THE PROCESS
Jump to: Accounts Academics College Lists UTRs/Scoring Averages Social Media Resumes Recruiting Videos
Emailing Coaches Phone Calls College Visits Testing Offers and Commitments
Signing Applications Acceptances Scholarships Final Eligibility
1
ACCOUNTS
NCAA INITIAL ELIGIBILITY CENTER (LINK)
The NCAA requires all high school athletes who are looking to play a sport at an NCAA school to register and provide documentation regarding their academics and amateur status. Division I and II athletes must have a full paid account. Division III athletes may complete the free amateurism-only account.
NCAA: Guide for the College Bound Student-Athlete, 2025-2026
COLLEGE BOARD (LINK)
The College Board creates and administers the SAT and PSAT exams as well as all Advanced Placement (AP) courses. All students need to create a College Board account and download the Bluebook application to their computer.
College Board: BlueBook Download
UNIVERSAL TENNIS - UTR (LINK)
USTA (LINK)
JUNIOR GOLF SCOREBOARD (LINK)
COMMON APP (LINK)
When it comes time to apply for college, the easiest way to do so is through the Common Application. The CommonApp eliminates the need to fill out personal and other information every time a student completes a college application.
2
ACADEMICS
CALCULATING GPAs
Saddlebrook uses a 4-point scale for GPAs, with one-half point extra for honors classes and a full-point extra for AP courses. A student receiving an A in a mainstream class for the semester will receive 4 points, an honors student 4.5, and an AP student 5. An unweighted B is worth 3, an unweighted C is 2, an unweighted D is 1, and an F is 0. All students will take six classes throughout the year (full-year courses or a combination of semester courses) and receive semester grades for the fall and spring for a total of 12 grades. To calculate your GPA, add all of points from all classes ever taken and divide by the number of semester grades received.
After the sophomore year a student will have 24 total grades, 36 after the junior year, and 48 after the senior year. For students coming from another country it may take the office some time to determine how credits and classes will transfer from previous schools.
Students taking Algebra I or a foreign language in middle school may use those credits towards high school graduation.
CORE CLASSES AND ELECTIVES
A core class is a mandatory class required for graduation that carries with it a certain amount of academic rigor. They include English/Language Arts, math, science, social science, foreign language, and some religious courses. Elective classes are not individually required for graduation (although a student must take electives to earn enough credits for graduation). Electives include visual and performing arts, humanities, personal finance, sports, practical arts, as well as many others.
NCAA REQUIREMENTS
16 Core Credits
The NCAA requires potential student-athletes to complete 16 core courses in the first eight semesters of high school. The four-year clock for high school begins on the student's first day of 9th grade. Any student who decides to reclassify down must finish these 16 credits in four years -- if not, the NCAA may strip a year of the student's college eligibility. In general it is best for students to complete their high school education in four years. Listed below are the requirements for each division:
10/7 Rule
The NCAA requires prospective student-athletes to complete ten core courses prior to starting their seventh semester of high school. Of those ten core courses seven of them must be in English/Language Arts, math, or science.
In addition to these requirements prospective Division I student-athletes must maintain a 3.3 GPA, while Division II student-athletes must maintain a 2.2 GPA.
NCAA: Initial Eligibility Standards
FLORIDA REQUIREMENTS FOR GRADUATION
The state of Florida requires the following to graduate with a standard diploma:
FLORIDA REQUIREMENTS FOR PUBLIC UNIVERSITIES
In order to gain admission to a Florida public university high school students must complete all of the above requirements for a standard diploma, complete 18 core credits as well as four math classes at or above the Algebra I level and two consecutive years of sequential foreign language (ex. Spanish I and II).
Each of the states have their own requirements for high school graduation and college admissions. It is important to check those requirements to be sure you are taking the classes needed for those admissions standards.
Graduation and University Requirements for the 50 States
Sample 4-Year Schedule to Meet Florida Public University Requirements
FLORIDA BRIGHT FUTURES SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM
Students whose parents are residents of the state qualify for the Bright Futures program. The combination of GPA, test scores, and volunteer/work hours could provide for a 75%-100% merit scholarship. Minimum requirements do change from time-to-time so be aware of the requirements for your graduation year.
Florida Bright Futures Requirements, 2025-2026 and 2026-2027
CLASSES
English 9 Honors
Algebra I Honors
Physical Science
World History
Spanish I
Sport/Fitness
GRADE
A
B
A
C
A
A
POINTS
4.5
3.5
4
2
4
4
GRADE
A
A
B
B
A
A
POINTS
4.5
4.5
3
3
4
4
POINTS EARNED/CLASS GRADES
45/12
GPA
3.75
DIVISION I
English - 4 years
Math - 3 years
Science - 2 years
Extra English/Math/Science - 1 year
Social Science - 2 years
Above Classes or Other - 4 years
DIVISION II
English - 4 years
Math - 2 years
Science - 2 years
Extra English/Math/Science - 3 years
Social Science - 2 years
Above Classes or Other - 4 years
DIVISION III
Academic requirements are determined by each school.
24 Total Credits
16 Core Credits
English - 4 years
Math - 4 years including Algebra I and Geometry
Science - 3 years including Biology and 2 with a lab component
Extra English/Math/Science - 1 year
Social Science - 3 years; World, US History, Government, and Econ
Required Electives
Fine/Performing Art, Speech/Debate, Career/Tech - 1 year
Physical Education - 1 year
Personal Finance - 1 semester
9th Grade
English 9
Algebra I
Physical Science
Elective
Spanish I
Sport/Fitness
10th Grade
English 10
Geometry
Biology
World History
Spanish II
Sport/Fitness
11th Grade
English 11
Algebra II
Chemistry
US History
Elective
Sport/Fitness
12th Grade
English 12
Precalculus
Elective
Government/Economics
Elective/Personal Finance
Sport/Fitness
3
COLLEGE LISTS
To determine which schools will be the best academic fit, work your way backwards. If you have an idea of what you want to do for a living start there. If not, take a look at the Professions PowerPoint below. Your future profession dictates your major or program of study. Your major dictates which schools you should be looking at for academics. Once you have a list of academic schools you need to start looking at which ones match your athletic profile (UTR or scoring average). Use the UTR or Junior Golf Scoreboard sites/apps to determine if the team you're looking at fits your profile. Keep in mind that coaches are going to want to recruit players who are better than the players already on the team.
PROFESSIONS
This PowerPoint presents almost 500 jobs in about 40 career fields. It provides information on the required education, certifications, and trainings necessary for the job, as well as the typical salary level for that position (in quintiles).
COLLEGE LISTS
The Excel document includes over 1800 colleges and universities in the United States and a couple in Canada. The top row features drop down menus that allow you to check or uncheck certain characteristics of the school (location, size, athletic programs, etc.)
Freshmen should have about 200 schools on their list. As you make your way through high school and your GPA and UTR/scoring average levels become more apparent, then you can begin to move schools off of and onto your list. Sophomores should have between 100 and 200 schools. Juniors should have 20-50. Seniors entering their final year should have 5-10.
Excel: List of American Colleges and Universities
Google Sheets: List of American Colleges and Universities File>Make a Copy to Edit the Document
Excel: Colleges and Universities in Large Cities
Google Sheets: Colleges and Universities in Large Cities
YouTube: University of Florida
COLLEGES, UNIVERSITIES, AND THEIR ACADEMIC PROGRAMS
To find the academic departments, programs, and majors offered at various schools, go to the school's website and either look for an "Academics" tab or do a site search for "academics."
ADMISSIONS REQUIREMENTS
Top-tier schools will be looking for A LOT when you apply as a senior. If you are looking at the Ivy League, the public Ivies and other highly-ranked public universities, the best Division III liberal arts colleges, or any highly ranked arts institutions, you must take most, if not all of the toughest classes offered; volunteer, work, or take internships; and involve yourself in STEM projects or educational trips. Even doing all of this is no guarantee of admission to a top-tier school, but you will need it if you want to get in.
Cal Tech: Admissions Requirements and Suggestions (PDF)
USNews: List of the Top National Colleges and Universities
USNews: List of the Top Liberal Arts Colleges
Shanghai Rankings: Top World Universities
Best Combination of Academics and Athletics
NCSA: Top Division III Schools
For Golfers
Four-Year PGA Management Program at Select Universities
4
UTRs AND SCORING AVERAGES
Use the information in the spreadsheets and online to determine which programs are a fit for your athletic profile.
Excel: UTRs by Conference, January 2026
Google Sheets: UTRs by Conference, January 2026
ITF: World Tennis Number, Player Search
Clippd: College Golf Results, Rankings, and Statistics
GolfStat: Scores and Statistics
5
SOCIAL MEDIA
Freshmen and sophomores specifically should create a tennis or golf Instagram, populate it with photos and videos from practice and tournaments, and follow the coaches and programs you are most interested in. Don't be afraid to add some personality to your posts with trick shots, reactions, celebrations, and the like. Keep it professional, but have fun. Coaches want to know that you will be a good fit for their team.
In the bio it is suggested that you include your name, class, school, hometown or school location, date of birth, UTR/scoring average, GPA, and SAT/ACT/PSAT scores. ONLY POST WHAT YOU FEEL COMFORTABLE POSTING.
Once you have set up your profile, head over to the Saddlebrook Recruiting Instagram, click on "Following," and follow the coaches at programs you're interested in.
Instagram: Sample Recruiting Profile
Facebook: 2025-2026 Photos Group
Instagram: Saddlebrook Recruiting Profile
6
RESUMES
RULES FOR RESUMES
All resumes should be one page in length only (front side of one sheet of paper – narrow your margins to create more space).
Keep all of the fonts and sizes in your headlines and text consistent (ex. headlines must be the same font and size throughout the document; you can choose a different font and size for your text but keep those consistent) – DO NOT USE COMIC SANS… EVER!
Use the tab button to line up columns (NEVER USE THE SPACE BAR TO LINE UP COLUMNS).
You cannot have any mistakes on your resume, especially on a professional resume that you send out for employment – no mistakes on this resume either.
GENERAL REQUIREMENTS
One action shot and one headshot
Your given name and your family name (or your nickname if you go by that)
Contact information including:
-
Name
-
Address - use Saddlebrook's address if you are in the dorms
-
Phone number - if you do not have an American number use your What'sApp number
-
Email address (hyperlinked)
-
Profile page or recruiting video (hyperlinked)
-
IG/Twitter handle (hyperlinked)
Date of Birth and Age
EDUCATION REQUIREMENTS
All schools attended during high school, listed from most recent at the top to oldest on the bottom
City and state or country for each school
Years attended
Graduation class
GPA
SAT or PSAT scores
TENNIS REQUIREMENTS
List of last ten tournaments ordered from most recent at the top to the oldest at the bottom
Month and year of tournament
Name of tournament (indicate if it is a UTR)
Result
UTR and/or WTN
Strengths
Equipment
GOLF REQUIREMENTS
List of last ten tournaments ordered from most recent at the top to the oldest at the bottom
Month and year of tournament
Sanctioning body (HJGT, FJT, AJGA), name of tournament, and course
Par/Course Rating
Result/Size of Field
Scoring average
Drive distance (average carry)
Strengths
Equipment
HIGHLIGHTS
Significant tournament results outside the last ten tournaments
Anything of note or interesting about your relationship with tennis or golf
AWARDS, ACHIEVEMENTS, AND ACTIVITIES
Any academic or athletic awards from high school
-
Highest grade in a class
-
Student of the month/year
-
Player of the Year
-
Hardest Worker
National Honor Society, ambassadors, student council
Volunteer hours
REFERENCES
Two coaches
Coach's name, position, email, and phone number
TEMPLATES (Word Document)
Click through to the resume template you want to use and click the link to go to the Google Doc. Go to File-->Make a Copy. You will then be able to edit the resume. The dots are just placeholders for the tournament, highlights, etc. Delete them as you go along.
7
RECRUITING VIDEOS
TENNIS
Introduction
-
Hi, my name is --- ---, and I am from --- ---. I currently attend Saddlebrook Prep and Tennis Academy in Tampa, Florida and I will graduate in 20--. My current UTR is -.-- (and my doubles UTR is -.--). Three strengths of my game include ---, ---, and ---. Thank you for taking the time to watch my video.
Serves
-
First and second
-
Ad and deuce sides
Forehands
-
Cross-court
-
Neutral
-
Inside-out
Backhands
Volleys
-
Forehand
-
Backhand
Overheads
Points
-
Serve
-
Return
GOLF
Introduction
-
Hi, my name is --- ---, and I am from --- ---. I currently attend Saddlebrook Prep and Golf Academy in Tampa, Florida and I will graduate in 20--. My current scoring average is --- and I carry my driver --- yards on average. Three strengths of my game include ---, ---, and ---. Thank you for taking the time to watch my video.
Driver
Iron from 200 (guys), iron from 150 (girls)
Best low iron
Chipping
Bunker shots
Putting
-
3-feet
-
10-feet
-
30-feet
8
EMAILING COACHES
Once freshmen and sophomores have identified their list of schools and put together their resumes, the next step is to contact coaches. Unfortunately, Division I coaches cannot talk to you until June 15 following your sophomore year, but they can follow you and like your posts and stories on social media. Another proactive step you can take early on is to fill out recruit questionnaires on the schools' athletics websites. This puts you in their database and some coaches will require it before they are willing to talk to you.
-
Run a search for the school + athletics
-
Find the "Sports" or "Team" menu
-
Look in the team's submenu and find the recruit questionnaire; sometimes it is hidden in a "More" or "+" tab
Starting June 15 following your sophomore year Division I coaches will be able to respond to your emails, phone calls, and direct messages. You can correspond with Division II and III coaches at any point. In the event that a coach initiates contact with you, you should always respond to the coach even if it is to politely decline any further conversations. Coaches are often looking to move up to better athletic programs and by being polite they may look to continue recruiting you at their new school. It is also just the right thing to do.
When writing to a coach you need to be professional. Follow the guidelines below:
RECIPIENTS
Send emails to head coaches as well as assistant coaches.
SUBJECT LINE
Include your name, graduation year, UTR/Scoring Average, Saddlebrook Prep and Tennis Academy. May also include GPA and SAT score.
BODY OF THE EMAIL
Greet the coaches by name and double- and triple-check that their names are correct and spelled correctly.
Introduce yourself and restate your UTR, GPA, and SAT/PSAT score. You can also include anything that might be of interest about yourself. This is also a good time to mention your budget or the amount of money that your family can contribute to your college education.
Provide reasons for and explain why you are interested in the school and/or program. Mention something specific about the coach or the program that interests you -- you'll need to do a little research. This serves two purposes, to let the coach know that you have taken the time to look into the program and that you are not just sending the same letter to 200 coaches.
Mention that you have attached your resume to the email and either include the link to your skills video or mention that the link can be found at the bottom of the email. Let the coach(es) know that you would be happy to answer any questions they might have about you and wish them well or let them know you are looking forward to hearing from or speaking to them in the future.
CLOSING
An optional closing is the team's cheer or slogan, like "Go Gators!," "Horns Up!," "Roll Tide," etc. If this is something that you want to add as a personal touch, the easiest way to find the school's slogan is to go to their athletics or football Twitter page. It is usually found as a hashtag in the bio.
PROOFREAD
Proofread your letters before you send them out. Read them out loud to yourself and scan every word as you read them. If needed, use the Read Aloud option in Word or a similar app. Remember that your letter to the coach is probably going to be your first impression. Make it a good one.
TEMPLATES
Sample Emails to Coaches (Word)
Sample Emails to Coaches (PDF)
9
PHONE CALLS WITH COACHES
BEFORE THE PHONE CALL
Practice the phone call with a friend, parent, or coach before doing the real one.
Write down any questions that you have for the coach. Asking questions is a positive sign to the coach as it shows you have a deep interest in the school.
Find a quiet spot for the call.
Make sure your phone is turned on and the ringer is on.
If you are nervous, take a few deep breaths and remember that you're just talking to another human being on the other end of the phone.
Be yourself.
Don't be afraid to talk about other interests. Are you both Rory McIlroy fans? Did you go to Wimbledon and have a cool experience that you want to share? This helps to develop a deeper connection with the coach and makes your call more memorable.
WHAT TO ASK
Ask about the program and the school, as well as questions that you couldn't find the answers to through an internet search. What is the coach's coaching style? What time is practice? Are there any majors that are impossible to take because of conflicting classes or lab times? If it is a Division I school, ask the coach how the school is approaching the House settlement. Asking how many scholarships the school is reserving for your sport is a legitimate question, but don't ask how much money the coach has for you on the first phone call.
NCSA: Questions to Ask and Not to Ask on a Phone Call
10
COLLEGE VISITS
EXCUSED COLLEGE VISITS
Saddlebrook Prep provides every student with five excused absences to visit colleges. These can be used for academic visits, recruiting visits, and orientation activities. It is recommended that students conduct their visits over a weekend and use Thursday night or Friday morning for travel in order to maximize their excused absences.
Visits to Division I schools for recruiting purposes can begin on August 1 of your junior year. You may visit the school like any other student -- taking campus tours, walking around on your own, going to athletics events at any point in high school. And the more schools you visit the better informed your final decision about college will be.
UNOFFICIAL VISITS
Coaches who have a strong interest in a high school recruit will offer a visit to the school. These visits, especially for Olympic sports like tennis and golf will often be in the form of an unofficial visit. Unofficial visits are NOT paid for by the college -- the family of the recruit is responsible for all costs associated with the visit, including transportation, lodging, and food.
NCAA: Rules for Unofficial Visits
OFFICIAL VISITS
For official visits, schools pay all of the costs of the visit for the prospective student-athlete. The school may also pay the costs for up to two family members to accompany the student-athlete on the visit. Prospective student-athletes may also receive tickets for themselves and up to four family members for an athletic event (usually a football or men's basketball game). Rules vary slightly for Division II and III.
NCAA: Rules for Official Visits
QUESTIONS TO ASK ON A VISIT
NCSA: Questions to Ask and Avoid on a College Visit
Vktry: Questions Coaches Will Ask You on Your Visit
Whether you are looking to play college sports or attend a school strictly for academic reasons, YOU SHOULD NEVER MAKE A DECISION TO ATTEND A SCHOOL WITHOUT FIRST VISITING THE CAMPUS.
11
SAT AND ACT
THE SAT AND ACT
Generally, you will want to schedule your first standardized test, either the SAT or ACT for the first or second administration of the spring semester of your junior year. This usually happens in March or April. In addition to these off-campus administrations, Saddlebrook hosts a test administration in April each year.
If you are a boarding student, please choose Freedom High School if it is offered as a test site. Otherwise, choose from Wiregrass Ranch, Wesley Chapel, Cypress Creek, or Wharton.
The school code is 101810.
When you register or when you take your SAT you will have the option to send score reports for free to up to four colleges. This is something that you don't have to do, but if you elect to wait until you receive your scores to send them to colleges there will be an additional fee from College Board.
ACT: Test Dates and Registration
College Board has partnered with Khan Academy to provide free SAT Prep services to everyone. College Board also offers practice tests through its BlueBook app.
ENGLISH LANGUAGE REQUIREMENT
Non-native English speakers may be required to submit additional scores to show their English proficiency. Some schools may require a certain score on the Reading section of the SAT and others may require a separate TOEFL, Duolingo, IELTS, or Cambridge English Qualifications Score. Check with the schools you apply to sort out their English language requirements.
12
OFFERS AND COMMITMENTS
First and Foremost: AN OFFER FROM A COACH DOES NOT CONSTITUTE ADMISSION TO THE SCHOOL! YOU MUST APPLY TO THE ACADEMIC SIDE OF THE SCHOOL AND BE ADMITTED TO HAVE A PLACE ON THE TEAM.
OFFERS
Normally after a prospective student-athlete has taken a visit at a school, and that visit has gone well in the eyes of the coach, the student-athlete may receive an offer to play at the school. This is not in any way binding. The coach can rescind his/her offer or a new coach can rescind it.
If a coach puts a timetable on an offer you should not accept the offer unless you are sure that is the school you want to attend. This is the biggest decision of your life to this point and you shouldn't feel rushed in making it.
VERBAL COMMITMENTS
A student-athlete who has received an offer and has decided to accept the offer should inform the coach as soon as they have made their decision to accept it. As with offers, verbal commitments are non-binding, but you should only give a commitment if that is the school you plan to attend.
Upon accepting an offer, the student-athlete should inform other coaches that they have accepted an offer from another school, thank them for all of their help and time during the recruiting process, and wish them well in the future.
SCHOLARSHIPS
Upon receiving or shortly after receiving an offer the coach should relay to you the financial offer. At Division I, II, and NAIA schools this could include assistance from the athletic department if scholarships are given or available. The offer may also include academic money as well. Amounts can be negotiated. Coaches may not have much room in how much athletic money they can offer, but you should enlist their help when working with the financial aid office.
13
SIGNING
The National Letter of Intent has been replaced with Financial Aid Agreements. New document, same purpose.
The new Financial Aid Agreements are BINDING LEGAL DOCUMENTS. Once signed, the athlete is committed to spending at least one year at that school. If the student does not enroll or participate on the team then the athletic department will have to legally release the student from the agreement or the STUDENT FORFEITS A YEAR OF ATHLETIC ELIGIBILITY. If a student is not accepted into the university the financial aid agreement is canceled. Please remember that you must be accepted by admissions to have a spot on the team. A coach offering a spot to you does not mean you are automatically admitted to the university.
The first day to sign the Financial Aid Agreement in 2025 is November 12. Student-athletes may sign on that day or any other day up until August 2026.
We will hold a ceremony on November 12 for anyone ready to sign as well as another in April or May for any students who didn't participate in the November signing day.
14
COLLEGE APPLICATIONS
College applications may be filled out on the CommonApp website or on the school's website if they offer that as an option.
APPLICATION TYPES AND DEADLINES
EARLY DECISION
If accepted you are guaranteeing that you will go to that school. Improves odds of getting into the school. Applications usually due in early November, but sometimes as early as October.
EARLY ACTION
Allows for an admissions decision in December or January as opposed to waiting until March or April.
REGULAR DECISION
Applications usually due in January or February. Decisions come out in March or April.
ROLLING DECISION
Applications can be turned in at any point throughout the year and admissions teams review applications as they receive them. Waiting too long may mean you are fighting for fewer spots if the admissions team is nearing their quota.
OPEN ENROLLMENT
Anyone can enroll at any time up to the beginning of the semester. Most prevalent at community (junior) colleges.
COMMON APP (Link)
GENERAL INFORMATION
Applying as a first-year student
Name, address, birthdate, etc.
Parent's names, education level, colleges attended, years attended, degrees attained
CommonApp: First-Year Students
SCHOOL LIST
FERPA Waiver
-
Allows Saddlebrook Prep to send your transcripts to the schools you apply to
-
Acknowledges that you do not have a right to view your recommendation letters
List of school personnel
-
Counselor - Mrs. Garrett - dgarrett@saddlebrook.com - she will be uploading your transcripts
-
Advisor - Mr. Rosenke - crosenke@saddlebrook.com - he will be checking on your progress
-
Teachers - ask two to three teachers to provide recommendation letters - ask them before choosing them in CommonApp
Some schools require an SRAR (Student Self-Reported Academic Record)
-
Essentially you have to type out your entire transcript
-
Get a copy of your transcript from the office (any transcript given directly to you is an unofficial transcript)
TEST SCORES
College Board will send your scores to up to four organizations each time you take the SAT.
College Board: Sending Scores for Free
College Board: Sending Scores After the Test
Tests Required
The following list should not be considered a definitive list. Always check with the individual college or university to determine their standardized testing policy.
College Board: List of Schools Requiring Standardized Test Scores
Test Optional
Scores may be reported but are not required. A student who has test scores above the average/median/middle 50% should report their scores to strengthen their application.
Test Blind
The following list should not be considered a definitive list. Always check with the individual college or university to determine their standardized testing policy.
CollegeVine: Test-Blind Schools
ACADEMIC INFORMATION
High school transcripts will need to be uploaded in the form of an SRAR or sent from the office to the school. If physical copies of the transcript need to be sent please provide Mrs. Garrett with an address.
ACTIVITIES/EXTRACURRICULARS INFORMATION
Any awards (for a class, school-wide, sport, volunteer organization, etc.). Any and all activities you have taken part in inside and outside of school.
HONORS AND ACHIEVEMENTS
Any awards (for a class, school-wide, sport, volunteer organization, etc.). Volunteer hours, certificates earned, etc.
ESSAYS
DO NOT USE AI TO WRITE YOUR ESSAYS!
If you are given a prompt be sure to follow the prompt. Proofread your essay multiple times and ask a teacher or teachers for help, ideas, and proofing.
15
COLLEGE ACCEPTANCE AND GOING FORWARD
COLLEGE DECISIONS
You will begin receiving communications from the colleges you applied to about acceptances or denials between the months of December and August, although most decisions will come in the March to April timeframe. Understand that this is just the beginning of your responsibilities.
Prior to spring break, we will gather for a college-bound seniors night so that I can explain all of the paperwork and responsibilities you will have prior to graduation and college orientation.
GOING FORWARD
The following is a list of things (possibly not everything) you will have to fill out, process, pay for, etc. before you head off to college:
-
Deposit
-
Guarantees your spot at the school in the fall
-
Usually due May 1 or May 15 - know your deadline
-
-
Housing
-
Application
-
Deposit - know your deadline
-
Roommate requests
-
-
Meal plans
-
Medical vaccinations
-
MMR
-
Likely Hepatitis B
-
-
Health insurance
-
ID card
-
University network login
-
Email
-
Learning Management System credentials (Canvas, Moodle, etc.) for class registration
-
Ordering textbooks
-
-
Final transcripts
-
Class of 20-- Instagram account
-
Florida residency
-
FAFSA (if needed)
-
Orientation
Know your deadlines and be sure to meet all of them. Open and READ every email from the school.
University of Florida: Orientation Checklist (PDF)
University of Florida: After Being Admitted
USF: Admitted Students Next Steps
UTampa: Incoming Student Pre-Arrival Page
16
SEARCHING FOR SCHOLARSHIPS
Aside from financial aid offered by college and universities, there are many opportunities to qualify or win scholarship money.
First, if you are an American or a qualifying international student go online and file a FAFSA. This is the Free Application for Federal Student Aid.
Next, check with your parents to see if their employer offers any type of financial assistance for the children of employees. The link below provides just a few of the companies that offer this benefit.
Scholarships360: Top 10 Companies that Offer Scholarships for Dependents of Their Employees
Then, look through scholarship aggregators to find any scholarships you may be eligible for. These may include scholarships related to your height, place of birth, special skills, interests, hair color, etc. There's a scholarship out there for pretty much everything. You just have to take the time to go out and find them. And even if they're only $500, well, that's $500 you didn't have before.
Finally, browse your school's financial aid page and contact the office of financial aid to see if you qualify for any extra awards or if they can up your award. The worst they can do is say no.
If you are in need of community service hours, check with the following organizations for opportunities:
Johns Hopkins, All Children's Hospital
Sunrise of Pasco County - Domestic Violence Shelter
List of Volunteer Opportunities for Students in Pasco County
17
NCAA FINAL ELIGIBILITY
Starting the April prior to your first semester at college, the NCAA Eligibility Center will open for final certification. This is the last step you'll need to take to ensure you are eligible to play in the fall. Go to your Eligibility Center dashboard and check off the last few steps on your checklist.