Important NCAA Initial-Eligibility Announcements:
Fall 2008 enrollees need to sign final amateur certification on or after April 1, 2008. How to Request Final Certification.
Starting August 1, 2008, NCAA Division I student-athletes will be required to take 16 core courses—this applies to any student first entering a college of university on or after August 1. Division II will remain with a 14 Core-Courses rule.
The SAT and ACT have changed their writing tests; SAT writing section is mandatory and the ACT writing section is optional. View NCAA Freshman-Eligibility Standards Quick Reference Sheet to see specific course and test breakdown.
Official test scores are no longer accepted from high school transcript. Instead, test scores are to be sent directly from the testing agency (use code “9999” to request ACT or SAT test scores).
What is the NCAA Eligibility Center?
The NCAA Eligibility Center certifies that college-bound athletes who wish to compete in Division I or II athletic programs have met necessary academic credentials and are of amateur status. NCAA colleges and universities set these regulations to ensure all student-athletes meet NCAA standards, including required core courses.
To qualify for NCAA eligibility and view core course requirements, register with the NCAA Eligibility Center by completing the Student Release Form and amateurism questionnaire at the beginning of junior year.
What is the NCAA Guide for the College Bound Student Athlete?
The NCAA Guide for the College-Bound Student-Athlete offers instructional guidelines for high school student-athletes who wish to pursue athletics at the collegiate level. Every student-athlete and parent needs a copy of this guide. To receive a hard copy, call NCAA Store at 888-388-9748 or download the online version.
The NCAA Guide for the College-Bound Student-Athlete contains information on the following:
- Amateurism-Eligibility Requirements
- Academic-Eligibility Requirements
- Recruiting Rules for Division I, II, and III
- Core Courses, GPA, Tests, and Special Conditions
- NCAA Eligibility Center
- Questions to Ask as You Consider Colleges
- Information for Parents and Guardians
- Details for High School Counselors and Athletics Administrators
Please remember that meeting the NCAA academic rules does not guarantee your admission into a college. You must still apply and be accepted to the institution you want to attend.
Junior College and NAIA
For eligibility information at the Junior College and NAIA levels visit the links below: