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How to Prepare for the College Recruiting Process Over the Summer (by Grade Level)

It's April - summer is still a couple months away and you're wondering what you should be doing this summer? Today, I'll share some tips and ideas of things to focus on, what to stay away from and how to make this the most effective and efficient summer possible with regard to your recruiting process. Remember, every person is different and what might be a great plan for your neighbor and best friend may not be the best option for you .... so be sure to do your own research, develop your own plan and then execute that plan!

Incoming freshmen, sophomores, and juniors

Think about what you’re interested in - do not select colleges because you know a guy who went there, because you saw them on TV or because "it'd be cool" to go there ... all very bad reasons for a college to end up on your list. Spend some time thinking about YOU, who you are and the reasons why you like a specific college rather than the name or level of that specific college. Guess what, you have to live with the decisions that are made, not mom .. not dad .. not your high school or club coach but YOU - so spend some time figuring out who you are and what you want.

It’s never too soon to get an honest assessment of your where your abilities lie and create a plan to address each weakness in your game. This is critical because you have time to work on those weaknesses. If you do not, those weaknesses will be exposed throughout your recruiting process and certainly while in college. I know we all play shortstop and pitch (or catch) but be real and see where your skill set projects at the college level. If you are heart set on being a middle infielder, then understand what a college middle infielder looks like right now, what his skill set is and what type of mentality does he have? That way, you can start to determine what you should focus on over the summer to improve and which colleges to look at that will be the best fit for your skill set.

There are plenty of summer teams and instructors who can help you work on whatever deficiencies you might have. Getting in front of a college coach when you are not ready could be disastrous to your process but not hearing the real truth about your ability is even more detrimental to your recruiting process. Don't be that guy going all over the country, spending thousands of dollars in showcases and just getting his name taken OFF LISTS every time he steps on the field.

Visit campuses

This is one of the most underrated things that you must do! Parents, high school/club coaches and players don't realize how important visiting a college campus is and I wish many more of these people in our community would jump on board and get their teams on college campuses. By visiting colleges, you can start to determine which campuses feel like a good fit. You can go on a tour and possibly take a class. With the NCAA rules changing, many people shy away because they aren't allowed to see much of the athletic facilities but remember (and this is important) - you are going to college to get an education, yes maybe sports is your reason but the degree you earn from the college you choose will be what stays with your for your entire life. Take it seriously! While on campus, it’s a good idea to meet with an admission counselor and talk to current students in order to find out about the campus culture and how you might fit in. Regardless of year of graduation, be sure to get in touch with coaches so you can see the facilities and learn what the college has to offer you. If, due to NCAA rules they cannot show you, they will tell you but by you reaching out to them shows them your interest and now they can do their homework to see if you are a guy for them.

Study for upcoming tests

I know this is not something you want to spend your summer doing, but it helps to get a head start! Just spend a little bit of time per day working to get ready for the SAT, ACT, or SAT subject tests, and even preparing yourself for your upcoming classes. You could also look into taking a standardized test (or a practice test) over the summer.

Get a job

Jobs look great on college applications and coaches love to see the work ethic. It shows that you do more than just school and baseball, and it also shows that you are responsible and committed! It can be any sort of job, but if you’re lucky enough to find a job related to your interests, take that one.

Get an internship or do volunteer work

This is another application builder. Colleges want to see that you’re invested in the world outside of school and baseball; it’s not enough to just be a straight-A student. Volunteer work may sound boring, but I promise that you’ll have a great time working in your community. You may even discover a new interest. Look at possible internship opportunities within Fallon Sports! Are you interested in athletics? Sports training? Coaching? Sports Videos? Broadcasting? journalism - lots to do within Fallon Sports!

Incoming seniors - 2020

Do everything on the list above

Even though you’ve probably already done many of the above items, you should continue them! College applications and the process ahead of you will be stressful, but do not stop everything that you are doing to just focus on this process. You need to show that you are a real person with real interests - be yourself!

Research colleges

For incoming seniors, this summer and into the fall is the time to determine where you might want to apply to college. If you are not already of member of Fallon Sports, go ahead and get registered right here so we can help you. We have our own college database and program that will help you determine what schools might be a good fit, we help you choose a school that offers your areas of study, along with any other hobbies or interests you have and where you can play your sport!

Try to find out about the culture on campus. Read about student life, see what professors are doing research on, and take a virtual tour. College is about more than just studying and baseball; you should like the student life and the professors too - you will be with them for the next 4-5 years. Remember, this is what a Fallon Sports membership provides you so if your not a member, get registered today! We have been on more than 600 college campuses in the country and have terrific personal relationships at nearly at hundreds of colleges throughout the country.

Fallon Sports is great at helping you figure out where to apply and helping you work on your goals through the process. The college recruiting process can be strenuous and confusing, so having a guide walk you through the process is very helpful. Choosing someone to help you through the process is a huge decision and shouldn't be taken lightly. You need to do your research as this company (or person) will be helping you make one of the biggest decisions of your life. Keep in mind, getting help through the college recruiting process does not have to be expensive, at Fallon Sports we make it work with everyone's budget. Never spend thousands of dollars for this assistance, be sure the one you use is the one that has the right plan for you and your family.

Write your essays

Many colleges release their essay questions during the summer, so if you know where you want to apply, start to work on these essays! Even though they aren’t due until late fall or early winter, it’s good to get a head start before you have to deal with your normal school work load. You can also start to craft your résumé, something that many schools also require.

Last but not least…

Have some fun! There are lots of things you should do during the summer, but allow yourself to relax too. You just finished another year of school, and you deserve a break! Go to the beach, hang out with friends, or go on vacation. Maybe join us on one of our College Showcase Experiences, we compete, we get in front of college coaches and we have fun!

Just make sure to think about your future. You’ve got some big decisions ahead of you!

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