Every prospect has an ideal college experience waiting for him or her, and identifying essential operatives that define your personal goal is half the battle. Self-awareness is a powerful recruiting tool. Furthermore, growing an appreciation for what potentially appeals to you in college is a great place to start. What follows is a snapshot of how to build momentum late in the recruiting process.

Typically, there are two reasons you might be behind schedule with the college recruiting process. You either 1) began organizing your recruiting process late in your high school career, or 2) you are likely not a 5-star prospect, and the communications you are sending to the college coaches are not receiving the responses you anticipated.

Timing

College coaches value economy of effort. Whether this is practiced on the playing field or in the recruiting process, college coaches have perfected this art.

Over the next eight weeks, coaches will be targeting their top prospects. Whether these recruits are signing the National Letter of Intent or committing to apply for Early Decision, the majority of 2023 recruiting will be wrapped up by mid-November.

November 1, 2022, is the first application deadline for most early admissions candidates. November 9, 2022, is the initial date of the National Letter of Intent for sports other than football and basketball. College coaches want to complete most of their recruiting by December.

Outline and Execute Your Plan of Attack

Identify targets and checkpoints you will encounter as you navigate the early admission college quest. Whether it is signing the national letter of intent, the official visit, or a phone call placed to the coach, you want to have a clear checklist of “things to do.”

In addition, include a sequential calendar of events between now and November 1. Keep this in plain sight, and you will increase the chances of hitting targets throughout the process.

Putting your plan into action is critical to the success of the college search. You have created a long checklist of actionable items. Now it is time to carve your list up into mini assignments that are impactful yet manageable.

Bold Tactics

Target unofficial and official college visits through the end of October, but also consider making “cold visits” with some of the coaches. If you are low on the radar screen of the college coaches, you need to consider bold tactics that will get you in front of the coaches.

Begin by identifying 3-4 colleges and line up information sessions and tours through the office of admissions. After the tour, simply walk over to the coach’s office, knock on his door, and introduce yourself and your parents. This may appear rude, but depending on the coach, it could be a sign of tenacity and strength.

Remain true to your weekly assignments. If you accomplish every item on your checklist, your self-confidence will grow. You will realize your college plan is not only working; it is gaining momentum. Maintain high expectations for yourself and remain dedicated to your assignments.

Team Approach

The team approach during the college athletic recruiting process can maximize efficiency and minimize individual pressure and stress as families navigate a potentially daunting effort. Forming a trustworthy group of individuals who play specific roles during the recruiting cycle will increase your chances of reaching pre-set goals.

Encourage your club or high school coach to speak directly with a select number of college coaches on your behalf. To date, you have likely provided the college coaches with academic and athletic tools to evaluate you best. Your personal coach can speak to your “core” and the potential leadership qualities you bring to the team.

Building momentum late in the recruiting process can be a daunting task. Prospects who develop a positive sense of urgency will navigate with greater success. “Fortune favors the bold,” and prospective student-athletes who are willing to take calculated risks will position themselves best in a competitive environment.