Prior to your junior year in high school (11th grade) there is little you can do in the college process. Train and compete successfully, do well in school, and start noticing which academic areas interest you. Make sure you are taking tough courses- colleges love students who challenge themselves. As athletes ourselves, we know that lacrosse is an enormous commitment. But, colleges want to see that you have made a difference in, and off the field. Try to find an school club/organization that interests you. Maybe you can volunteer with a local community service organization. Whatever you decide to do, colleges will appreciate it.

Junior year marks the beginning of the college process. Division I college coaches can contact you via mail or email beginning September 1st of your junior year. However, they cannot begin calling you or meeting with you until July 1 after completion of your junior year. Division II coaches may also contact you via mail or email beginning September 1st of your junior year. Yet, unlike Division 1 coaches, they may not begin calling you or meeting with you until June 15th before your senior year. Division III coaches cannot meet with you until the conclusion of your junior year.

This is also an important year academically - especially if you are applying for early admission. Take your classes seriously and take challenging courses.

Establish a relationship with your college guidance counselor and your academic advisor to discuss the application process. Think about where "geographically" you'd like to attend, and start thinking about in which division you'd like to compete. Make a list of 5-15 colleges that interest you, and have your parents, your coaches, and your college counselor make a similar list of schools they find appropriate for your academic and athletic abilities.

With your list of prospective schools, look through their team and conference results to see where you'd fit in. Even if you're not quite talented enough yet, know that you have more than a year to improve. Don't be afraid of contacting coaches to get information about their programs yourself- before they contact you. Emailing a coach is a great way of both learning about and showing interest in a particular program.

Take the PSAT in the fall to get some practice for the SAT and perhaps win a national merit scholarship. Analyze your PSAT results carefully. If you do poorly, perhaps taking an SAT class would be wise. If you did well, taking the SAT your junior year could be a great idea. Remember, colleges look at your best combined SAT score (best verbal + best math)- so taking the SAT multiple times can only help! Taking the SAT your junior year is also great practice and preparation for taking it your senior year.

Many schools require up to three SAT II scores. The spring of your junior year would be a wise time to take these. Because most schools require the SAT II Writing and a math of some sort, take each of these. You can take up to three SAT II's at once and colleges only receive those scores that you submit.

Register with the NCAA Initial Eligibility Clearinghouse and check out the academic requirements for participating in college sports. Make sure your senior year classes meet the clearinghouse requirements. If it seems that making the minimum academic standard for competing in the NCAA's is going to be difficult, you should consider taking an SAT prep course in the summer.

If you are going to apply early, your spring and summer seasons (before your senior year) may be your last chance to showcase your talent and ability! Make sure you focus on training and remember to update coaches on these results.

The summer after your junior year is also a great chance to take unofficial visits with your family to colleges and universities that interest you. Try to plan these trips after July 1st or June 15th, depending on the school's division, so that you may meet with the coaching staff. Keep a journal with notes about what you like or dislike about each college.

Besides training the summer prior to your senior year, getting a job/internship is an excellent way to build your resume. Its also an excellent way to make money that can be put towards your college education. If meeting the NCAA Eligibility standards seems daunting, try taking summer classes to raise your grades and/or ease next year's schedule.