High School Athlete
High School Senior Year Guide for Student-Athletes
Your senior year action plan — finalizing your college decision, signing your NLI, and preparing for the transition to college athletics.
Senior Year: Finish Strong
Senior year is both the culmination of your high school athletic career and the beginning of your college future. The decisions you make and the habits you maintain in twelfth grade will shape your first year on campus. Take nothing for granted — coaches watch senior seasons closely.
Complete the FAFSA Immediately
The FAFSA opens October 1 of senior year. Submit it as close to that date as possible — many schools award financial aid on a first-come, first-served basis. Even if you have an athletic scholarship, the FAFSA determines eligibility for additional federal and institutional aid that can significantly reduce your total cost.
Finalize Your College Decision
By the end of the fall, you should know which two or three programs are your top choices. Evaluate them honestly: Does the athletic opportunity match what the coach promised? Does the academic program fit your goals? Can you afford it after all financial aid is accounted for? Trust your gut about which coaching staff you genuinely want to play for.
Sign Your National Letter of Intent
The NLI is a binding commitment — you commit to the school and the school commits to your scholarship for one year. Read the document carefully before you sign. Once signed, you cannot accept athletic scholarship offers from other NCAA schools without sitting out a year. Make sure this is the right decision before you sign.
Finish Your Senior Season Strong
College coaches watch your senior film and receive reports from your high school coach. Scholarships can be rescinded for injury, academic decline, or behavioral issues. Play with full effort, be a great teammate, and finish your high school career the way you want to start your college career.
Prepare for the Transition
After signing day, the work begins. Connect with your future teammates and coaching staff. Start the physical preparation for college-level competition. Complete your summer reading and academic preparation. Arrive on campus in the best physical and mental shape of your life.