CollegeKnowledge for Athletes
Qualify - Connect - Accept
I can help you academically qualify to play and study on the college level, connect with college recruiters and coaches, and finally I can help you through the college application process to increase your chances of acceptance.
If you want to play sports while in college or go to college on an athletic scholarship, there are many regulations and conditions you need to know ahead of time so you can make sure you're qualified to participate on the college level.
Today's athletes are coached in skills and techniques and begin training in their sport at an early age. To compete with students from around the world no matter how well you keep an eye on the ball, you still need to keep an eye on the books.
Most college athletic programs are regulated by the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA), an organization that has established rules on eligibility, recruiting, and financial aid. The NCAA has three membership divisions: Division I, Division II, and Division III. To participate in Division I or Division II athletics, you must be certified by the NCAA Initial-Eligibility Clearinghouse (www.ncaaclearinghouse.net).
The Clearinghouse was established as a separate organization by the NCAA member institutions to ensure consistent interpretation of NCAA initial-eligibility requirements for all perspective student-athletes at all member institutions.
You should inform your school counselor that you are hoping to qualify for the clearinghouse so he/she can make sure you are taking a core curriculum that meets NCAA requirements. Remember though that meeting the NCAA academic rules does not guarantee your admission into a college. You must apply, academically qualify and be accepted by a college.
Steps to Achieving Your Eligibility
Freshmen and Sophomores
Juniors
- At the beginning of your junior year, register at www.ncaaclearinghouse.net and complete the amateurism questionnaire.
- Register to take the ACT, SAT or both and use the Eligibility Center code (9999) as a score recipient.
- Double check to make sure the courses you have taken match your school’s NCAA list of approved core courses.
- Ask your guidance counselor to send an official transcript to the Eligibility Center after completing your junior year. (The Eligibility Center does NOT accept faxed transcripts or test scores.)
- Prior to registration for classes for your senior year, check with your guidance counselor to determine the amount of core courses that you need to complete your senior year.
Seniors
- Take the SAT and/or ACT again. The Eligibility Center will use the best scores from each section of the ACT or SAT to determine your best cumulative score.
- Continue to take college-prep courses.
- Check the courses you have taken to match your school’s NCAA list of approved core courses.
- Review your amateurism questionnaire responses and request final amateurism certification on or after April 1 (for fall enrollees) or October 1 (for spring enrollees).
- Continue to work hard to get the best grades possible.
- Graduate on time (in eight academic semesters). If you fall behind, use summer school sessions prior to graduation to catch up.
- After graduation, ask your guidance counselor to send your final transcript with proof of graduation.
