at tournaments and showcases around the country and host student athletes and their families on their campuses. Athletes want to get noticed at these tournaments to set themselves up for the best recruiting opportunities. Students and their families also want to get out to college campuses to explore their options. The pandemic is making recruiting and coaching more challenging, but there are many opportunities for you as a student athlete.
Make These Actions Part of Your College Recruiting Game Plan
Update all of the social media sites you are on. Since college coaches cannot see you in person, they will likely be spending more time online. Update all of the recruiting sites you are on and be sure they are complete.
Update all of your video footage from past games and matches.
Reach out to college coaches per NCAA, NAIA, and junior college rules. This could include emails and phone calls and add links to fresh game film and highlight videos.
Target specific schools you are interested in and reach out. Think about what you want out of your college athletics experience both athletically and academically. What is a good fit for you? Do you want to start right away or are you ok being a reserve player for a few years? Does a smaller school appeal to you or a larger school. Get online and research colleges and universities and take a virtual tour. Most schools have enhanced their virtual tour and video capabilities in light of what’s happening right now.
Look into the classes you should be taking the next several years in order to be eligible to compete in college athletics. If you are a sophomore or junior, think about studying and taking the ACT sooner rather than later and look into the requirements the NCAA has around high school grades and ACT scores. Begin to research academic scholarship opportunities at your target schools.
Email and Phone Outreach to College Coaches
Student athletes stuck at home can still reach out to college coaches using email or phone calls. Here are three great questions to ask college coaches when you call. Email Stephanie Barth for other suggestions on outreach to college coaches.
What are you looking for in a player for my position?
Can you describe your practice environment?
How would you describe your team and school culture on and off the court/field etc.?
We are here at OnCampus College Planning to help you through this changing landscape.
Our College-Bound Confidence Community is an online monthly coaching group to help college-bound students and parents get to college with less stress, less mess and way more confidence. College-Bound Confidence includes training and tools specific to prospective student athletes.
We also offer a one-on-one coaching package for prospective student athletes. Email Stephanie Barth for more information or just to ask questions and get expert answers.
Email Stephanie for a free overview of how the college recruiting process works. We can help you come up with a comprehensive plan for recruiting, applications, and ACT testing to help you prepare for the college recruiting process.
Looking for at-home activities with quaranteens? Here are 10 movies to watch now that we’re all spending more time at home together.
Hilary here. My husband Tom predicted it, and here it is. I am sharing a quote from the movie we watched last night. “Success is not final, failure is not fatal: it is the courage to continue that counts.” This quote is from Darkest Hour, a movie about Winston Churchill when he served as Prime Minister during WWII. History helps me “right-size” myself and remember that people in situations more dire than those we face right now have faced those situations with courage, grace, selflessness and integrity.
At times like this, when the moments of today feel daunting and desperate, I find history inspiring and helpful for shifting my perspective and strengthening my resolve.
In case you are, as we are, looking for ways to spend time together while finding hope and inspiration, here are 10 movies (in no particular order) which you might want to put in your family’s Netflix queue these days. I’d love to hear your recommendations for other movies that are good for the soul and our strength right now. We’ll add them to the Kleese watchlist!
Darkest Hour as described above, featuring Gary Oldman and Kristen Scott Thomas.
Lincoln (2012) is an historical drama film directed and produced by Steven Spielberg, starring Daniel Day-Lewis as United States President Abraham Lincoln.
Rudy (1993) may not make the cut as legitimate “historical fiction,” but Rudy is always a good answer, no matter what the question is. This biographical sports film recounts the life of Daniel Ruettiger who dreamed of playing football at the University of Notre Dame, despite significant obstacles.
Glory (1989) is an American war film directed by Edward Zwick about the 54th Massachusetts Infantry Regiment, the Union Army’s second African-American regiment in the American Civil War. It stars Matthew Broderick as Colonel Robert Gould Shaw, the regiment’s commanding officer, and Denzel Washington, Cary Elwes, and Morgan Freeman as fictional members of the 54th.
The Help (2011) is a period drama based on the book by the same name by author Kathryn Stockett. I both read the book and watched the movie, and I learned a lot from this story of young white woman and aspiring journalist Eugenia “Skeeter” Phelan and her relationship with two black maids during the Civil Rights Movement in 1963 Jackson, Mississippi.
Invictus(2009) Nelson Mandela (played by Morgan Freeman), in his first term as President of South Africa, initiates a unique venture to unite the Apartheid-torn land: enlist the national rugby team on a mission to win the 1995 Rugby World Cup. Bonus, Matt Damon’s in this one.
Patch Adams (1998) is worth the sadness you’ll feel while watching a movie featuring the late, great Robin Williams. This movie is about living for something greater than yourself. It’s actually based on the true story of Hunter Doherty “Patch” Adams (born May 28, 1945), an American physician, comedian, social activist, clown, and author. He founded the Gesundheit! Institute in 1971. Each year, Adams organizes volunteers from around the world to travel to various countries where they dress as clowns to bring humor to orphans, patients and others.
Schindler’s List (1993) directed by Steven Spielberg is based on the real life story of Oskar Schindler. A businessman during the Nazi regime of Adolf Hitler, he sold off his last possessions to buy the freedom of 600-odd Jew prisoners.
My Left Foot: The Story of Christy Brown (1989) is not the feel-good movie you might be looking for right now, but it is incredibly inspiring. It stars Daniel Day-Lewis as Christy Brown, an Irishman born with cerebral palsy, who could control only his left foot. Brown grew up in a poor working-class family and became a writer and artist.
The Pursuit of Happyness (2006) because of course this movie needs to be on this list. Will Smith plays Chris Gardner, a homeless salesman. This movie is based on the memoir of the same name written by Gardner with Quincy Troupe about Gardner’s nearly one-year struggle being homeless.
May you enjoy happy, healthy and inspiring quarantine viewing. Share your recommendations. We’d love to hear them.
What do dogs in their pajamas have to do with college search? Not much probably. But we could all use a little levity, and we’re pretty sure you’d rather see dogs in their pajamas as opposed to seeing US in pajamas. So enjoy these cute pictures, and check out these tips for continuing your college search virtually with the free time you have on your hands right now.
In light of what’s going on in our world, we wanted to share ways to maintain and even ramp up your college search. While college campuses around the country are closed, college-bound high school students and parents have more available time right now. Just because campuses are closed doesn’t mean your college search has to be put on hold.
Freshmen, Sophomores, Juniors! We have ideas and resources to help you maintain momentum and make great use of your time at home right now. Stay tuned for more online resources coming daily in the coming days and weeks!
Ways to Connect with Colleges and Universities From Home
Check out their virtual tour often found on the Office of Admissions page of the school’s website.
Reach out and subscribe to receive more information about each of the colleges and universities you are interested in online.
Research your major to learn more about the opportunities at each school on each schools official websites.
Contact an admissions counselor with questions about enrolling. Many of these folks are working remotely right now, and would love to take your call or respond to your email!
Get first-hand accounts from local college students that are now home. Ask them questions about their experiences at their college and universities.
Connect With College Campus Personnel
This may not be possible for all college campuses, but MANY college campuses are still staffed remotely. Colleges are working to find remote ways to keep operating and being available for prospective students. They want to keep hearing from you! This means that you CAN STILL REACH OUT to your admissions rep via email or phone to ask questions. To find and connect with your admissions rep, look for the Office of Admissions page of your prospective school’s website and zero in on “find an admissions rep in my area” or “find my area admissions rep”. Colleges and universities have designated admissions reps based on where you’re located.
Preparing for a Conversation with Your Admissions Rep
BEFORE you get on the phone or write an email to your admissions rep, check out the school’s website thoroughly. Avoid asking questions you could easily find yourself on the website. If you’re calling them on the phone, jot some notes to work from during your call and be ready with a pen and paper to take notes about helpful tips they provide. If you’re writing an email, be sure to check your spelling and grammar. Email language should be more polished and crafted than texting.
Start by introducing yourself. This sounds like this: “Hello, my name’s Justin Jones. I’m a sophomore at Northwest High School in Coolsville, Wisconsin. I’m interested in pursuing a major in business beginning fall of 2022. I’m interested in what State University has to offer for business majors interested in pursuing a career in entrepreneurship.
Let them know you’ve done some homework. This sounds like this: “I’ve spent some time on your website, and I’ve talked to a couple of my friends who are currently students there. I noticed that you offer a wide range of majors and programs in my field of study. I’m specifically interested in your focus in international entrepreneurship.”
Here are good questions to ask your admissions rep via email or phone:
What I should expect as a first-year student studying business with a focus on entrepreneurship at State University?
What makes State University’s program unique? When students choose State University over other options, what are their top reasons for doing so?
Could you share your most common overlap schools for students pursuing a major like the one I’m interested in? (Overlap schools are other schools that students commonly consider in addition to the one you’re in contact with. Think of “overlaps schools” as
What I can be doing now as a high-school student to fully prepare me for succeeding as a State University student in my chosen major?
Do you offer career camps or other programs for high school students during the summer or school year that would be helpful for a student with my interests and goals?
Virtual College Tours Online
Several schools including University of Iowa, Vanderbilt University, and Minnesota State Mankato are offering online information sessions and virtual tours at set times and dates that you sign up for remotely. No doubt this will become standard practice over the next several days and weeks.
The following schools have online virtual tours. This is just a starting point, as most schools have video campus tours available on YouTube, as well.
University of Iowa online information sessions including a virtual tour
Iowa State
Nebraska
Creighton
Marquette University
University Chicago Loyola
Northwestern University
University of Notre Dame
Bemidgi State University
Vanderbilt (and online information sessions)
Valparaiso University
Indiana University
University of Illinois
University of Minnesota
University of St Thomas
Minnesota State University Mankato (and sign up for virtual tour on a specific date)
University of Wisconsin Whitewater
St Norbert’s College
Auburn University
University of Kentucky
We hope you’ve enjoyed this pajama-wearing-dog-guided tour of how to visit colleges in your bathrobe.
Get Guidance on Maintaining Momentum in the Midst of Madness
Stay tuned for more free college planning resources coming soon to help you maintain momentum and get guidance on your college planning process while in the midst of our current situation. For answers to your specific questions, schedule a Free Consult (which can take place via Zoom video conference from wherever you are). Or email Tom or email Hilary. Prospective student athletes seeking guidance on keeping the fire lit under your recruiting process, email Stephanie for answers and guidance.
Trying to figure out how to navigate this crappy junior year for “Jacob”…I know you are in the same boat. We haven’t thought about ACT prep, and “Jacob” is not really motivated about it…Additionally, trying to figure out how we even begin to create a list of schools for him to explore. Starting to look through a list of D2/3 schools with NCAA programs but have no idea how to tackle this. Can you guys help? Not convinced this year’s season will happen. He has been playing with an unknown AAU team the last few summers, but we are starting to explore some more competitive teams to try to get on, to help get him exposure.
Action Step 1: Understand the NCAA Guidelines
Action Step 1: Understand the NCAA Guidelines
Be sure to complete the entire profile. Some are paid; others offer free versions. Add video, your GPA and ACT/SAT info, and additional activities. Make sure to keep your profile up to date! If your sport has few or no traditional competitions right now, you may need to get creative about showing your skills with video. For example, one creative volleyball player we know showed off her vertical skills and strength with a video of her jumping onto counter tops from floor level and even jumping over family members while they lay down on the lawn. That’s making the best of a challenging situation!
Have you contacted college coaches at schools in which you have interest? College athletic recruiting is a two-way street, so your outreach is important, especially in the midst of Covid. Take initiative and reach out to coaches to establish a relationship and let them know you’re interested in their program. Permissible contact varies by Division and sport. In more usual times, camps and clinics have been a way for coaches to be in touch with players. In an era of Covid, you’ll need to be more proactive about reaching out via phone calls and emails to coaches.
At OnCampus College Planning, we focus on helping you find both the right team AND the right school for you. You’ll need to research schools that are a good fit for you not only athletically, but also academically, socially, financially and geographically. Our College Search services help you do just that, starting with defining your unique Needs, Wants, Don’t Needs and Don’t Wants, and getting really clear about your top priorities for an ideal college experience. We have an entire process designed exclusively to help students unearth their best college options, including athletic, academic and other considerations. There are thousands of options out there, and we can help you find hidden gems and high-value colleges that will reward you for your athletic, academic and other abilities and achievements.
We have had many students go on their own tours of universities all summer long, even when admissions offices are closed.
The long version of this mandate goes something like this. On day one of school, you’ll get something called a syllabus from your teachers. This outlines what you’ll cover throughout the semester, key assignments, due dates and more. Most if not all of what’s on that syllabus isn’t due today. Ignore that. START IT TODAY. Start SOMETHING today. A HUGE part of becoming a Student is taking responsibility for moving your own stuff forward. That will be more important for you this year than ever before. For most students, there’s not a bell moving you from room to room this year. So take initiative. Start something. Read your syllabus on day one (this is one key that surprisingly few students actually do.) Then commit to the plan to do the work. This means transferring the contents of the syllabus into whatever planning tool or calendar you use. Plan the work. Work the plan. It starts today.
Engaged students are invested students. Colleges host events to boost engagement among students in the first few weeks of the school year. They’re called Involvement Fairs, Engagement Fairs or something similar. Colleges will do the same thing this year, but quite possibly these engagement events will be virtual or look different than they have in the past. No matter. The goal is the same. Get students engaged. For most college students, the easiest way to track down your school’s upcoming engagement fair is to check your student email. If you don’t see it there, Google “[name of college] + student organizations”. There will likely be the details of the event listed right there on the Campus Life page. Worst case, there will be information for contacts you can reach out to in order to get information.
The long version of this mandate sounds like this. College students, your professors hold office hours for a reason. They expect you to reach out to them when you need help. Go one step further. Reach out before you need help. Reach out day one of college.
Do I still have to take the ACT with all other juniors next March?
What does “test optional” really mean?
What about the impact of an ACT or SAT score on scholarships and merit aid?
This has significant implications for prospective student athletes still in high school during a time when spring athletic seasons would usually be in full swing, and colleges would be conducting in-person recruiting. It’s frustrating. It’s terribly disappointing, and it may leave prospective student athletes feeling helpless and pretty panicked right now. So what CAN you do? What actions CAN prospective student athletes take to move your college recruiting process forward while you’re standing still?
There are many opportunities for current high-school prospective student athletes to be proactive. Cancelled tournaments, showcases and the dead period now extended through May 31 have changed the landscape of what the recruiting process looks like this spring.
Update all of the social media sites you are on. Since college coaches cannot see you in person, they will likely be spending more time online. Update all of the recruiting sites you are on and be sure they are complete.
Student athletes stuck at home can still reach out to college coaches using email or phone calls. Here are three great questions to ask college coaches when you call. 
Our 
At times like this, when the moments of today feel daunting and desperate, I find history inspiring and helpful for shifting my perspective and strengthening my resolve.
The Help (2011) is a period drama based on the book by the same name by author Kathryn Stockett. I both read the book and watched the movie, and I learned a lot from this story of young white woman and aspiring journalist Eugenia “Skeeter” Phelan and her relationship with two black maids during the Civil Rights Movement in 1963 Jackson, Mississippi.
What do dogs in their pajamas have to do with college search? Not much probably. But we could all use a little levity, and we’re pretty sure you’d rather see dogs in their pajamas as opposed to seeing US in pajamas. So enjoy these cute pictures, and check out these tips for continuing your college search virtually with the free time you have on your hands right now.
Preparing for a Conversation with Your Admissions Rep
What I should expect as a first-year student studying business with a focus on entrepreneurship at State University?
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