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Senior High School Counselor » NCAA Requirements

NCAA Requirements

 
As of January 2023, standardized test scores are not required for all student-athletes who initially enroll full time on or after August 1, 2023. During the 2023 NCAA Convention, Divisions I and II adopted legislation to remove standardized test scores for these students. The vote was based on the recommendation from the Standardized Test Score Task Force, a specialized group charged with reviewing initial-eligibility requirements as part of the NCAA's eight-point plan to advance racial equality.
 
 
 
 
Start planning in 9th grade by taking NCAA approved core courses and earning the best grades possible.  If you fall behind academically, ask for help right away.  
Register for a Profile Page or Certification Account with the NCAA eligibility Center at eligibilitycenter.org.
 
The following WHS courses are not approved & some are approved only for students with a disability.

 

Horticulture

Vet Science 

Wildlife Natural Resources 

Int. Algebra 

CCR 

 
The NCAA has core course, GPA, and testing requirements in order for student-athletes to be eligible as a freshman. It is important to familiarize yourself with these requirements and plan your courses accordingly. 
 
Division I
NCAA Division I requires 16 core courses: 
  • 4 years of English
  • 3 years of Math
  • 2 years of Natural/Physical Science
  • 1 additional year of English, Math, or Natural/Physical Science 
  • 2 years of Social Science 
  • 4 years of additional WHS courses from the NCAA approved course list
 
GPA: NCAA Division I requires as 2.3 GPA in all core courses. This GPA is only calculated with the core courses, not the total GPA of all academics in High School.
 
SAT/ACT Testing: NCAA Division I has a sliding scale for test scores and core-course GPA. This balances your test score and core-course GPA. If you have a low test score, you need a higher core-course GPA to be eligible. If you have a high test score, you need a lower core-course GPA to be eligible. The NCAA only uses critical reading and math sections of the SAT. the NCAA uses the sum of all four sections (English, Reading, Math, and Science) of the ACT. When registering for the SAT or ACT, use the Eligibility Center code - 9999, to make sure the score is being reported to the Eligibility Center. 
 
Division II: 
NCAA Division II requires 16 core courses:
  • 3 years of English
  • 2 years of Math
  • 2 years of Natural/Physical Science
  • 3 additional years of English, Math, or Natural/Physical Science
  • 2 years of Social Science
  • 4 additional years of WHS courses from the NCAA approved core course list 
 
GPA: NCAA Division I requires students to earn a 2.2 GPA in core courses 
 
SAT/ACT Testing: NCAA Division II has a sliding scale for test scores and core-course GPA. This balances your test score and core-course GPA. If you have a low test score, you need a higher core-course GPA to be eligible. If you have a high test score, you need a lower core-course GPA to be eligible. The NCAA only uses critical reading and math sections of the SAT. the NCAA uses the sum of all four sections (English, Reading, Math, and Science) of the ACT. When registering for the SAT or ACT, use the Eligibility Center code - 9999, to make sure the score is being reported to the Eligibility Center. 
 
Division III: 
Division III colleges and universities develop student-athlete potential through a holistic educational approach that includes rigorous academics, competitive athletics and opportunity to pursue many interests and passions. Student-athletes are responsible for their own paths and are provided with many opportunities to develop within a comprehensive educational experience. 
 
 
Division III minimizes the conflicts between athletics and academics through shorter playing and practicing seasons, a lower number of contests, no redshirting or out-of-season organized activities, and a focus on regional in-season and conference play.
 
 
Division III college-bound student-athletes are not certified by the NCAA Eligibility Center because Division III colleges and universities each set their own admissions standards and there are no initial-eligibility requirements in the division. 
 
Division III college bound student-athletes should contact their college or university regarding policies on admission, financial aid and athletics eligibility. 
 
Make sure you meet with your counselor to go over the NCAA requirements, and make a plan to ensure eligibility. 
 
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