Academic Update
January 2025
I hope you enjoyed a happy and healthy holiday break. It is also my hope that some of these family prompts enable you to start engaging as a group about the journey before you. During the hockey season, we lose track of time. These updates are intended to keep you on track academically as you continue to develop your hockey skills.
Important: If you haven’t started an Academic/Athletic resume and you are beyond that point, it is in your best interest to do so now Repeat from December but it is that significant.
Freshman (Frosh) student-athletes
1) Familiarize yourself with the ACT/SAT process and the questions
2) Learn to participate actively in class (no phones)
3) Talk to a high school counselor about (AP courses, IB, dual enrollment\options if appropriate). High-flying students plan ahead.
4) Family Discussion: Which student clubs or organizations should I join (student newspaper/website, student government, etc., and which volunteer opportunities are aligned with my interests (community = social awareness)
Sophomore Student-Athletes
1) Book/lock in PSAT testing date (March/April)
2) Start building relationships with teachers (recommendations are part of the college application process. Be a name and face as well as an achiever.
3) Family Discussion: In broad strokes what types of jobs or careers are of interest to me at this point in my journey? Are there summer internships or job opportunities that might align with these interests?
Junior Student-Athletes
1) ACT/SAT Book/Lock-in testing date
2) Start ACT/SAT prep work now.
3) High School credits check with graduation in mind.
4) Family Discussion: What occupation/field do I think I might like to consider? What kind of academic training does that require? Are there elective courses that might provide exposure to the field?
Senior Student-Athletes
1) Are you taking the SAT again? I would strongly consider it. Lock it in (look
at 2025 testing dates) Many colleges and universities will allow you to combine the higher score from parts of two different exams (It is called the super score). Strong colleges and universities are requiring scores again.
2) Family Discussion: What does a college experience look like in your mind’s eye? (Size, location, academic offerings). Hockey is played all over the country and at different levels, let’s factor that into the decision.
Junior Hockey Players (1st year)
Family Discussion: What are my junior coach and hockey advisor saying about my playing potential?
o Division 1 (high, low)
o Division III (high, low)
o High-level club (some are closer to D1 programs than D3)
o Club
Which schools have you spoken to about playing opportunities at the next level? What are my academic credentials/interests? assessment?
Contact Dr. Stahura for guidance if you want help with Academic Consulting/Placement Services. This is a thoughtful customized plan which yields the best results for you. I have had great success working with Hawkeye Hockey players (young men and women) finding a fit at the next level. It is not just about the next 4 years, it is about the next 40 years
Kurt A. Stahura, PhD
Managing Partner & Lead Consultant
College Copilots
kstahura@collegecopilots.com
Mobile: 716.343.0851