There isn't a right and wrong way that everyone needs to go through the college recruiting process. However, there are some major things that you should avoid in the process. Here are 12 things to not do:

1. Rely on coaches to come to you

Unless you are one of the top recruits in the country, you need to do a lot of the work on your own. Coaches aren't going to know that you are interested in their program until you reach out to them.

2. Have your heart set on only one division

NCAA Division I is the dream for most youth athletes. However, the key to the recruiting process is being open. Division II still offers athletic scholarships and Division III schools can give great financial aid. JUCO and NAIA both also offer great competitive opportunities. 

3. Jump at the first offer you get

You should definitely consider each offer that you get. However, it is important to avoid making rash decisions during the college recruiting process. Talk to your parents, coaches, and high school counselors, and make an informed decision about whether an offer is right for you.

4. Send out mass emails

The last thing you want to do is send out a super broad email to all of the schools you are interested in. Coaches can tell when it's not an email that is specifically for them. You want to include the coach's name and specific information about their school/program in every email. This is how coaches will know that you are serious about playing for them.

5. Make a super long highlight video

Coaches don't have time to watch a 20-minute video of you playing your sport. Keep it short (less than five minutes). Include your best plays first, and make sure your film is relevant to the position you want to play in college. If you are a soccer goalie, coaches don't need to see any film of you playing as a field player.

6. Only rely on coaches to come to see you

Showcases and tournaments can be a difficult recruiting tool. They are great for initial exposure, but they don't guarantee anything. If you are really serious about a school, go to their specific camp at their school. This way, you know the coaches are watching you, the coaches know you are actually interested, and you can talk to the coaches in person while you are there.

7. Rely on recruiting services

Recruiting services are a waste of money. You don't need to spend any money to get recruited (aside from going to camps and showcases). All the information you need is available to you for free – especially on the 2aDays website!

8. Only think your last two years of high school matter

As soon as you start high school, you need to be on top of your game. Many people think that their grades don't matter – but they absolutely do. Plenty of athletes have gotten held up in the college recruiting process because they failed a class during their freshman year. Academics are SO important!

9. Only send one email to a coach

Coaches are incredibly busy. They get tons of emails every single day, which means some emails can get lost. If you haven't heard back from a coach yet, don't get discouraged! Send a follow-up email to make sure you get on their radar.

10. Only think about athletics during the process

Of course, if you are planning to play a sport in college, then athletics is a crucial part of your process. However, it shouldn't be the only part. Make sure you like the campus, the location, academics, facilities, etc. Things happen, and it's totally possible that you could end up not playing a sport at that school. You want to love all aspects before committing.

11. Allow your parents to take control of your process

You definitely want your parents to be a part of your recruiting process, but you need to be the one making all of the decisions. No coach wants to get an email from a parent on behalf of their kid. Send out your own emails – coaches love to see athletes take initiative. 

12. Think that it's too late to start the process

It doesn't matter what year you are, you can always play college sports. If you are starting the process later than average, you just might have a little more work set out for you. Send out as many prospective emails as you can. A lot of coaches may have already filled their rosters, but there is always somebody who is looking for more players. Keep working at it and don't get too discouraged!