Creating your top college list (via ScoutingZone)

The foundation of your recruiting journey

Editor’s Note: This article was submitted by our partner, ScoutingZone, in an ongoing series of best practices for college recruiting. 

Think of your top college list as a large funnel that over the years you will refine and narrow down and eventually hone in on your top choices. We say start with 30 colleges, but this number is totally up to you. This list will be ever-changing, but you have to start somewhere. Research all of the different types of colleges (big, small, different divisions, geographics) and refine your list over time. If you want to save time from Googling different colleges, you can use the ScoutingZone “College Center” to view academic, financial, athletic detailed information, as well as head coach emails.

ScoutingZone “Top Favorites” is the best place to house your very top choices, keep in mind you can constantly update and change this list. It’s important to include your Top 10 in your ScoutingZone Player Profile, because college coaches are notified of the players interested in their program ahead of tournaments. This is a huge advantage for players, as this feature will get you in front of college scouts at events.

The three most important questions to ask yourself are:

  1. Can I academically qualify and succeed at this college?
  2. Can I athletically play at this level? 
  3. If I didn’t play soccer, would I still want to attend this college?

Other important factors to also consider when creating your Top List:

  • Evaluate the quality of life, scholastic intensity and then the soccer aspect
  • Academics and college experience should be put before soccer 
  • Be realistic when evaluating your grades and academics
  • Be realistic when evaluating your level of soccer
  • Search the internet, visit campuses watch games online and in-person 
  • Be open to all divisions
    • Div I, Div II, Div III, NAIA, Junior College
  • Are you interested in a small, private or large college?
  • Do you want other athletic events available, such as a football or basketball team?
  • Geographic location and weather?
  • What major are you interested in, and does the school offer it?

Write your Top List down, put it on your vision board… this is your working list, unique to you! Update it every six months (or more, if you’d like).

Your Top List is the foundation of your college recruiting game plan and who you are communicating with along the way.

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