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Attending/Transferring from a Junior
College to 4-year. Attending a Junior College has
been an excellent option for student/athletes over the years.
There have been many outstanding players who started at a
Junior College and subsequently transferred to 4-year colleges
and had successful collegiate careers.
Before choosing a Junior College, research their reputation
in academics, (Particularly number of students who transfer
and graduate) Also, ask the coach where players are transferring,
and what those coaches look for in Junior College players.
(4-year schools look at Junior college players to have more
maturity on the field and be ready for immediate playing time.)
The benefits of attending a Junior College include reduced
cost for education, the chance for first year players to develop
their soccer and academic skills before transferring, and
finally a better chance of getting more scholarship money
upon transfer. The playing level and competition at Junior
Colleges has been extremely high. Top Two-year programs can
compete with Division II schools and some Division I schools.
Once a student/athlete chooses to attend a Junior College,
It should be their goal to transfer to a 4- Year University
or college. However, a lot of student/athletes find this challenge
harder than it should be. First and foremost a student/athlete
must put just as much energy into the classroom as on the
soccer field. Every year there are dozens of players who are
being recruited but do not have sufficient hours in the classroom
to be immediately eligible at the 4-year school. A simple
rule to follow is make sure you pass a minimum of 12 college
level hours per semester or a total of 24 college level hours
per year, with at least a 2.00. Most schools require a higher
GPA for admittance. You should also plan to take summer school
to make up hours or to get ahead. It is recommended to review
the NCAA transfer guide to review the exact requirements for
transfers (non/partial qualifier vs. a qualifier and the different
requirements among Division I, II, and III schools)
Upon being admitted to a Junior College, talk to an Academic
Advisor and get on a degree plan. Tell them your goal is to
transfer to a 4-year school. If you know what school you would
like to transfer to, find out what classes transfer and follow
their degree plan. Your Academic Advisor will have access
to their requirements. Once your academic requirements are
being met, you should meet with your coach and find out what
colleges and universities have been recruiting former players
and what they look for in a player. There should be a number
of schools that are interested in players from your school.
Get your coach to invite coaches out to watch; normally an
assistant will be more than happy to watch. Call yourself
to get the coaches out. Once you have a good idea where you
might want to transfer, talk to their advisors to see if you
are on track with enough college hours to transfer.
To review
1) Choose a top Juco to attend that
has a track record of promoting their players and whose players
have successfully transferred in the past.
2) Talk to an advisor and get
on a degree plan.
3) Maintain at least a 2.0 or higher.
4) Get 4-year coaches at your game.
5) Once you choose a 4-year school talk to their advisors
to make sure you are on track. Talk to them before the summer
you plan to transfer. In case you might need to take some
classes over summer. GOOD LUCK
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