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Sunday, October 23
What is our role?
What is this page all about? Over the past 10 years I have spoken with countless parents, coaches, family and professionals about ballplayers dreams of playing at the NCAA level. This page is for the purpose of hopefully clearing up rumors and misinformation.
What is my role? As for the past 10 years, to assist the student-athelete in achieving his/her goals and dreams.
If you have questions, comments or information, please fill free to contact me at spartanfootball@hotmail.com.
Thank you. Coach Allen Scott
Saturday, March 29
High School Students... Check Out NATS!!!
This information is for all parents and High School students that would like more information about NCAA Football opportunities. NATS stands for National Athletic Testing System. This website also has information about being eligible for the NCAA (grades, school classes and such).
Please be informed. Take some time, read the Player and Parent section of the website.
Here is the link to the website ( http://www.nats.us )
Sunday, October 23
Getting College Athletic Scholarships
Getting College Athletic Scholarships-
College recruiting is a highly COMPETITIVE system. The NCAA estimates that ONLY 5.8% of high school football players will go on to play at the NCAA level (not Division I... any NCAA level!). Many football players are left without the opportunity to play football after high school.
Because college recruiting is COMPETITIVE, student-athletes need to gain a competitive advantage to get noticed by college coaches. Just because you are the local hero on your football team DOES NOT mean you are on any coach's recruiting radar. Furthermore, if you do not receive a call in May of you JUNIOR year of high school, chances are youhave been overlooked by Division I college football coaches.
Unless you are a blue-chip athlete, college coaches are not going to line up at your door. However, you can TAKE CONTROL over your own collegiate future and market yourself to college by using the do-it-yourself approach or using a company that specializes in college recruiting.
COMPANIES THAT PROMOTE YOUNG ATHLETES
There are for profit companies that specialize in the promotion of athletes looking to play at the collegiate level. These companies typically charge a fee for their services. Services provided may include posting your profile on the company's web site, production of DVD's or video tapes to be sent to schools and coaches, and inclusion in various publications and brochures etc. Carefully evaluate any of thses companies that you may be interested in. Though the majority of them are reputable, a few charge a lot of money and deliver very little. One way to investigate is by contacting the local Better Business Bureau.
According to the National Collegiate Scouting Association, the four biggest complaints college coaches have with college recruiting services and do-it-yourself methods are:
1) Unrealistic parents
2) Unprepared student athletes
3) Lack of evaluation
4) Unverified student information and statstics
Before you choose to use a company's services, be sure that the company does not simply offer putting a profile on their website. It is also important to understand how the service works with college coaches. Many companies simply post student-athlete resumes and expect coaches to come to their website. More often than not, college coaches do not have time to do this.
The YFUSA (Youth Football USA) recommend that if you choose to utilize the services of a company through your recruiting process, that you find a reputable company such as the National Collegiate Scouting Association (NCSA). NCSA attempts to match college coaches with rhe right student-athletes by determining the academic and athletic requirements of college coaches and then matching student-athletes whose preferences and abilities fit the requirements of those coaches.
It is important that if you use a company, the company guides and educates their student-athelets throughout the recruiting process by providing updates on NCAA rules and regulations, advice on how to write letters to college coaches and how to contact coaches, including what to say and what to ask in conversations with college coaches. The recruiting specialists should also help you negotiate your financial package once you receive an offer.
THINGS TO ASK YOURSELF
GRADES- Do you have the grades/test scores to be admitted?
ABILITY- Do you have the athletic skills college coaches value?
MOTIVATION- Are you prepared to work to get a scholarship?
EXPOSURE- Are you ready to market yourself?
PROMOTE YOURSELF
Many young athletes and their families decide to utilize the do-it-yourself route. There is no rule as to what works best, but the fact remains that college coaches cannot recruit you if the have NO IDEA who you are.
In order for coaches to know who you are you need to market yourself. You need to consider the colleges you want to attend, and compile a list of coaches at those schools. It is critically important to be REALISTIC on both your talents and abilities. Too many athletes only contact the Division I programs because they are only interested in playing at that level. There are many outstanding athletic programs at the Division IAA, Division II, Division III, and NAIA levels. In fact, about 70% of all collegiate opportunities are at the Division III, NAIA and NJCAA levels so it is important to factor these schools into your option.
After you have a list of the schools and coaches you wish to contact, start compiling your personal information. This information is referred to as your College Scholarship Resume. This includes everything from basic personal information, including your name, age, and physical characteristics (such as height, weight, and details from th weight room), to the position you play, and how you rank with local and state records. Knowing what your local and state records are lets the college coaches know how you measure up to other local athletes. Detailed information on writing scholarship resumes can be found on the web and in the library.
A growing trend in self-promotion field includes creating a videotape or DVD of your most recent season. Most college football coaches, for example, want to see both series of highlights (approximately 4-5 minutes in length), PLUS one complete, unedited game. This gives them both highlights of your season, as well as how you perform in an entire game.
When you have compiled your resume, you will need to write a letter of introduction to accompany it. This letter will be your first contact with the college coaches. You need to introduce yourself, let them know who you are, and why you are writing.
It is important to stress the significance of the resume. Coaches and schools will immediately "rank" you from the personal and physical characteristics you provide in your resume. The key is to get the coaches interested in you so they will look at your video or DVD.
Always remember to enlist the help of your parents, your teachers and your coaches. Most high school coaches should have contacts within the ranks of college coaches, and their advice and guidance should be invaluable. All of these people have valuable life experience as well as possible insight into the process of getting scholarships. They are important resources that should not be ignored. However, when you do have them help, make sure that is what they are doing, helping. Do not have your parents or your teachers write your resume or letters for you. It is important that the materials presented to the coaches are from you in your words. Also, be sure to stay true to your dreams, and not live the dreams of your parents and coaches.
Finally when you are offered any scholarship, make sure you read the terms of the scholarship carefully. Make sure you know what the requirements are in order for you to keep your scholarship. Although many athletes dream of a professional sports career, the number of vailable positions is limited and it is important to have a balance between education and athletics.
Some student-athletes might see the NCAA statistic that only 5.8% of high school football players will go to play at the college level and become discouraged. However, the likelihood that you will get the opportunity to compete in college will greatly increase if you take control of your future. You do not have to sit back and wait for college coaches to come to you. DONT WAIT! In fact, if you do wait, you will more than likely be overlooked. Be proactive, learn how to promote yourselfto college coaches or learn more about the companies that can help you achieve your dream of playing at the college level.
DO NOT SET BACK AND WAIT.
I hope the above information is helpfull. Questions, comments, concerns, contact Coach Allen.
(information taken from several sources/ YFUSA, NCAA, FBA)
Monday, July 3
NCAA Eligibility Requirements
NCAA Eligibility Requirements
Recently Updated! - Courtesy of www.thesportsource.com
The NCAA has established a National Clearinghouse from which all decisions regarding an athlete's initial eligibility at an in-situation will be determined. If the athlete is not registered and certified through the Clearinghouse he or she will not be able to participate in Division I or Division II athletics.
The Key Steps in Eligibility:
The Division I and Division II initial-eligibility requirements have changed, as have the admissions and test scores for NCAA athletics. To better understand how to be prepared, visit the NCAA at www.NCAA.org to determine your core course requirements, admissions and eligibility.
What is the new rule?
The new requirements increase the number of required core courses from 13 to 14. The additional course may come from any of the following areas: English, mathematics, natural/physical science, social science, foreign language, non-doctrinal religion or philosophy.
For the classes of 2005, 2006 and 2007: Division I and Division II
If you plan to enter college in 2005 or after, your eligibility will be determined under the new rule. That means that you must have 14 core courses to be eligible to practice, play and receive financial aid at a Division I or Division II school.
For the class of 2008: Division I only
If you plan to enter college in 2008 or after, 16 core courses are required. An additional year of mathematics as well as an additional year of any additional course are required.
Additional eligibility standards can be found here. (PDF file)
Courses required: Division I: 2005-2007
4 years of English
2 years of Math (Algebra 1 or higher)
2 years of Natural/Physical Science (minimum 1 lab science, if offered)
1 year of additional English, Math, or Natural/Physical Science
2 years of Social Science
3 years of additional courses (from any area above, foreign language or nondoctrinal religion/philosophy)
Courses required: Division I: 2008 & after
4 years of English
3 years of Math (Algebra 1 or higher)
2 years of Natural/Physical Science (minimum 1 lab science, if offered)
1 year of additional English, Math, or Natural/Physical Science
2 years of Social Science
4 years of additional courses (from any area above, foreign language or nondoctrinal religion/philosophy)
Courses required: Division II: 2005 & after
3 years of English
2 years of Math (Algebra 1 or higher)
2 years of Natural/Physical Science (minimum 1 lab science, if offered)
2 year of additional English, Math, or Natural/Physical Science
2 years of Social Science
3 years of additional courses (from any area above, foreign language or nondoctrinal religion/philosophy)
Division I Additional Requirement: Sliding Scale
In Division I, an academic sliding scale (based on GPA and standardized test scores) exists. A minimum GPA of 2.0 is required. The higher your GPA, the lower your minimum SAT or ACT score can be. For example, a student with a 2.0 GPA must score at least a 1010 on his SAT or an 86 on his ACT. However, a student with a 3.0 GPA is afforded a minimum of a 620 on his SAT or a 52 on his ACT. For more information, visit the NCAA's reference sheet. (PDF File)
In Division II, the student athlete must have a minimum SAT/ACT score of 820/68 and a minimum GPA of 2.0 on a 4.0 scale. Division II does not have a sliding scale.
In Division III, eligibility requirements are set by the member institution and the college's participating athletic conference.
In NAIA, qualification criteria are based on any 2 of the 3 requirements outlined below.
A minimum GPA of 2.0 on a 4.0 scale.
A combined score for the SAT of 860 or ACT of 18.
Rank top 50% of high school graduating class.
Important Note: Computer science being eliminated for core-course purposes
Computer science courses will no longer be able to be used for initial-eligibility purposes. This rule is effective August 1, 2005, for students first entering a collegiate institution on or after August 1, 2005. Computer science courses (such as programming) that are taught through the mathematics or natural/physical science departments and receive either math or science credit and are on the high school's list of approved core courses as math or science may be used after the August 1, 2005, date.
Junior Year: Registration with Clearinghouse
Immediately after the completion of the second semester of your junior year, the student-athlete should register with the Clearinghouse. More information can be found at their website, which you can access by clicking here. Their website contains student release forms (which can be filled out online) as well as the list of all approved core courses for your particular high school. There is also information on how to register if you are home-schooled.
Senior Year: Verification of Standardized Test Scores
Verify standardized test scores and official transcripts have been sent to the Clearinghouse.
Changes in SAT/ACT tests
The SAT and ACT have made changes their tests; one of the most significant changes is the addition of a writing component. On both the SAT and ACT, students will be asked to write an essay. The SAT writing section is mandatory, while the ACT writing section is optional.
The SAT will now have three parts: critical reading (formerly known as verbal), mathematics, and writing. Since each section is worth 200-800 points, the SAT score will now range from 600-2400. Testing dates can be found here.
Will the NCAA require a writing test as part of its initial-eligibility requirements?
The NCAA had determined that the writing component should not be required at the present time. The NCAA has noted the importance of reviewing research related to the impact of the writing component.
How will the NCAA Initial-Eligibility Clearinghouse use the scores on the new SAT?
Because the critical reading and math sections will still be scored on a 200-800 point scale, the Clearinghouse will still combine those two sections for the combined score. The writing section will not be used. The Clearinghouse will use scores from the new SAT in combination with scores from the current SAT for the combined score.
What about the ACT?
The ACT is also adding a writing component, but the ACT writing component is optional. The scores on the ACT will remain the same.
Immediately after the completion of the second semester the student-athlete should register with the Clearinghouse. This is accomplished by requesting a Clearinghouse "Student Release Form" from the high school counselor's office. The student should provide two copies of the form to the high school counselor for processing.
Important Contact Information
National Collegiate Athletic Association
700 West Washington St
P.O. Box 6222
Indianapolis, IN. 46206-6222
Telephone: 317.917.6222
Fax: 317.917.6888
Website: www.ncaa.org
National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics
23500 W. 105th Street
Olathe, KS 66061
Telephone: 913.791.0044
Fax: 913.791.9555
Website: www.naia.org
NCAA Clearinghouse
301 ACT Drive
P.O. Box 4043
Iowa City, IA. 52243-4043
Telephone: 877.262.1492 (domestic)
Telephone: 319.337.1492 (international)
Fax: 319.337-1556
Website: www.ncaaclearinghouse.net
Monday, July 3
NCAA Link to Information
NCAA Clearing House for information on requirements.
https://www.ncaaclearinghouse.net/ncaa/NCAA/student/index_student.html
Monday, July 3
Sources for Financial Aid Information
Sources for Financial Aid Information
When you think about your future, attending college is probably one of your options.
If you are not one of the lucky few to earn an athletic or other full or partial scholarship to attend the university of your choice, you will probably have to try to find as much financial aid as possible. The following links will hopefully help you find the resources you need to achieve your goals.
Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)
For most need-based programs, the most important form you must complete is the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). You may apply by paper, FAFSA Express or the Internet. Before filling out a FAFSA, make sure to go over this checklist to save time during your application. After filling out the required forms, make sure to follow-up by checking on the status of your submitted FAFSA on their website.
The deadline for the 2005-2006 FAFSA web application is midnight Central Daylight time, June 30, 2006.
The deadline for the 2006-2007 FAFSA web application is midnight Central Daylight time, July 2, 2007.
Department of Education: Federal Student Aid
For more information, visit the U.S. Department of Education's website for Federal Student Aid. This website contains information for students, parents and counselors regarding student loan applications and management.
American Education Services (AES)
Content courtesy of American Education Services (AES). AES is a division of the Pennsylvania Higher Education Assistance Agency, a nationwide student financial services organization. Over the past 36 years, the Agency has grown from a small federal loan guarantor with a guaranty volume of only 4,600 student loans in 1964 to one of the largest, full-service financial aid organizations in the nation. Today, AES manages more than $33 billion in total assets and serves nearly four million students nationally through it's guaranty, servicing and financial aid processing systems.
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