1. Take the ACT as early and often as possible beginning as a Freshman. NCAA schools will take your highest score on each section of the test then combine them to give you the highest possible total score following the taking of your last ACT. NAIA schools will not accumulate the highest scores on each section of your ACT but will use the best score of any ACT regardless of when it was taken. This advice applies to all students not just athletes as financial aid in many forms is based in large part on test results.

2. Return all questionnaires as quickly as possible or within days of receipt. Not doing so is one of the biggest mistakes made by student athletes. You were sent a questionnaire because the Coach who sent it is interested in you and believes you could help their program win. The longer you wait to return it the more it indicates you aren�t as interested in them as they are in you. It may terminate their recruitment of you and any offer that might eventually be made.

3. Never tell any Coach their college is your "first choice" too early in the process unless you are ready to accept whatever offer they make you. Coaches operate on a budget the same as your family does. If a Coach believes you are going to attend their college regardless of the amount of money they offer you, they may offer the minimum they believe it will take for you to accept their offer.

4. When speaking to Coaches always make them aware when you have been contacted by any other school in their league or by another school they usually compete with for recruits. This will often make you more desirable to them. They would rather have you on their team than have to face, and possibly lose to you. Frequently this results in greater financial aid to your family.

5. Be sure you understand what Coaches want to see on game film. If the game tape you send them isn�t what they want they won�t watch more than a few minutes of it. When athletes of similar ability send in tape, the tape that provides the best content usually gets the most viewing time by the Coach.

6. Do not believe that because you have been called by a Coach, or have gone on a campus visit at their invitation, that you will be made an offer. Treat every Coach who calls you as if they are the only one who might make you an offer, they may be. Never give any college the impression you are less than totally interested in them until you commit to attend the college of your choice. Everyone is in competition for you until that day. If you really want to impress a Coach read about their program and college on the internet. Talk about things that will make it obvious to them you�ve done your homework regarding their program and college. Mention their current or last season record, how long the Coach has been there and their W-L record at the school or over their career. Talk about the college�s academic reputation, players that have played there you are familiar with or you know have received league or national recognition etc.

7. Be certain you understand the rules regarding the criteria for, and number of, "Official Visits" you can make to colleges. These vary by governing organi- zation such as NCAA, NAIA, and Junior Colleges. Exceeding your limit could affect your eligibility. Although your high school officials may know a great deal about these subjects do not count on your Guidance Counselor, High School Coach or Athletic Director for the accuracy of that information. Ultimately it is your responsibility to know the facts. Everything you need to know can be found in guides put out annually by each organization. An example would be the current "Guide for the Student-Athlete" available from the NCAA.

8. Never partner with anyone who will guarantee in writing the finding of athletic scholarships for a fee. Legally this makes them your agent and will violate college eligibility rules. Teaming with an organization that guarantees only exposure, but not scholarships or aid, is acceptable. Always ask any company you may be considering contracting with for this type of service to give you local references you, or someone whose judgment you trust in these matters, might know personally.

9. You must apply to, and be accepted by, any college or university before they can make you a financial offer.

Use your High School Coach, Athletic Director or Guidance Counselor to answer any concerns your family might have regarding the recruiting process. Recruiting issues change constantly and these people are updated whenever necessary.

We hope these suggestions will enhance your experience along the recruiting trail.