So you want to continue playing in college? Here's how
Monroe United has worked hard to prepare you to succeed in club, school and now college level play. The club and your coaching staff will work with you throughout your high school years to help you to attain your dream of playing in college. Read the information below and speak to your coach if you have any questions.
You don't have to make ODP or be an all-star selection to play on a college team...if you are realistic about yourself and the colleges you want to attend. There are hundreds of college soccer teams and lots of kids playing college soccer who were simply solid high school and club players, not stars. Your first priority must be finding colleges that will provide you the education that you want and need. It is critical to point out that there are few opportunities even for the most gifted player to continue with soccer after college as a career. YOUR EDUCATION MUST BE YOUR PRIORITY!! Unless your educational requirements limit you to just a few schools, and you were good enough to play on a top level club team and your high school team, you can probably find a college soccer program where you can continue playing soccer while gaining a top notch education.
FRESHMAN/SOPHOMORE YEARS:
1. Get your grades up. You must have a minimum 2.5 or better in a solid college prep cirriculum
2. Play year round on a solid club team like Monroe United
3. Set a goal of making your HS varsity as a Sophomore or be called up to varisty as a Sophomore.
4. Try out for ODP--Don't worry if you don't make it
5. Do other extra-cirricular activities besides soccer. Join school clubs and/or community organizations. Most schools want well rounded students, not just jocks!!
JUNIOR YEAR (This is your most important year)
1. Make sure your grades are good. 2.5-3.5 will at least qualify you for a good look by most schools. Players who are in the top 10% of their class and score 1250 or above on their SAT's may have access to top level schools because of their soccer abilities that would not consider them otherwise
2. Take the PSAT as soon as possible. Take the SAT and ACT if possible.
3. Start or see significant playing time on your HS varsity
4. Play for a top level club team like Monroe United
5. Begin to investigate colleges for your educational interests and soccer programs
6. Develop an "A" list of 50-75 colleges that fit your educational requirements and where you think you could play. For instance, if you are not a ODP regional player, North Carolina or Santa Clara's soccer programs would probably be unrealistic.
7. Prepare a package documenting your educational and soccer qualifications. Video tapes are helpful.
8. Take advantage of your club's website and college showcase programs. College coaches always surf the Net seeking players for their programs.
9. Send your package (via e-mail if possible) to each coach on your list.
SPRING OF JUNIOR YEAR/ SUMMER BEFORE SENIOR YEAR.
1. Take the SAT and ACT if you have not already done so.
2. Keep a list of all the college soccer coaches that have responded to your package/e-mail.
3. Keep notes on all your conversations with coaches, if any.
4. No response from a top choice? Send the material again.
5. Make unofficial/unannounced visits to the 10-12 schools you are most interested in.
6. Keep playing on a top club team and send your club tournament and Senior year HS schedules to your list of 10-12 top choices. Most college coaches do not attend High School games but will attend College Showcase Tournaments where your club team will play.
7. Division 1 prospects, make ODP Pool team if you can.
DURING SENIOR YEAR
1. Set goal to improve your GPA
2. Be a Varsity impact player, starter for sure. Captain, Co-Captain if you can.
3. See as many of the college teams you are interested in play as you can, meet the coaches.
4. Analyze the style of play of your top choices. Would you fit in?
5. Decide if there are coaches you like... and don't.
AFTER FALL SENIOR SEASON
1. Pick 5-7 schools and send applications
2. Send a Senior Season Package to the coaches at the schools where you have applied.
3. Keep in touch with the admissions depts. and coaches where you have applied.
4. After January 1st, fill out all financial aid documents
5. Continue to followup until all schools have responded.
6. Review new opportunities (interest from coaches/schools you had not considered)
7. Review all offers of admission and financial aid.
8. Revisit or make formal visits to three schools you are most interested in.
9. Pick the school with the best combination of the following in this order of importance!!
Education
Financial Aid
Right soccer program for you
Remember, Monroe United is here to assist you. Our coaches maintain excellent relationships with many college programs on the East Coast. We are happy to make contact with programs you are interested in to make recommendations on your behalf. Good luck!!!
The Monroe United Board of Directors
