NCAA Eligibility Checklist for High School Athletes

Being a great athlete is not enough to play college sports. Athletes also have to meet academic and amateurism standards. This checklist covers the main steps in plain English. It is a starting point, not official guidance, so confirm the details with the NCAA and your school counselor.

Know which level you are aiming for

• NCAA Division I and Division II athletes register with the NCAA Eligibility Center.
• NCAA Division III schools set their own admission rules and do not use the Eligibility Center the same way. Check with each school.
• The NAIA has its own eligibility process.
• Junior colleges (JUCOs) and community colleges have different requirements again.

The checklist

1. Decide which levels and divisions you want to explore, and learn what each one requires.
2. Take the right classes. Division I and II require a set number of approved core courses in subjects like English, math, and science. Ask your counselor for your school's list of approved core courses.
3. Keep your grades up. A minimum core-course GPA applies, and a higher GPA keeps more doors open and can help with academic scholarships.
4. Create your Eligibility Center account if you are aiming for Division I or II. Many families do this around sophomore or junior year. Ask your counselor about timing.
5. Ask your school to send official transcripts to the Eligibility Center when required.
6. Check the current test score rules. The NCAA no longer requires SAT or ACT scores for initial eligibility, but individual colleges may still ask for them for admission or scholarships. Confirm the current rules.
7. Answer the amateurism questions honestly. They cover things like accepting prize money or payment for playing. If you are unsure about something, ask before you act.
8. Near graduation, make sure your final transcript and your final amateurism certification are sent.

Common mistakes

• Waiting until senior year to look at core courses.
• Taking classes that are not on your school's approved core course list.
• Assuming rules are the same for every sport.
• Waiting too long to register.
• Not asking the counselor early.

Where to get the official answer

The NCAA website and the NCAA Eligibility Center are the official sources, and your high school counselor knows your school's approved course list. Rules change from year to year, so check them again each season.

Recruiting and eligibility rules differ by sport and division, and they change. Always confirm the current rules with the NCAA, the NAIA, or the college you are talking to. GritRecruit is not affiliated with the NCAA.