The NCAA creates rules in three separate divisions (I, II & III) that determine an individual’s eligibility to participate in intercollegiate athletics. Prospective student-athletes must meet minimum academic standards and criteria in to play college sports. The NCAA Eligibility Center administers the process for prospects seeking initial eligibility.   Student athletes who are interested in playing in competitive athletics at the college level should check out the NCAA eligibility website for more information.  There are differences in requirements for division I, II & III level schools.  Students have to have a minimum number of core credits, a minimum GPA (within those core courses) and ACT or SAT score. 

The NCAA eligibility center puts out multiple publications to help the student athlete navigate this tricky process.  Check their website for their latest publications.

Students who intend to play college sports may be required to register with the NCAA Eligibility Center.  Students will be responsible for this step.  Students should work closely with their counselor and make their plans known because the NCAA eligibility center has an approved and denied list of courses and students need to be aware of which classes they should be taking.  Credit recovery classes taken using Odysseyware are NOT approved.  Students need to be aware that their core classes (English, math, science, social students, world language) start counting freshmen year in the eyes of the NCAA and those are the classes used to determine their core GPA.  Their electives, such as phy edu, art and technical education, are not counted in this GPA. 

Students will need to have their official ACT or SAT scores sent directly to the NCAA Eligibility Center.  When they are registering for these college entrance exams, students should use the code '9999' to have their scores sent directing to the NCAA Eligibility Center.  If they do not, they will have to pay to have them sent later.