The Counselor's Corner

NCAA Clearinghouse Information

NCAA CLEARINGHOUSE INFORMATION



NOTE: Test scores must be reported directly from either ACT or SAT using code 9999.


Hot Topics

  • Test score rule: Test scores must be reported to the eligibility center directly from ACT or SAT.
  • High school core-course list: Is yours up to date? Verify the classes you are taking and/or scheduled to take appear on your high school's approved core-course list.
  • Amateurism questionnaire and final authorization signature: Remember to log back in to your account and finalize your amateurism questionnaire before you enroll in college. If you are beginning school in the fall semester (August), you will need to complete the amateurism questionnaire and sign the final authorization signature on or after April 1 prior to enrollment. If you are beginning school in the spring semester (January), you will need to complete the amateurism questionnaire and sign the final authorization signature on or after October 1 of the year prior to enrollment.

What Do I Need To Do?

  • Grade 9
    • Verify with your high school guidance counselor and the online core-course listing to make sure you are on track

  • Grade 10
    • Verify with your high school guidance counselor and the online core-course listing to make sure you are on track.

  • Grade 11
    • Register with the eligibility center.
    • Make sure you are still on course to meet core-course requirements (verify you have the correct number of core courses and that the core courses are on your high school's 48-H with the eligibility center).
    • After your junior year, have your high school guidance counselor send a copy of your transcript. If you have attended any other high schools, make sure a transcript is sent to the eligibility center from each high school.
    • When taking the ACT or SAT, request test scores to be sent to the eligibility center (the code is "9999").
    • Begin your amateurism questionnaire.

  • Grade 12
    • When taking the ACT or SAT, request test scores to be sent to the eligibility center (the code is "9999").
    • Complete amateurism questionnaire and sign the final authorization signature online on or after April 1 if you are expecting to enroll in college in the fall semester. (If you are expecting to enroll for spring semester, sign the final authorization signature on or after October 1 of the year prior to enrollment.)
    • Have your high school guidance counselor send a final transcript with proof of graduation to the eligibility center.


Important Information About Division I - Initial-Eligibility Changes
The Division I initial-eligibility requirements have changed.

For the class of 2008: Division I only -- 16 core courses

If you plan to enter college in 2008 or after, you will need to present 16 core courses in the following breakdown:
  • 4 years of English
  • 3 years of mathematics (Algebra I or higher)
  • 2 years of natural/physical science (one must be a lab science)
  • 1 year of additional English, math or science
  • 2 years of social studies
  • 4 years of additional core courses (from any area listed above, or from foreign language, nondoctrinal religion or philosophy)
Click here to read more about this new rule.

Computer science being eliminated for core-course purposes
Computer science courses will no longer be able to be used for initial-eligibility purposes. This rule was effective August 1, 2005, for students first entering a collegiate institution on or after August 1, 2005. Computer science courses (such as programming) that are taught through the mathematics or natural/physical science departments and receive either math or science credit and are on the high school's list of approved core courses as math or science may be used after the August 1, 2005, date.

Changes in SAT/ACT
The SAT and ACT have made changes to their tests; one of the most significant changes is the addition of a writing component. On both the SAT and ACT, students will be asked to write an essay. The SAT writing section is mandatory, while the ACT writing section is optional.

The SAT will now have three parts: critical reading (formerly known as verbal), mathematics, and writing. Since each section is worth 200-800 points, the SAT score will now range from 600-2400.

Will the NCAA require a writing test as part of its initial-eligibility requirements?
The NCAA has determined that the writing component should not be required at the present time. The NCAA has noted the importance of reviewing research related to the impact of the writing component.

How will the eligibility center use the scores on the new SAT?
The eligibility center will combine the critical reading and math sections for the combined score. The writing section will not be used.
The eligibility center will use scores from the new SAT in combination with scores from the current SAT for the combined score.

What about ACT?
ACT is also adding a writing component, but the ACT writing component is optional. The scores on the ACT will remain the same.

Where can I get more information?
The College Board has information about the new SAT on its Web site at www.collegeboard.com and ACT has information at www.act.org.



Specific questions regarding any of the information on this page may be answered by contacting the eligibility center staff at 877/262-1492.