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College Baseball Recruiting 101: Money Talks, But the Education Walks

11/04/2010, 7:10am (EDT)
By Gayle Yodowitz, All American College Planning - Photos by Ellen Schuerger
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Money Talks, But the Education Walks! 
Passion and love for a sport is the leading factor that motivates high school athletes to be recruited to play at the collegiate level.  But let's be honest. The rising cost of attendance at colleges, both public and private, coupled with an uncertain economy makes families want to find a school that provides a significant amount of scholarship money. Families can tend to get caught up in the financial incentives and lose sight of what the university can do for the future of their child. 
The goal to reduce the overall cost of education might cause families to unintentionally overlook the most important reason an athlete is attending college; to get a solid education that will provide post college career options. It is more important than ever to be seriously focused on exploring career paths that match the personality, interests and skills of the student/athlete.

Freshman

Adjust to what it's like to be in high school. Get into good classes and home study habits. Learn to manage your time and set your priorities.

November-January
• Stay in shape.
• Send an introduction letter to any colleges you are interested in attending and playing baseball. 
• Register with the NCAA Clearinghouse - it's never too early. 
• Begin to prepare your athletic resume.
• Plan your winter baseball schedule.
• Locate an indoor facility that offers high level instruction to improve skills and work on off-season conditioning.
• Continue winter workouts/ readiness for high school team tryouts
• Keep up with your academics. You must be competitive both in the classroom and on the field!
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Sophomores

November-January
• Grades still count, so continue to put FULL effort into your academics.
• Research NCAA academic requirements.
• Start investigating colleges and their admission requirements.
• Visit college campuses when you can - even if you can only drive through the campus.
• Let your guidance counselor know you want to play college baseball and be sure you are on the right track.

Juniors

November-January
• DO NOT LET YOUR ACADEMICS SLIP! Stay strong. If your academics have some “gaps”, colleges look for an upward trend in grades to show growth and maturity.
• Be sure to sign up for all necessary standardized tests.
• Send out athletic resumes. 
• Make contact with college baseball coaches. 
• Ask your high school coach to write letters to colleges that seem like a good academic and athletic fit. Register with the NCAA Initial Eligibility Clearinghouse and become familiar with the admission/eligibility requirements. (ncaa.org)

Seniors

September-December
• SENIOR YEAR COUNTS ACADEMICALLY! COLLEGES TRACK YOUR GRADES THROUGHOUT THE ENTIRE YEAR.
• Review core academic requirements with your guidance counselor.
• The first day of class for your senior year is the first day you may attend an official visit.
• If you do not  sign early with a college, consider the holiday camps from a school that you have an interest in.
• Update college coaches.
• Work hard, play hard.

Baseball                           Initial Signing Date                  Final Signing Date
Early Signing Period         November 10, 2010                   November 17, 2010
Regular Signing Period April 13, 2011                          August 1, 2011

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