Like anything in life, a well-thought-out game plan will increase your chances of success. As an athlete, planning and strategizing prepare you for any unexpected turns in the road you might encounter. You wouldn’t go into a game without having practiced and trained for it. The same is true for college athletic recruiting.

The odds of receiving a NCAA sports scholarship are unfortunately slim. Only about 2% of high school athletes win scholarships every year at NCAA colleges and universities. If you’re a freshman that aspires to play at the college level, don’t be mistaken, the recruiting process starts early! Don’t wait until your senior year to begin searching for potential roster spots. It takes time, research, and preparation for landing a scholarship.

Simply, create a timeline of measurable goals and stick to them. These goals should include athletic goals, academic, a list of colleges of your interest, a checklist of coaches you need to contact, and more. To be successful, you must be persistent. Cater your timeline to what you are capable of. Really assess your level of play, GPA, and attitude to determine which schools you should go after.

Your timeline for recruiting will vary greatly depending on your level of play and exposure, your sport, and the schools you’re interested in. For example, football players have different timelines than baseball players.

“A man without a goal is like a ship without a rudder.” – Thomas Carlyle

When you are eligible, begin connecting with college coaches and stay involved in the process. You can send emails or letters, attend camps or pick up the phone and give them a call. Go in with a game plan. College coaches want to see that you are staying active during the recruiting process. Hoping the perfect college will magically find you will royally decrease your chances of playing in college.

Begin putting together highlight photos and videos early. Create a mobile and web presence using platforms like Instagram, Facebook, BeRecruited, NCSA and the new digital locker room app, DraftCard to build your own shareable profile filled with stats and highlights. Such networks will increase your exposure and give recruiting coaches validation of your skill level.

Finally, be persistent and you will find a college to continue your athletic career. Don’t get discouraged because your first contact didn’t land you a scholarship. Stick to your game plan! Nearly every high school athlete who has worked hard, performed well in their sport and in the classroom, has a legitimate opportunity to play at the college level. Don’t miss your opportunity.