Students planning on using financial aid to help pay for college must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA^®) form. The 2018–19 FAFSA form is available on Oct. 1, 2017. You should fill it out as soon as possible on the official government site, fafsa.gov.

To make it easier to complete the FAFSA form it’s best to gather what you need ahead of time. Here is what you’ll need to fill out your FAFSA.

The 7 items you need to register for the FAFSA are:
1. Your FAFSA ID
2. Your Social Security number*
3. Your driver’s license number
4. Your 2016 tax records*
5. Records of your untaxed income*
6. Records of your assets (money)*
7. List of the school(s) you are interested in attending

It is best if the student athlete and parent(s) complete the FASFA together.

Find more information and step-by-step instructions at the Department of Education website: https://blog.ed.gov/2017/09/7-things-need-fill-2018-19-fafsa-form/ 

Social media is an excellent recruiting tool when used correctly. It can also be a detriment if used incorrectly. So before I give you a few tips on how to use social media to your advantage here are some important things to keep in mind.

1. Anyone, anywhere can see your post
2. Your post speaks for your personality and character
3. Pictures speak for the company you keep.
4. Posts are nearly impossible to erase once out in cyber-space

Over the years I’ve observed amazing uses of social media by student athletes. Essentially, many of these athletes created an organic media portals.  Used properly social media really can make a difference with your recruiting.

Here are a few tips to use social media to your advantage. 
1. Designate social media outlets. For example, use Twitter for sports and SnapChat for selfies. Avoid mixing the two.
2. Show the things that you value. For example, hard work, commitment, family, faith
3. Share your experiences. Post where your playing and camps your attending. Share pics of team functions and events.
4. Share gratitude.  It is okay to thank coaches with whom you’ve had conversations for conversations or invitations to camps, events or for attending games
5. Always be positive. Never post online a complaint or grip about another player or coach. And, don’t repost the negativity of others.

Some Guidance is Needed

During the verification process, high school athletes will also need the help of the school Guidance counselor. It is wise to discuss your college plans with the Guidance Counselor so that they can help make the process as seamless as possible.

Be committed, get committed.

Coach Mike

For this week’s tip, I’d like to share some thoughts from one parent to another.

Everyday I hear and see so much false information and fictitious myths about recruiting that I feel its important to warn you about it. Honestly, I get upset by the ridiculous misinformation people tell me and the perpetual lies I see online. These hucksters are so blinded by dollar signs $$ that don’t actually take into the consideration the fact that that the futures’ of young women and men.

So here’s my tip this week. Parents, you are the first line of defense to protect your student-athlete so be please aware of false information!

1. Be cautious of the “free” information you find online
2. Be cautious of “free” services

We all know that everything we see on the Internet isn’t true and that there is no such thing as free. In fact, it takes years of successful results to build the reputation and expertise necessary to be considered by college coaches as a credible recruiting resource.  

Like you, I love my kids. I have three. However, my daughter is a Sophomore softball player. Without a doubt her collegiate recruiting is very important to me. So, like you, I understand the severity that the choices I make today can cost her tomorrow.

As a PrepStar 360 athlete, I’m glad she can benefit from the recruiting exposure provided by  PrepStar’s 36 years of working relationships with college coaches. This kind of backing is invaluable in the recruiting process. The assistance families get throughout the recruiting process is second to none! Plus its hard to ignore the highest success rate in the scouting and recruiting industry.

So, parents, be cautious when relying solely on information from Internet searches and people who have no vested interest in your athlete. How is someone working for free supposed to guide you through the recruiting process?  Most recruiting services only have computer programers on staff! (text “CoachMike” to find out which ones).

In my office I have a sign that says, “My job is to connect with people and solve interesting problems!” It’s a reminder to me that every athlete, and their recruiting process, is unique. So my job is to be there to help them solve the problems and clear the way for their success.

Perhaps it would better to have someone like me? A trusted resource and real expert- who is also the parent of a college bound athlete- to walk along with your family?

Call me today to take the first step in the right recruiting direction. Together, we’ll set the course of success for your athlete.

Coach Mike Woosley

“To get committed, you got to be committed.”

There is a distinct difference between smart recruits and not-so-smart recruits. (Since you’re reading this blog I’m assuming you must be pretty smart). When it comes to recruiting college coaches spend a considerable amount of time resources and other expenses that go in recruiting prospective student athletes. Smart recruits know this and do three things to get an advantage over other prospects.

Prospective student athletes need to have smarts.What you do in the classroom really does matter. Because collegiate eligibility is determined by the grades not the number of goals you score. So, it helps to be aware of current Core GPA.   Smart recruits keep the most up to date GPA on your profile at the end of every quarter or semester. Also, upload an unofficial transcript to your profile to make it easy for coaches to verify your GPA.

Secondly, the importance of accurate stats is often overlooked. Sadly, I notice many high school coaches neglect to keep accurate stats and by doing so negatively impact recruiting potential of their athletes. I often say, “stats are facts” because stats are excellent proof of both athletic ability and consistent performance.  Smart recruits keep track of their stats and frequently update them on their recruiting profile.

Last, prospective student athletes should be aware of their online presence. Smart recruits are mindful to present themselves in a positive way on social media. It is foolish to understate how detrimental one thoughtless post can be to your recruiting.  Before every post ask yourself, “am I proud of this?” If you’re proud of it , then most likely its smart.

And smart is good!

The mental game of college recruiting can be brutal.  The ups and downs of the process can really mess with your head. The key is to stay focused. To keep the right headspace you also need to be sure that you are doing all you can to help yourself get recruited.

But don’t fret. Here are three recruiting tips to help you stay in the right frame of mind.

1. Start early-   The sooner you begin the recruiting process the better. Most D1 caliper athletes are identified by the end of their sophomore year! Get noticed by starting early.
2. Be proactive-Do your homework. Learn the recruiting timelines. Find out about contact dates. Don’t be afraid to take control of your recruiting process.
3. Get help– College recruiting can be confusing so you’ll want help to help you navigate safety through the process. There are a number of different avenues to explore to get assistance, advice and increase exposure. Use coaches, website and organizations to help you get noticed.

Follow these three recruiting tips will help you stay in the right frame of mind and avoid the mind games that a huge disappointment is around the corner.

Have questions? Need help? Get a FREE recruiting consultation just click here  or  use the comment section below to ask a question.