Strategic Class Selection for College-Bound Student-Athletes

As high school students start to think about college, it's important to not only focus on good grades and extracurricular activities, but also on the classes they take. This is especially true for student-athletes who hope to compete at the NCAA level. With college recruiting becoming more competitive every year, it's essential for student-athletes to strategically select their classes in high school to give themselves the best chance of getting recruited by the colleges they want to attend. In this blog post, we'll provide tips on how student-athletes can make wise class selections that will not only set them up for academic success, but also give them an edge in the college recruiting process.

Basic Eligibility Requirements

The first, and most basic requirement is to be academically eligible. As a student-athlete, it's important to understand the NCAA eligibility requirements in order to stay on track for college sports. To be eligible to play sports at the NCAA Division I level, you must complete 16 NCAA-approved core-course credits. These credits must be completed in eight academic semesters or four consecutive academic years from the start of ninth grade. 

It's crucial to start planning early and take your class selection seriously. Ten of the 16 credits must be completed before the start of the seventh semester (start of senior year), including seven in English, math or science. This means that as early as freshman year, you need to make sure you are taking classes that meet NCAA requirements.

Elite Academic Schools

Once you have a clear understanding of the eligibility requirements, you can start defining your goals. If you aim to attend a high-academic Division I school, such as an Ivy League institution, Stanford, UC, or another school with highly-competitive applicant pools, you'll need to be one of those academic elites. On the other hand, if you're more concerned about finances or a specific type of college experience, there are a completely different set of factors that come into play. 

For many high school students, attending a top-tier academic college or university is the ultimate goal. These schools are known for their academic excellence, prestigious reputation, and the exceptional opportunities they offer their graduates. However, admission to these schools is notoriously competitive, with tens of thousands of qualified students vying for a limited number of spots.

So, what does it take to get accepted to one of these academic elites? For starters, students need to have a strong academic record, including rigorous coursework and (sometimes) high standardized test scores. In addition, they need to stand out in other ways, such as through extracurricular activities, leadership positions, and community service.

Athletics can be used as a hook to gain entry to these schools. Many top colleges and universities have highly competitive athletic programs, and they actively recruit student-athletes who can contribute to their teams. However, it's important to note that athletic ability alone is not enough to gain admission to these schools. Student-athletes still need to be equally competitive to the general applicant pool, and athletics will simply help with the final boost over the top.

While the boost provided by athletics may not seem like much, when the margins are so thin at that level, every little bit counts. It's essential for student-athletes aiming for academic elites to understand that athletics is not a shortcut or a guarantee for admission. They still need to put in the work to develop their skills both on and off the field, and to maintain a rigorous academic schedule.

When selecting classes as a freshman, sophomore, and junior (even starting in 6th and 7th grade), student-athletes must know that they will be judged on their class rigor as much as their grades.

They must make sure to do two things:

#1 - Reach the terminal classes in their intended field of study: One of the fundamental aspects of a strong college application is demonstrating a deep commitment and proficiency in the student's intended field of study. To achieve this, it is imperative for aspiring applicants to reach the terminal class in their desired area of focus during high school. By taking advanced tracks in math and science early on, students showcase their academic prowess and passion for their chosen field.

a) Advanced Math and Science Tracks:

Colleges, especially those with highly selective admissions, value students who have excelled in math and science, especially for students who are intending to major in STEM or business. Students need to seek out advanced math and science courses, such as honors classes and Advanced Placement (AP) courses. These classes not only provide a rigorous academic environment but also help students develop critical thinking, problem-solving, and analytical skills. By challenging themselves in these subjects, applicants demonstrate their ability to handle the demands of a college curriculum.

b) Prerequisites for AP Classes:

Many high schools require students to complete prerequisite courses before enrolling in AP classes. These prerequisites serve as stepping stones, gradually building a solid foundation in a subject before diving into its more advanced aspects. It is crucial for students to take honors classes that act as prerequisites for AP courses, as this shows their commitment to academic growth and willingness to take on challenges.

c) Summer Community College Classes:

To gain an edge in high school class selection, ambitious students may choose to enroll in summer community college classes. This opportunity allows them to explore more advanced topics in their intended field of study that may not be available at their high school. By taking advantage of these programs, students can broaden their knowledge base, gain college-level experience, and demonstrate their dedication to academic excellence.

#2 - Attain Top Grades:

While taking rigorous and advanced classes is essential, it is equally crucial for students to maintain top grades throughout their high school journey. Colleges recognize the demands of challenging coursework and expect applicants to excel academically, even in the most rigorous courses. To be competitive, students need to strive for a phenomenal GPA while undertaking demanding courses. A high GPA indicates not only a student's intellectual abilities but also their commitment to hard work and discipline. It is important for students to balance their academic responsibilities with effective time management strategies and a strong work ethic to achieve exceptional grades.

Financial Aid or Student Experience

The vast majority of students out there are not aiming for the most selective schools in the country and have other preferences and concerns about their top choices. One of the most important considerations is how to maximize financial aid. Families often look to athletics to pay for college and are disappointed when they learn the true nature of athletic scholarships. Academic scholarships, not athletic, often provide the vast majority of grant funding to students, even athletes. 

The most important factors that go into qualification for academic merit aid from institutions are GPA and test scores. When students are considering what courses to select in their freshman, sophomore, and junior years, they should air on the side of whichever class they can get the best grade in. This also applies for students interested in attending large flagship out-of-state public colleges. These schools often focus on unweighted GPA as their primary metric for aid. Consider this chart from the University of Arizona's website:

A student who wants to attend or play a sport at the University of Arizona would get far more financial consideration with a 3.9 unweighted GPA than a 3.4 (an extra $22,000/year of consideration). That's usually going to dwarf any athletic offer that they would receive in an equivalency sport, and most schools will allow a student to stack the academic and athletic scholarships on top of each other. Maximizing the unweighted GPA will often lead to the most generous packages from a large number of schools.

Final Considerations

These two strands of advice are completely opposite one another. Either take the hardest classes in order to make them qualified for the top academic institutions, or take an easier slate and bring in the highest possible GPA in order to maximize merit aid. It is impossible to do both, and families often find themselves caught between the two when their student doesn’t have a clear goal in the first couple of years of high school.

For student-athletes who aren't sure where to start when it comes to selecting classes, the best advice is to simply follow their interests. Pursuing interesting classes and hobbies can help students to remain engaged in their coursework, and can eventually lead to the discovery of the correct path to take.