Recruiting timeline: 8th to 12th grade

Every player's path is different. Use this as a checklist, not a race.

8th grade: build the base

Play a lot, have fun and work on your weaker foot.
Take school seriously. High school grades start next year and colleges see all of them.
Ask your counselor which high school classes count as "core courses" for college sports.

Keep grades up. Freshman grades count toward your GPA.
Write down 20 to 30 colleges that interest you, across different divisions.
Start saving game clips. Ask a parent to film full games.
Go to a camp or two for fun and learning. You don't need expensive ID camps yet.

Make your first highlight video (see the video guide).
Start emailing coaches with your schedule and video (see emailing coaches).
Register with the NCAA Eligibility Center if you're aiming for NCAA D1 or D2 (it's often done in 10th grade). Look at the NAIA Eligibility Center too.
Take a practice PSAT or PreACT.
Learn the contact rules. Coaches may not be allowed to reply to you yet, but they can still read your emails. Check before publishing: NCAA D1/D2 contact dates are different for men and women and change over time.

For many programs this is when real talks start: calls, visits and offers.
Take the SAT/ACT if your schools want it. Many schools no longer require it.
Pick ID camps at schools on your list where you would really go.
Shrink your list to 10 to 15 schools that fit your soccer, school and money needs.
Make official and unofficial visits when they are allowed.

Apply to schools and file the FAFSA as soon as it opens.
Compare offers using net price, not sticker price.
Sign or commit, then send your final transcript and proof of graduation to the eligibility center.
Keep your grades up. Offers can depend on them.