The College Recruit Test

Do You Really Have What It Takes to Play at the Next Level?

The numbers don’t lie. Sometimes they move in decimals, but for most of the last 30+ years, only 7 out of every 100 high school athletes will move on to play their sport in college.

You could argue it’s a numbers game—there are only so many roster spots each year, and not everyone who wants to play in college will get a shot. That’s true. But here’s another truth:

Most athletes are simply unwilling to do what it takes to play in college. Even fewer take the time to learn what they need to do early enough to make a difference.

That’s why I created something I’m roughly calling “The College Recruit Test.” It’s not a magic formula, but it is a reality check to help prospective recruits (and their parents) better understand where they truly stand—and what they still need to work on—if they want to make the cut at the next level.

I’ve broken it down by division level—NCAA Division I, II, III, NAIA, and Junior College—because no single checklist translates across all of them.

A solid recruit for each division level will be able to check at least 6 of the 10 boxes. The less you check, the more your reality is telling you to work down the test to the lower divisions.

How to Use This Test:

Read each section and answer the questions honestly.
At first, don’t worry about what level you’re aiming for—just answer based on your current reality.
Then go back through slowly and ask: “Could I realistically be able to answer this question with a YES in the next 6–12 months?”
If yes, set that as a goal.
If no, maybe it’s time to explore different options.

NCAA Division I – Do You Already Stand Out by Sophomore Year?

Is your unweighted GPA 3.0 or higher by the end of your sophomore year, showing strong academic habits and the potential to earn academic aid?
(While 2.3 is the NCAA eligibility minimum, most D1 coaches recruit athletes with 3.0+ GPAs who are less likely to struggle with eligibility and more likely to succeed in college.)
Are you a starter or top contributor on both your high school varsity and an elite club/travel team?
Have you earned all-conference, all-state, or national showcase honors before junior year?
Do you compete in both high school and top-level club/travel events?
Has a D1 coach followed you, emailed you, or invited you to a prospect/elite camp?
Are you physically comparable to college freshmen at your position?
Are you ranked or listed by any recruiting services, position rankings, or watchlists?
Do you have a strong highlight video with measurable skills and current-season film?
Have you received direct, positive evaluations from coaches or scouts?
Are Division I coaches reaching out to your high school or club/travel coach asking questions specifically about you before your junior year begins?

NCAA Division II – Are You a Known Competitor by Junior Year?

Is your unweighted GPA 3.0 or higher by junior year, showing commitment in the classroom and positioning you for academic scholarships?
(While 2.2 is the NCAA eligibility minimum, most D2 coaches recruit athletes who maintain a 3.0 or better.)
Are you a multi-year varsity starter and a top player on a strong club/travel team?
Have you earned district or regional honors, such as MVP, All-Conference, or Captain?
Do you play both high school and club, attending competitive events and training in the offseason?
Are your stats, times, or physical measurables consistent with D2 athletes in your sport?
Have you had two-way communication with D2 coaches (not just camp invites)?
Do you have an updated highlight video and stat sheet from junior year?
Have you visited or attended camps at D2 schools you’re interested in?
Do your coaches describe you as a high-character, team-first competitor?
Would you be ready to contribute within a year or two on a college roster?

NCAA Division III – Would You Be a Great Fit and Contributor?

Is your unweighted GPA 3.3 or higher, making you a strong academic fit for highly selective D3 institutions and maximizing your merit aid potential?
Are you a starter or major contributor on both high school and club/travel teams?
Have you earned team awards (MVP, Most Improved) or local honors?
Have you personally reached out to D3 coaches with your academic and athletic profile?
Do you have a video and stat sheet that shows you’re competitive and consistent?
Are you open to a balanced student-athlete experience with strong academics?
Have you visited campuses or talked to D3 coaches or athletes about the program?
Are you aware D3 schools do not offer athletic scholarships, but can provide generous aid packages?
Do your coaches say you elevate the team culture and do the little things right?
Would you be proud to be part of a tight-knit team culture with high standards?

NAIA – Are You Talented and Self-Driven?

Is your unweighted GPA 3.0 or higher, giving you a better shot at academic aid and showing you’re dependable in the classroom?
(While 2.0 meets the eligibility minimum, most NAIA coaches prefer athletes with 3.0+ who won’t struggle to stay eligible.)
Are you a starter or impact player for both your high school and club team?
Have you received any honors or leadership recognition, even if not statewide?
Have you contacted at least three NAIA coaches directly with video and grades?
Are you open to faith-based or smaller colleges that offer athletic and academic aid?
Have you played in events or tournaments where NAIA coaches recruit?
Do you have a short highlight video and updated profile ready to share?
Are you motivated to develop and grow into a key contributor at the college level?
Are you willing to hustle, follow up, and promote yourself to earn your opportunity?
Are you ready to compete against athletes who may be transferring from higher divisions?

Junior College (JUCO) – Do You Want to Prove Yourself and Keep Playing?

Is your GPA 2.0–2.5, and are you actively working to improve it for future transfer opportunities?
Were you a bench player, late bloomer, or under-recruited despite talent?
Have you played both high school and at least one season of club/travel ball?
Are you eager for a second chance to prove yourself athletically or academically?
Are you open to relocating for a JUCO opportunity that gives you playing time?
Do you understand JUCO is a grind—academically and athletically—but a real path forward?
Have you created and sent a video and short email to JUCO coaches?
Are you using JUCO as a launchpad to transfer to D1, D2, NAIA, or D3?
Are you driven to earn your role every day, even without guarantees?
Do you love your sport enough to fight for the opportunity, wherever it may come?

Final Thoughts: Take the Test, Then Take Ownership

The purpose of this test isn’t to limit your dream—it’s to refocus your effort. No matter where you currently land, now you know what it takes to rise to the next level.

If you answered “yes” to most questions in a division, that may be your current level.
If you answered “no” to many—but still believe—you’ve got work to do. And that’s okay.
If your answers were mixed, now you’ve got goals to set and gaps to close.

Nobody can promise you a scholarship. Nobody can guarantee you a roster spot. But if you’re willing to be honest with yourself—and do the work—there’s always a place for players who compete with purpose.

✅ For more tools, strategies, and guidance to help your family navigate college recruiting with clarity and confidence, visit CoachMattRogers.com. You’ll find:

Free resources and strategy sessions
The Significant Recruiting book and The Recruit’s Journal
The Significant Recruiting Launchpad Recruiting Classes
Weekly podcasts, blog posts, and real talk about the recruiting journey

Coach Matt Rogers