www.athleticscholarshipcorp.com or call 800-260-8434

For student-athletes dreaming of playing at the college level, timing is everything. The recruiting process can be competitive, confusing, and downright overwhelming if you don’t start early enough. At Athletic Scholarship Corporation (ASC), we specialize in helping athletes navigate this journey. But when exactly should you start?
The short answer: earlier than you think.
Here’s a breakdown of the best time to kickstart your recruiting journey based on each stage of your high school career.
Middle School (7th & 8th Grade): Laying the Foundation
🚀 Yes, this early! While middle school might seem too soon to think about college, elite athletes and their families are already making moves. Here’s what you should do:
✔ Develop skills – Start mastering your sport’s fundamentals.
✔ Get good grades – Academics matter for eligibility and scholarships.
✔ Create an online presence – Consider a basic highlight reel and social media presence to showcase your talent.
✔ Attend camps & showcases – Begin gaining exposure by participating in local and national events.
Many top college coaches start identifying talent early. You don’t want to be playing catch-up when your competition is already on the radar!
Freshman Year: Building Your Profile
🏆 Time to get serious. This is when you officially put your name into the recruiting mix.
✔ Start recording highlight videos – Get game footage and edit it into a professional reel.
✔ Attend college camps – Exposure at D1, D2, and D3 camps can be game-changing.
✔ Research schools – Make a list of potential colleges based on athletic programs, academics, and scholarship opportunities.
✔ Communicate with coaches – Even if NCAA rules limit coach contact, you can still send introductory emails and updates on your progress.
Freshman year is about making yourself known and setting a strong academic and athletic foundation.
Sophomore Year: Increase Exposure
📢 Recruiting starts heating up. Coaches will begin scouting, and competition gets fierce. Here’s what to focus on:
✔ Update highlight reels – Showcase your best plays from freshman and sophomore years.
✔ Build relationships with coaches – Even if they can’t respond, keep sending updates.
✔ Improve your stats – Strengthen your game and show growth.
✔ Register with the NCAA Eligibility Center – A must-do for NCAA athletes.
✔ Visit schools – If possible, take unofficial visits to meet coaches and see campuses firsthand.
Junior Year: The Make-or-Break Year
🔥 This is crunch time! College coaches are actively filling their rosters, and official offers are made.
✔ Attend elite showcases & combines – Make sure you’re in front of decision-makers.
✔ Take the SAT/ACT – Strong scores help secure both athletic and academic scholarships.
✔ Narrow down schools – Start identifying your top choices.
✔ Go on official visits – If invited, take advantage of these!
✔ Commit or keep marketing yourself – If an offer comes in, be ready to decide. If not, don’t panic—keep reaching out to new programs.
Senior Year: Sealing the Deal
🏁 If you haven’t committed yet, it’s time to hustle.
✔ Keep in contact with coaches – Finalize your choice and negotiate your scholarship.
✔ Sign your National Letter of Intent (NLI) – If offered, make it official.
✔ Apply to schools – Ensure you meet all admission and scholarship deadlines.
✔ Stay academically eligible – Don’t slack off; colleges can rescind offers.
Final Takeaway: The Sooner, the Better!
The recruiting process is not a last-minute sprint—it’s a marathon. The most successful student-athletes begin planning in middle school and take strategic steps through high school.
At Athletic Scholarship Corporation, we help athletes and their families navigate the recruiting process with expert guidance, video promotion, direct coach connections, and proven strategies to maximize exposure.
💥 Want to increase your chances of landing a scholarship? Call us at 800-260-8434 or visit www.athleticscholarshipcorp.com to start your recruiting journey today! 🚀