If you are serious about exploring the opportunity to compete in college, you should do the following things before the spring semester of your sophomore year in high school:

1. Create an account on Swimcloud, and maintain your profile.
2. Register with the NCAA Eligibility Center.
3. Read the NCAA Guide for the College-Bound Student-Athlete.

Make a list of what is important to you in your search, such as:

1. Academic Rigor
2. Geographic Location
3. Size of school
4. Major(s) offered
5. Coaching philosophy
6. Team chemistry and culture

Once you have identified what is important to you, utilize Swimcloud to begin to create a list of schools that interest you. Make sure to note the:

1. NCAA Division and Conference
2. The size of the school
3. Cost of tuition, room, and board
4. Available financial aid
5. Admission rate
6. The 3-5 events that you would most benefit the team

This process should allow you to construct a list of potential schools. At this time you and your parent(s) should meet with your club and/or high school coach to go over:

1. The schools that you identified
2. Some schools that you may have overlooked
3. Make sure that most schools are realistic, with only a few "reaches"
4. Completing questionnaires
5. Emailing head and assistant coaches

All of this is only relevant and possible if you show up, work hard, and maintain a positive attitude!