How do I register?
Go to www.topjock.net. Select “Sign Up” from the right menu. Fill in the requested information and follow the instructions.
What is CZ?
CollegiateZone, home of TOPQUEST, TOPSCHOLAR and TOPJOCK, provides college development tools for all students. CollegiateZone is the only online tool for students to apply to multiple colleges and for scholarships, grants and financial aid with just a few clicks. In addition, the company offers enhanced self-marketing tools for performing arts and science students and athletes. Go to collegiatezone.net
What services are offered?
TOPQUEST (topquest.net) allows high school students and college transfers to search, match and apply to colleges, as well as apply for funding. This one-of-a-kind software tool automatically matches you to colleges, scholarships, and grants. Results are based on your academic profile and personal criteria. Applying to a college and for funding is easy. Using the one-time, online CZ National Common Application, you can apply to multiple colleges and for funding with the click of a few buttons. This tool will also auto-fill the FAFSA Form (Free Application for Federal Student Aid).
TOPSCHOLAR (topscholar.net) is a software tool designed for performing arts and science students who want to continue their talent at the college level. The tool allows students to create a first-class interactive profile, including honors, achievements, skills and attributes.
TOPJOCK (topjock.net) is for athletes to create a media-rich profile to showcase their talents to college coaches in an effort to participate in inter-collegiate sports (NCAA, NAIA, or junior college). Athletes’ profiles can include statistics, honors, achievements, skills and attributes.
Both TOPSCHOLAR and TOPJOCK allow students to create an interactive CD with an elaborate media package, including video, audio, photos, and newspaper clippings. The CD can be used as a direct mailer, a hand-out at special events and tournaments, or as a keepsake. With a click of a button, you can send your profile to directors and coaches of your TOPQUEST-matched colleges in just a few seconds.
Are there any other features?
Database of Colleges, Directors, Coaches Content Management System One-time, Online CZ Common Application and Multi-media Uploading Search, Match and Apply to Colleges Cell Phone Text Alert Search, Match and Apply for Scholarships College Viewing Stats and Funding Download tutorial videos to your iPod E-mail Service Online Chats and Forums Colleges Find Students Expert Advice Columns Automated CD Creation and Distribution Online Tutorials throughout the System
How do I create the CZ Common Application/Profile?
After registering, you will have a user ID and password. Log in and then select Profile from the left menu. Follow the directions and fill in all requested information. The information you enter is used to automatically complete the CZ Common Application which is used by the Auto-fill tool to complete most college applications.
How does Auto-fill work?
The 5-step process for the auto-fill tool is:
  1. Register yourself as a user
  2. Create and complete the online profile
  3. Use our system to search, match and apply for the college or colleges that are right for you
  4. Install our unique auto-fill application. The CZ icon will appear on your top menu bar.
  5. Apply for college online: Click on the “Apply” button for the college you want to send your application to. Click on the CZ icon, complete the login using your username and password for TOPQUEST and watch the fields automatically fill in with the correct information. You will need to send your application to the college and pay applicable fees.
What if I want to apply to multiple colleges?
Repeat step 5 from previous question indicated below.

Apply for college online: Click on the “Apply” button for the college you want to send your application to. Click on the CZ icon, complete the login using your username and password for TOPQUEST and watch the fields automatically fill in with the correct information. You will need to send your application to the college and pay applicable fees.

How do I search for colleges?
Once you complete the CZ Common App. The system will match you based on your personal criteria (cost range, state, and type of college) and their academic profile (ACT, SAT, Class Ranking and GPA).
How do I search for scholarships?
You can search for scholarships, grants and other funding once you enter your department or choice of major, title of scholarship or grant, amount, state, deadline. After entering the criteria, click on “Search.” The system will automatically match you to a select group of scholarships and grants. For more details, click on a specific scholarship.
How does my email work?
Once you log on, this logs you into your email as well. Select CZ Mail from the menu on the left and this takes you to the inbox for your email account.
How do I Chat?
Once you log on, this logs you into the Online Chat feature as well. Select Chat Room from the menu on the left. You will be able to see who else is online and start chatting. It’s just like instant messenger.
How does the Cell Phone Text Alert work?
If you entered your cell phone number when you created your profile and have text messaging, you will get an alert each time a director or coach views your profile. You will be charged a text messaging fee by your cell phone provider.
What are College Viewing Stats and how does this work?
College Viewing Stats is information about the director or coach who viewed your profile, what they viewed and for how long.
How do I download tutorial videos to my iPod?
It’s just like downloading music. When you are on the site and would like to download one of the interactive tutorials, just click on the iPod Video button located in the bottom right hand corner and the video will download to your iTunes file. Once you sync your iPod, the video will appear in your iPod menu.
How will I hear about the Expert Advice Columns
Periodically we will have columns on the Web site written by our education and sports experts. You will be notified via your CZ e-mail.
What format(s) of video should be uploaded?
All video files should be uploaded in a .WMV (Windows Media Viewer) format. Remember, you can do it yourself or allow our media services team to upload the video for you for a one-time fee.
How do I convert my video files to a .WMV format?
If your video files happen to be in a different format (most audio files are defaulted in an .AVI or .MPEG format), simply open the video file in your video editing software. If your video has not already been uploaded to your computer, then plug in your camera to your computer and upload all needed videos. Import the video into your video editing software from your computer. Click on File, Save As, then save the file as .WMV. While saving the image, you will be prompted or have the option to choose a particular quality compression for the .WMV format; always choose the highest quality. If you do not have video editing software on your computer, you can download a free version of Windows Movie Maker by going to the following link: http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/downloads/updates/moviemaker2.mspx Another free tool provided by Microsoft is the Windows Media Encoder. Go to the following link to download: http://www.microsoft.com/windows/windowsmedia/forpros/encoder/default.mspx. This tool can be used to convert to a .WMV format as well. To view instructions for converting a video using Windows Media Encoder, go to: http://www.microsoft.com/windows/windowsmedia/knowledgecenter/mediaadvice/0065.mspx.
How long will my video take to upload?
The total time it will take for your video to finish uploading is dependent upon several issues, such as your Internet connection with your Internet service provider and your computer processing speed.
Is there a limit to the size of the video I can upload?
The size of the video is limited to the video package you initially purchased when you registered. If you purchased 40 MB of space, this will approximately allow you to upload 1 high resolution 5 minute video; 200 MB will approximately allow you to upload 1 high resolution 20 minute video. Additional video space can be purchased at any time.
Is there a limit to how many videos I can upload?
No, there is not. You have the ability to upload however many videos you are willing to purchase. When you purchase the TOPJOCK or TOPSCHOLAR package, you are given the option to purchase a certain amount of space in which to upload your videos. You can either purchase a total space of 40 MB or 200 MB. 40 MB will give you approximately 1 high-resolution video time of 5 minutes; 200 MB will give you approximately 1 high-resolution video time of 20 minutes. Additional video space can be purchased at any time.
How long do my videos stay on TOPJOCK / TOPSCHOLAR?
Videos remain on your TOPJOCK or TOPSCHOLAR profile for viewing by coaches or directors until you choose to take them down. Videos will be taken down immediately if any videos violate the terms of use or if your account becomes delinquent.
What format(s) of images should be uploaded?
All images should be uploaded in a JPG, JPEG or GIF format. Remember, you can do it yourself or allow our media services team to upload your images for you for a one-time fee.
To convert the file to GIF, JPEG or JPG format, use an image editor, such as Microsoft Image Composer or Adobe Photoshop, or insert the image you want to use in a page and save the image as a GIF, JPEG or JPG format. If your images are either too big or too small, download and use Microsoft’s free image resize tool at the following link: http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/downloads/powertoys/xppowertoys.mspx.
How do I convert my images to a JPG, JPEG or GIF format?
To convert your image to a JPG, JPEG or GIF format, simply open your preferred graphics editing program. Import the image into the program, then re-save or export the file as a JPG, JPEG or GIF format.
Is there a limit to the size of the images I can upload?
To upload an image, you have a size limit of 500 K; however, we recommend uploading an image with a size of 20 K or less so that your images can be accessible to everyone via the internet. Don’t worry, most standard photos or scanned images work within these limitations.
Is there a limit to how many images I can upload?
No, there is not; you have the ability to upload however many images you are willing to purchase. When you register with TOPJOCK or TOPSCHOLAR, you are defaulted 1 image to include in your profile. Additional images can be purchased at any time. You can purchase images in packages of 6, 12, and 18.
How long do my images stay on TOPJOCK / TOPSCHOLAR?
Images stay on your TOPJOCK or TOPSCHOLAR profile for viewing by coaches or directors until you choose to take them down. Images will be taken down immediately if any images violate the terms of use or if your account becomes delinquent.
How long will my image take to upload?
The total time it will take for your image to finish uploading is dependent upon several issues, such as your Internet connection with your Internet service provider and your computer processing speed.
I do not have a camera. How can I obtain images?
If you do not have a camera, contact your coach or director or another student/parent for available footage. You may also try the multimedia department within your school. To obtain action photos, contact the local media for past articles that may include photos or specific information regarding you (or your student).
What format(s) of audio should be uploaded?
All audio files should be uploaded in a .WMV (Windows Media Viewer) format.
How do I convert my audio files to a .WMV format?
If your audio files happen to be in a different format (most audio files are defaulted in an .mp3 or .WAV format). Simply open the audio file in your audio editing software. If you do not have audio editing software, download a free tool provided by Microsoft called Windows Media Encoder. Go to: http://www.microsoft.com/windows/windowsmedia/forpros/encoder/default.mspx. To view instructions for converting an audio file using Windows Media Encoder, go to: http://www.microsoft.com/windows/windowsmedia/knowledgecenter/mediaadvice/0060.mspx
How long will my audio take to upload?
The total time it will take for your audio to finish uploading is dependent upon several issues, such as your Internet connection with your Internet service provider and your computer processing speed.
Is there a limit to the size of the audio I can upload?
The size of the audio is limited to 50 MB.
Is there a limit to how many audio files I can upload?
No, there is not. You have the ability to upload however many audio files you are willing to purchase. When you purchase the TOPJOCK or TOPSCHOLAR package, you are given the option to purchase a certain amount of space in which to upload your audio. You can either purchase a total space of 40 MB and upload the audio yourself, or allow CZ staff to upload the audio for you for a one-time fee along with a total space of 40 MB. Additional audio space can be purchased at any time.
How long do my audio files stay on TOPJOCK / TOPSCHOLAR?
Audio files stay on your TOPJOCK or TOPSCHOLAR profile to be heard by coaches or directors until you choose to take them down. Audio files will be taken down immediately if any files violate the terms of use or if your account becomes delinquent.
CZ Helpful Hint:
If you (the student) or your scholar or athlete has been featured on a particular radio (or TV) broadcast, contact the radio station(s) for a copy of the broadcast. Also, a number of internet broadcast stations broadcast high school games and events – check with Internet stations within your area for possible audio that features your scholar or athlete. To become aware of any company or person taping/recording a game or event, contact the high school district office.
What happens if you can’t view your video?
You must have Windows Media Player installed on your computer and set as your default player for Windows Media files to view videos on any CollegiateZone website.