THE SOCCER POSTS COLLEGE CORNER: FAQ
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
The Soccer Posts College Corner gives you the best guidance in your college search. From frequently asked questions, to timetables for recruiting, to contacting college coaches our full time experienced staff are here to help.
Here are a list of frequently asked questions PSA’s (Prospective Student Athletes) and parents may have. If there is a question you have and you do not see it on the list, please feel free to email us at admin@thesoccerposts.com
There are 3 pillars you should look at when deciding on an institution to attend.
1. Academic: Is the institution a good fit academically. Can you be accepted and if you are will it be a struggle to keep up with the courses.
2. Athletically: Can you play at that level and/or for that program?
3. Financially: Make sure financially the institution is a good fit for you, your family, and the career you are choosing.
Do not look at the level! Each level has a huge gap from the top teams to the bottom teams. There are teams at every level that can compete with another divisions teams. Make sure the PROGRAM is a good fit athletically for you.
It is best to start the recruiting process with an introductory email to the coaching staff of the schools you are interested in.
Emails to coaches that start the recruiting process should always be well written, simple, and to the point.
1. Name
2. Where you are from
3. Class (Freshman, Sophomore, Junior, Senior, Junior College)
4. Position
5. Club Teams
6. NCAA Eligibility Center #
Yes. Some coaches like to see between 5-10 minutes clips, some like to see a half or full game, and some like both.
The NCAA Eligibility Center certifies whether prospective college athletes are eligible to play sports at NCAA Division I or II institutions. It does this by reviewing the student-athlete's academic record, SAT® or ACT scores, and amateur status to ensure conformity with NCAA rules.
The NCAA is the governing body of many intercollegiate sports. Each college regulated by the NCAA has established rules on eligibility, recruiting and financial aid and falls into one of the three membership divisions (Divisions I, II and III). Divisions are based on college size and the scope of their athletic programs and scholarships.
The NCAA recommends that student-athletes register at the beginning of their junior year in high school, but many students register after their junior year. There is no registration deadline, but students must be cleared by the Eligibility Center before they receive athletic scholarships or compete at a Division I or II institution.
To play sports at an NCAA Division I or II institution, the student must:
Complete a certain number of high school core courses (defined below).
Earn a certain minimum grade point average in these core courses.
Earn a certain minimum score on the SAT or ACT.
Graduate from high school.
Yes! This is an excellent way to get in front of a coach in a smaller setting. It is also beneficial to see the school, the facilities, and the coaching style.
Yes. If you graduate from a Junior College you will automatically be eligible to play at the 4 year institution. If you do not graduate (attend year year) you will need 6 credits of English, 3 Math, and 3 Science. You will also need 12 transferable credits per full time semester plus a 2.0 GPS.
Yes you can. If you play soccer at that original 4 year institution you will need to inform your coach and asked to be placed in the NCAA Transfer Portal. If you have 12 transferable credits per full time semester attended with a minimum of a 2.0 GPA you will be eligible to play. Some conferences will have restrictions if you transfer between institutions within the same conference. *Some conferences have rules if you receive Athletic Aid/ or Scholarship you will have to sit one year in residency at your new institution. If you do not receive Athletic Aid or Scholarship, you will be eligible to participate immediately.
No. Only DI and DII NCAA institutions offer Athletic Scholarships. DIII institutions can only offer aid through academic and financial aid packages.
Yes. You will still have your 4 years of athletic competition to participate.