Rules for NCAA Eligibility You Should Know

Understanding NCAA Freshmen-Eligibility Rules

Q1.  What are the NCAA core courses?

NCAA DI & DII requires 16-core courses. This rules applies to all students entering college for D1 & DII in the fall.

Q2.  What core courses do I need to be eligible for college?

DII 16 Core-Course Classes:
3 years of English
2 years of social science
2 years of Math (Algebra 1 or higher)

DI – 16 Core-Course Classes:     
4 years of English                                   
2 years of social science              
3 years of Math (Algebra 1 or higher)

---------------2 years of natural/physical science (if offered by school)-----------------------

3 years of additional from above
3 years of additional courses from any additional area

1 year of additional from one of above
4 years of additional courses from any area

Q3.  What board test should I take to be eligible through the NCAA?

It does not matter which test you take to be eligible under the NCAA. 

SAT Test: For the SAT test, the NCAA use only the critical reading and math sections to calculate eligibility.  The writing section is not used.
ACT Test: For the ACT test, the NCAA uses the SUM of all four sections (English, Math, Reading & Science).

Please note that some schools require the writing section to be completed.

Q4.  What do I need to submit to the NCAA?

The NCAA requires that all students submit board scores through the testing agency directly to the NCAA Clearinghouse. In addition, all students should also submit official copies (in a sealed envelope) of a high school transcript. Test scores that appear on a high school transcript cannot be used a proof of a valid test score. When submitting a test score, use the eligibility code of 9999 to make sure scores reach the NCAA Clearinghouse.

Q5.  How is the sliding Scale relevant to me if I want to play DI?

Division I : You need to use the sliding scale to evaluate test scores and NCAA core GPA

http://fs.ncaa.org/Docs/eligibility_center/Student_Resources/DI_ReqsFactSheet.pdf

Division II: Has a minimum score requirement of 820 or a SUM ACT of 68 & a minimum of a 2.0 core GPA. The sliding scale is currently not used for DII.

Q6. Are my high school core courses supported by the NCAA Clearinghouse?

Visit the NCAA Clearinghouse at www.eligibilitycenter.org to make sure that the core courses listed at your high are approved by the NCAA.