Skip to main content

College Advisory Program

Whether you are a club seeking a trusted partner to support your players and families, or an individual player navigating the college soccer journey, our advisory program provides comprehensive, personalized guidance every step of the way.

With over forty years of combined experience in the college soccer and recruitment landscape, we bring clarity to a process that is often confusing, time-consuming, and filled with misinformation. Our expertise goes far beyond simply explaining the rules. We help players identify the right collegiate fit—academically, athletically, and socially—while guiding families through timelines, communication strategies, eligibility requirements, and recruiting expectations at every level of the college game.

Decades in the sport have allowed us to build strong, long-standing relationships with college coaches across Division I, II, III, NAIA, and junior college programs. These connections, paired with an honest and educational approach, allow us to advocate effectively for players while setting realistic expectations and avoiding costly mistakes.

We guided you step by step starting with the freshman year in high school to avoid the most common error…trying to squeeze four years of work into the months remaining prior to graduation. Start right, follow the process and end up at your destination of choice!

Most importantly, our mission is to empower players and parents with knowledge. We do not sell promises—we provide guidance, structure, and transparency so families can make informed decisions with confidence. The result is a smoother, more efficient recruiting experience and, ultimately, a better college outcome for the student-athlete.

College Eligibility, Testing and Financial Aid Resources

NCAA Eligibility Center (formerly NCAA Clearinghouse)

The NCAA Eligibility Center is required for any student-athlete who wants to compete at the NCAA Division I or Division II level. This process verifies both academic eligibility (core courses, GPA, standardized testing where applicable) and amateurism status.

Student-athletes must submit:

  • Official high school transcripts

  • SAT and/or ACT scores (if required by the school)

  • Graduation information

  • Amateurism certification

Recommended registration:
Register at the beginning of freshman year of high school.

📌 Important note: Many colleges are now test-optional for admission, but the NCAA may still require academic certification through core coursework and GPA standards.


NAIA Eligibility Center (PlayNAIA)

Any student-athlete planning to compete at an NAIA institution must register with the NAIA Eligibility Center.

Similar to the NCAA process, PlayNAIA reviews:

  • High school transcripts

  • Standardized test scores (SAT/ACT, if applicable)

  • Graduation status

  • Amateurism

Recommended registration:
Register during your freshman year.


NJCAA Eligibility (Junior College Athletics)

Student-athletes interested in competing at junior colleges (NJCAA) should work directly with:

  • Their high school counselor

  • The NJCAA institution’s athletic department

Eligibility standards are typically set by the college and conference, making early communication essential.


College Board (SAT, AP Exams, and Scholarships)

The SAT is one of two primary college entrance exams (along with the ACT). While many colleges are now test-optional, standardized test scores can still:

  • Strengthen admissions applications

  • Be required by certain athletic programs

  • Qualify students for academic scholarships

Through the College Board website, students can:

  • Register for SAT exams

  • Send scores to colleges

  • Access free practice tests and prep tools

  • Explore scholarship opportunities


ACT Student (ACT Entrance Exam and Scholarships)

The ACT is the second widely accepted college entrance exam. Like the SAT, it may be optional for admission at some schools, but still useful for:

  • Admissions consideration

  • Athletic eligibility

  • Scholarship qualification

The ACT website allows students to:

  • Register for upcoming exams

  • Send scores to colleges

  • Access study guides and practice tests

📌 Tip: Student-athletes should consider taking both exams at least once to determine which best reflects their strengths.


FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid)

The FAFSA is the most important financial aid application for college-bound students.

By completing the FAFSA, students may become eligible for:

  • Federal grants

  • State grants

  • Work-study programs

  • Federal student loans

  • Institutional scholarships (many colleges require FAFSA completion)

Who should file?
➡️ Every college-bound student, regardless of income level.

📅 FAFSA typically opens October 1 of the student’s senior year.


CSS Profile (Additional Financial Aid Resource)

Some private colleges require the CSS Profile in addition to the FAFSA to award institutional aid. Families applying to private universities should confirm requirements with each school.


FastWeb (Scholarship Search Platform)

FastWeb is a well-known scholarship search engine that matches students with:

  • Merit-based scholarships

  • Need-based scholarships

  • Sport-specific and academic awards

With thousands of scholarships available nationwide, FastWeb is a valuable tool for reducing college costs.


College Recruiting Platforms

XI LLC is proud to partner with FieldLevel as our preferred recruiting platform.

Recruiting platforms help student-athletes:

  • Build athletic and academic profiles

  • Share game film

  • Communicate directly with college coaches

  • Track recruiting activity

📌 Reminder: Recruiting platforms are tools—not guarantees. Consistent performance, academics, and proactive communication matter most.


Additional Recommended Resources


*These organizations are independent entities and have no direct affiliation with XI LLC.