Pre-Read Admissions Preparation Guide

📘 Pre-Read Admissions Preparation Guide (D3 Recruiting)

🎓 What a Pre-Read Means

A pre-read is an early, unofficial academic evaluation conducted by the admissions office—at the request of a coach—to determine if a prospective student-athlete is likely to be admitted. This gives coaches insight before the formal application process begins.

🧠 What It Tells You

• The coach is seriously interested—pre-reads aren’t used casually. 
• The coach is checking if admissions will clear you—unlike D1, D3 coaches don’t control admissions. 
• The coach wants to advocate for you with confidence, knowing you’re a likely admit. 

📄 What Is Usually Requested

• Unofficial transcript (ask your counselor) 
• SAT/ACT scores (if applicable) 
• Senior year class schedule 
• School profile (provided by your counselor) 
• Mid-year grades (if timing applies) 
• Resume or Athletic CV 
• Highlight video link (YouTube or Hudl) 
• Letter of Recommendation (if available) 
• Capstone project overview (if relevant to your story) 
• “Why Me and Why This School” essay (optional but powerful) 

🟢🟡🔴 What Happens Next

Admissions will return a recommendation to the coach:

• 🟢 Green Light – On track for admission. 
• 🟡 Yellow Light – Might need academic improvements. 
• 🔴 Red Light – Admission unlikely. 

🏀 Why It Matters

• It’s often the gateway to coach-supported admissions. 
• Helps coaches finalize roster and merit aid strategy. 
• A green light can dramatically improve admission odds. 

✅ Your Pre-Read Submission Checklist

🎯 BEFORE REACHING OUT TO A COACH

• Identify 8–12 top schools with coach interest 
• Verify school testing policy (test-optional, test-required, test-blind) 
• Confirm your latest academic records are in hand 

📤 WHAT TO SEND TO COACH (one email)

All as PDFs unless told otherwise:

1. Unofficial Transcript

• Request from your counselor 
• Ensure GPA is accurate and visible 

2. SAT/ACT Score Report (if applicable)

• Include if strong (e.g., 1300+ SAT) 
• Use PDF or screenshot of official score 

3. Senior Year Class Schedule

• If not shown on transcript, create a list or ask counselor for documentation 

4. School Profile

• High school document detailing GPA scale, curriculum, AP/IB offerings 

5. Resume / Athletic CV

• Include academic data, leadership, stats, service, capstone, basketball accolades 

6. Highlight Video Link

• Embed link in email (YouTube preferred) 

7. Capstone Overview (PDF or Link)

• One-pager describing your project and its impact 

8. “Why This School and Me” Essay (Optional)

• 300–500 words on mutual fit and values 

9. Letter of Recommendation (Optional)

• PDF from a coach, teacher, or mentor if already written 

10. Introductory Email

• Express genuine interest 
• Ask what they are looking for in Class of (your year)  

🧠 Pro Tips

• 📆 Timing: Initiate summer before senior year or post-camp/showcase 
• 💬 Follow-Up: If no response in 5–7 days, send a kind reminder 
• 🗣️ Loop In Counselor: Alert them that a school may follow up about your academic documents 

✨ Use This Template To:

• Stand out to coaches by being organized 
• Save coaches time (they’re busy!) 
• Show you’re serious and prepared 
• Eliminate scattered emails and boost your credibility