College Recruiting Hub

 
Westchester Aquatic Club
This page is a practical guide for parents and swimmers. NCAA/NAIA rules change—always confirm dates on official sites.
NCAA Eligibility — Quick Facts
  • “4×4 = 16” core courses: English (4) + Math (4) + Science (4) + Social Science (4).
  • Core-course GPA + sliding scale: Eligibility matches test scores with your core-GPA.
  • Send ACT/SAT with code 9999: Scores must go directly to the Eligibility Center.
Freshman / Sophomore Year — What to Think/Do
Academics
  • Meet your counselor; ask about AP/IB and honors pathways. Where do most graduates go?
  • Take PSAT or pre-ACT; consider structured SAT/ACT prep.
  • Track GPA and graduation requirements.
Swimming & Exposure
  • Share goals with WAC coaches and map out a strategy.
  • Start a college/program interest list.
  • Take unofficial visits when possible (family-paid), especially during meets near target schools.
  • At national/sectional meets, approach college coaches only after your last event and once released by your WAC coach.
What Colleges Can Do
  • Send questionnaires/profiles; join lists (you can opt out later).
  • Track swimmers of interest locally and nationally.
  • If you initiate contact (phone/in-person), they may speak with you or a parent. They cannot return a voicemail; you must reach them live.
Junior Year — What to Think/Do
  • Refine your school list.
  • Create a one-page résumé (events, time progress, academics, contact info, links to race videos).
  • Study conference results to see where you could score (Year 1–2 potential matters).
  • Align GPA/tests/coursework with targets—reach is OK.
  • Register with the NCAA Eligibility Center via your guidance office.
  • Plan unofficial visits to top choices; email coaches to request a meeting/tour.
  • Preview applications early—note essays.
  • Take SAT/ACT early enough to allow a retake.
  • Ask WAC coaches to advocate with top programs.
What Colleges Can Do
  • Send media guides/questionnaires.
  • Correspond by mail and email without limits.
  • Host “Junior Day” style unofficial visits.
  • Limited junior-year outreach may occur for top recruits per current calendars—verify on NCAA pages.
Senior Year — Most Work Is Done
  • Narrow to ~5 schools.
  • With parents/counselors/WAC coaches, choose Fall vs Spring decision timing.
  • Submit applications early; give recommenders time; track deadlines.
  • Schedule fall official visits if offered; plan any additional unofficials.
What Colleges Can Do
  • After permitted dates, call recruits, schedule official visits, guide applications, and (where allowed) arrange in-home visits.
Academic Standards by Division
Division I
  • 16 core courses; at least 10 completed before 7th semester (7 in Eng/Math/Science).
  • Minimum 2.3 core GPA plus sliding-scale test score.
Division II
  • 16 core courses; minimum 2.2 core GPA with sliding-scale test score.
Division III
  • No NCAA athletics scholarships; many receive merit/need-based aid.
  • No Eligibility Center registration required; admissions standards set by schools.
Contact & Visits — Key Rules
  • Calls after July 1 (post–junior year): Colleges may call recruits (often up to one call per week).
  • Official Visits: School-funded; limit of 5 total to 5 different universities; max 48 hours; parents may attend at their expense.
  • Unofficial Visits: Family-paid and unlimited, but contact limits still apply.
  • Voicemail: Coaches cannot return it—you must reach them live.
  • At big meets: Approach college coaches only after your last event and once your WAC coach releases you.
Visit Types
Unofficial Visit: Family-paid campus visit; unlimited. You may meet coaches subject to contact rules.
Official Visit: School-funded (transportation, meals, housing). Typically limited to 48 hours. Parents may accompany at their own expense. (Check current D1/D2 limits and team policies.)
College List (Printable Template)

Use this table to organize options. For deeper comparison, copy these columns into a Google Sheet and add conference scoring notes from SwimCloud.

School Conference Program Fit Primary Events Academic Fit Coach Contact Notes
             
             
             
Quick Email to College Coaches
Subject: Westchester Aquatic Club – [Your Name], [Grad Year], [Primaries]

Coach [Last Name],
My name is [Name], a [Grad Year] swimmer at Westchester Aquatic Club. My primary events are [events] with best times: [list]. Academically, I have a [GPA] and [SAT/ACT if applicable].

I’m very interested in [School] because [fit: academics, team culture, major]. I’ve reviewed [Conference] results and believe I can contribute in [events/relays]. I’d appreciate the chance to learn more about your program and admissions process.

Thank you for your time,
[Name] · [Phone] · [Email]
Coach contact: [WAC coach name + email]
Glossary
  • Unofficial visit: Family-paid campus visit; unlimited.
  • Official visit: School-funded trip (usually up to 48 hours). Limits vary—check current calendars.
  • Dead period: No in-person recruiting contact; see calendar.
  • NCAA Eligibility Center: Clears initial eligibility for D1/D2.
  • NAIA Eligibility Center (PlayNAIA): Initial eligibility for NAIA.