And I don’t mean your game schedule…
This is the second blog in a series that will provide information about college admissions, recruitment and eligibility. Complete QB provides a 40 minute session on this topic at every Quarterback Development Camp.
In the previous blog, “Quarterbacks, What is Your Average?” we discussed the importance of having a solid GPA no matter what your post high school aspirations may be. This blog will cover the next most important factor that is considered with regard to college admissions – your course history. Course history refers to the courses you complete throughout high school. More specifically, it is your transcript of courses with which a lot can be discerned about you as a student.
I’ll start by discussing core classes. The term “core” refers to the classes that are basic curricula for all students. These are courses that fall into the subject areas of mathematics, English or language arts, physical science and the social sciences (also known as history). In some states, core curricula can also include Health and Physical Education (PE) but that will vary as graduation requirements regarding this subject differ around the nation.
Admissions will be looking for the type of core class you completed. Did you take the regular course that is required for graduation, or did you take the advanced – commonly known as the Honors, Advanced Placement (AP) or International Baccalaureate (IB) version? Admissions personnel will actually count how many of your core classes fell in the regular vs. the advanced type when considering your application. With regard to mathematics, they will not only look at the advanced vs. regular course, but they will also consider how high a level above Algebra 1 you completed in high school. Most states only require that high school students complete 3 levels of mathematics, to include Algebra 1, Geometry and Algebra 2. So admissions will check to see if you stopped at Algebra 2 or if you continued on to Trigonometry, Pre-Calculus, or any of the AP and IB mathematics courses available.
Regarding elective courses, or non-core curricula like Foreign Language, Fine Arts, Business, Technology, etc., these can be equally important – depending on where you want to attend or what you plan to study. Some schools will not consider you if you have not completed at least 3 years of a foreign language in high school. If you are looking at a school for something like architecture, you will have to have a completed portfolio as part of your application. This is pretty difficult to accomplish if you have not taken some type of Computer Aided Drafting (CAD) class during high school. It is a good idea to consider what you want to do when you pick your elective courses. Take courses that can help you gain some experience or knowledge in a field related to your chosen career or major.
The review of your course history is the method used to determine the level of work you are capable of completing successfully. The more difficult your courses are and the more they reflect an academic focus, the more prepared you appear to be to admissions staff. For Quarterbacks who intend to play college football, it is going to be important that your course history reflect the courses that meet the admissions requirements. This will, like your GPA, enhance your chances to attend the school of your choice. It is also a lot easier for a coach to recruit (and find scholarship funds) for a student who would get into the school without the added influence of athletic talent.
For student-athletes who are pursuing Division I or II athletics recruitment opportunities, or those of you currently being recruited, remember the NCAA has strict requirements regarding course history for eligibility. This makes course history of equal importance for you. Be mindful, the course requirements differ between Division I and Division II, so you will need to make sure you are on track to complete what is required for the level of play you are pursuing. Additionally, for those of you who are not currently juniors or seniors (and the few sophomores who will complete their before the rules change), those differences are no longer valid after August 1, 2013. After that date, both Division I and II will require the same number of core courses for eligibility.
So what now? If you didn’t talk to your counselor after you read the last blog, go now and get a full transcript. Review your course history and ask yourself what type of student you look like on paper. For seniors, visit the admissions pages of the schools you are interested in and compare what you have taken to the course requirements for incoming freshmen. For juniors – who have been walking the path of necessity (meaning you take only what you need to, no more) – it is not too late to prove you can handle an advanced class. Admissions will review, in addition to your completed courses, your senior course schedule. Underclassmen, you can take this time to plan ahead. You should have a four year plan devised that lays out exactly what courses you intend to take towards graduation and if you hadn’t planned on challenging yourself, you should reconsider.
A final note of caution, taking the advanced academic course should not be taken lightly. You know what type of student you are and this should be something you keep in mind. As a counselor, I was known to push my kids to take the advanced course, but I knew which kids to push. Taking an advanced course and not doing well because you are not prepared or disciplined enough to handle to rigorous workload will not help you with regard to admissions, or recruitment. Be smart about your options, take the courses that you have an interest in and for which you are willing to do the level of work required.
For more information about NCAA eligibility, visit the NCAA Eligibility website at: www.eligibilitycenter.org.
Click here to access the NCAA Division I and II academic eligibility worksheets.
Renee Service is the Director of Operations for Complete QB. Prior to her position with Complete QB, Renee worked as a high school counselor in Fairfax County Public Schools (FCPS) in Fairfax, VA. In her 10 years as a high school counselor, she worked with hundreds of college-bound athletes. You can contact Renee directly with questions at renee@completeqb.com.