Playing Sports at the Next Level

So you’re ready to become a college athlete, but how do you know which programs are right for you?  Do you have a geographic preference?  What do you want to study?  Are there financial constraints you need to consider?  There are dozens of questions each student athlete should ask before jumping into college life, let alone committing to a collegiate athletic program.   

As you start exploring your options, here are a few Questions for Colleges provided by the National Collegiate Athletic Association, or NCAA.  Next Play can help guide you through the recruiting process with personalized timelines, communication programs and coaches contact information as part of our Recruiting Add-On Packages, just give us a call at 775-313-3520 for more information.     

Useful Links

            NCAA ELIGIBILITY CENTER

http://www.eligibilitycenter.org/ECWR2/NCAA_EMS/NCAA.html

NAIA ELIGIBILITY CENTER

http://www.playnaia.org

To all parents and prospective athletes: be sure to visit these links to familiarize yourself with the recruiting process, including deadlines and registration requirements.  Remember, your Junior year of high school is the key year for recruiting, but if possible, getting a jump start by preparing for your search during Sophomore year.

NCAA ELIGIBILITY FAQ

When should a student register with the NCAA Eligibility Center?

Students should register with the NCAA Eligibility Center at the beginning of their junior year in high school. At the end of the student's junior year, a transcript, including six semesters of grades, should be sent to the NCAA Eligibility Center from the high school. Additionally, students should have their SAT or ACT scores forwarded directly to the NCAA Eligibility Center (by using code "9999") whenever they take the exam.

What is the fee to register?

The registration fee for U.S. students is $65; and $95 for international students.

How are students prioritized for processing at the NCAA Eligibility Center?

Students who have their status requested by an NCAA college or university are prioritized by the NCAA Eligibility Center for processing. If a student's eligibility status is never requested by a college or university, the NCAA Eligibility Center may not process such a student's certification.

What requirements do I need to be able to practice, play and get a scholarship at an NCAA Division I or II college or university?

You need to complete all of the following:

1. Graduate from high school

2. Complete a minimum of 16 (for Division I) or 14 (for Division II) core courses

3. Present the required grade-point average (GPA) (a minimum 2.0 GPA for Division II, see Freshman Eligibility Standards Quick Reference Sheet at www.eligibilitycenter.org for Division I)

4. Present a qualifying test score on either the ACT or SAT (for complete details, see the Freshman Eligibility Standards Quick Reference Sheet)

5. Request final amateurism certification (beginning April 1 for fall enrollees or beginning October 1 for spring enrollees)

What is the lowest grade that will be used for a course to count as a core course?

Follow your high school's policy regarding its lowest passing grade. If the NCAA Eligibility Center does not have this policy, the lowest passing grade that will be used is D.

May a nonstandard ACT/SAT exam be used for initial eligibility?

Yes. Students with diagnosed education-impacting disabilities may take a nonstandard ACT or SAT exam. The test score must be provided to the NCAA Eligibility Center from the testing agency, just as any other test score.

STAY ON TRACK!  Check out the NCAA’s Division I and Division II Core Course Worksheets

*If you have additional questions or need further assistance, please contact the NCAA Eligibility Center's customer service staff at 877-262-1492.