GUIDE FOR
2023-24
THE COLLEGE-BOUND STUDENT-ATHLETE

Inside What Is the NCAA?
3	Welcome From the President

Information

4	What is the NCAA? 4	NCAA Sports
5	Our Three Divisions

Visit eligibilitycenter.org
ncaa.org/playcollegesports

Academic Requirements 7	High School Timeline
8	Registration Checklist 11	Initial Eligibility
12	NCAA-Approved Core Courses

13	Nontraditional and Online Courses 15	Transcripts
16	Grade-Point Average 16	Test Scores
17	Education-Impacting Disabilities 17	Equivalency Tests/Diplomas
18	Division I Academic Standards

Follow

Twitter @NCAAEC YouTube @NCAAEC Facebook @NCAAEC
Instagram @playcollegesports

Contact

U.S. and Canada (except Quebec):

877-262-1492 (toll free), Monday-Friday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Eastern time International (including Quebec):
on.ncaa.com/IntlContact

20	Division II Academic Standards 21	International Students
21	Home School Students

Certification Processing NCAA Eligibility Center
Certification Processing

P.O. Box 7110 Amateurism Requirements	Indianapolis, IN 46207-7110

23	Amateurism

25	Division III Amateurism Standards

Overnight Delivery NCAA Eligibility Center

Recruiting

27	Best Practices 28	Questions to Ask 28	Scholarships
29	National Letter of Intent 29	Recruiting Calendars
30	Official vs. Unofficial Visits 31	Important Recruiting Terms

Student-Athlete Experience

33	Celebrating Student-Athlete Success 34	Time Management
36	NCAA Sport Science Institute

Certification Processing

1802 Alonzo Watford Sr. Drive Indianapolis, IN 46202

Have a question about NCAA eligibility?
» Read this guide.

» Search frequently asked questions at ncaa.org/studentfaq.

» Check the Help section of eligibilitycenter.org.

» Visit ncaa.org/playcollegesports.

» Contact the NCAA Eligibility Center.

37	Transfer Students

37	Thinking of Going Pro?

Scan the QR code to register for a free Profile Page account!

NCAA, Make It Yours, March Madness and Sport Science Institute are trademarks of the National Collegiate Athletic Association. All other trademarks are property of their respective holders. August 2023.

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GUIDE FOR THE COLLEGE-BOUND STUDENT-ATHLETE

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GUIDE FOR THE COLLEGE-BOUND STUDENT-ATHLETE

elcome!

WOn behalf of the NCAA

Dear college-bound student-athlete,

We are glad you’re interested in pursuing your education and sport at an NCAA member school. College sports provide the unique opportunity to compete at a high level while working toward a college degree that will lead to lifelong achievement. The NCAA aims to make sure your college experience shapes your leadership skills, personal development and future success. No matter what career path you choose, your college degree will serve you far beyond your final competition.

This guide equips you with information about academic requirements to compete and what to expect as a collegiate student-athlete. At the NCAA national office, staff members want to ensure high school athletes meet standards that will best prepare them to succeed in college. Initial eligibility
determines your ability to receive an athletics scholarship and to practice and compete in your first year as a full-time college student. We are committed to supporting students across all three divisions on their road to success.

We encourage you to take an active role in the process of preparing for college. Over 1,000 NCAA schools sponsor tremendous academic and athletics programs. We urge you to work closely with your high school counselors, coaches, parents/guardians and mentors as you make the transition to college.

We hope the information helps inform you, your family and high school administrators about the initial-eligibility process. If you have any questions, please reach out to us. Our staff in the NCAA Eligibility Center strives to make your registration and certification experience positive and are always willing to help. I wish you the best of luck as you embark on this important journey and look forward to your future success.

Charlie Baker NCAA President

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GUIDE FOR THE COLLEGE-BOUND STUDENT-ATHLETE

What is
and Field
Track
and Field
Swimming
and Field
Swimming

the NCAA? The National Collegiate Athletic Association is an organization dedicated to providing

a pathway to opportunity for college athletes. Over 1,000 colleges and universities are members of the NCAA. Those schools work together with the NCAA national office and athletics conferences across the country to support more than 500,000 college athletes that make up over 20,000 teams competing in NCAA sports.

The NCAA’s diverse members include schools ranging in size from hundreds of students to tens of thousands. The NCAA’s current three-division structure was adopted in 1973 to create a fair playing field for teams from similar schools and provide college athletes more opportunities to participate in national championships.

Among the three NCAA divisions, Division I schools generally have the biggest student bodies, manage the largest athletics budgets and offer the highest number of athletics scholarships. The Division II approach provides growth opportunities through academic achievement, learning in high-level athletics competition and a focus on service to the community. The Division III experience offers participation in a competitive athletics environment that pushes college athletes to excel on the field and build upon their potential by tackling new challenges across campus.

To learn more about the pathway that’s right for you, visit ncaa.org/divisions.

The NCAA membership and national office work together to help the more than 500,000 student-athletes develop leadership, confidence, discipline and teamwork through college sports.

NCAA Sports

The NCAA conducts 90 national championships in 24 sports across Divisions I, II and III, with 45 championships
administered for women, 42 for men and three coed national championships. That means almost 54,000 student-athletes participate in NCAA championships each year.

From signature events like the NCAA March Madness® basketball tournaments to rowing, rifle, softball and skiing,
the NCAA administers championships to ensure student-

athletes have a first-class experience. But the NCAA is also committed to quality events for everyone involved, from the coaches to the fans and broadcast audiences.

It is important to the NCAA that our championships have a positive impact on the communities that host them. The NCAA hosts youth clinics and various fan events to complement the competition — creating what is hoped to
be a championship experience for everyone involved.

FALL SPORTS	WINTER SPORTS	SPRING SPORTS	EMERGING SPORTS

MEN:

Cross
Country Football Soccer
Water Polo

WOMEN:

Cross
Country Field Hockey Soccer
Volleyball

MEN: Basketball Fencing Gymnastics Ice Hockey Indoor Track

Rifle Skiing

and Diving

Wrestling

WOMEN: Basketball Bowling Fencing Gymnastics Ice Hockey Indoor Track

Rifle Skiing

and Diving

MEN: Baseball Golf Lacrosse
Outdoor Track

Tennis

Volleyball

WOMEN:

Beach
Volleyball Golf Lacrosse Outdoor

and Field Rowing Softball Tennis
Water Polo

WOMEN:

Acrobatics
and Tumbling

Equestrian
(Divisions I and II only) Rugby
Stunt (Division II only) Triathlon
Wrestling

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GUIDE FOR THE COLLEGE-BOUND STUDENT-ATHLETE

ATHLETICS
Our Three Divisions The NCAA’s three divisions were created in 1973 to align like-minded

campuses in the areas of fairness, competition and opportunity.

DIVISION

NUMBER O
SCHOOLS*F

351 (33%)
	296 (27%)
	433 (40%)

MEDIAN
ENROLLMENT
UNDERGRADUATE	8,449	2,300	1,655

STUDENTS WH
ARE ATHLETESO	1 in 22	1 in 9	1 in 6

TEAMS PER SCHOOL
AVERAGE NUMBER OF	19	16	19

PERCENTAGE OF NC
IN EACH DIVISION
STUDENT-ATHLETESAA	36%	25%	39%

Multiyear, cost-of-attendance athletics scholarships available
SCHOLARSHIPS	 58% of athletes receive athletics aid

Partial athletics scholarship model

67% of athletes receive athletics aid

No athletics scholarships

80% of athletes receive nonathletics aid

DID YOU KNOW?

Division I student-athletes graduate at a higher rate than the general student body.

Division II is the only division with schools in Alaska, Puerto Rico and Canada.

Division III’s largest school has 27,642 undergraduates. The smallest? 228.

*The number of schools for each division is current as of the 2022-23 academic year. This does not include reclassifying, provisional or exploratory schools. Student-athlete participation numbers include NCAA championship sports only and are current as of the 2021-22 academic year.

How is each division governed? NCAA schools develop and approve legislation for their own divisions. Groups of presidents and chancellors lead each division in the form of committees with regularly
scheduled meetings.

What are the eligibility requirements in each division? If you want to compete at an NCAA school, you must meet academic and/or amateurism standards set by NCAA members. Academic and amateurism standards are outlined in this guide and can be found on each division’s
page on ncaa.org.

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GUIDE FOR THE COLLEGE-BOUND STUDENT-ATHLETE

Division I and II schools require you to meet academic and amateurism standards. While Division III schools
set their own admissions and academic requirements, international student-athletes (first-year enrollees and transfers) who are enrolling at a Division III school after Aug. 1, 2023, and must be certified as an amateur
by the Eligibility Center.

Academic Requirements

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GUIDE FOR THE COLLEGE-BOUND STUDENT-ATHLETE

9
High School Timeline

th GRADE

REGISTER

» If you haven’t yet, register for a free Profile Page account at eligibilitycenter.org for information on NCAA initial-eligibility requirements.

» Use NCAA Research’s interactive map to help locate

NCAA schools you’re interested in attending.

» Find your high school’s list of NCAA-approved core courses at eligibilitycenter.org/courselist to ensure you’re taking the right courses, and earn the best
grades possible!

th
10GRADE	PLAN

» If you’re being actively recruited by an NCAA school and have a Profile Page account, transition it to the required certification account.

» Monitor the task list in your NCAA Eligibility Center

account for next steps.

» At the end of the school year, ask your high school counselor from each school you attend to upload
an official transcript to your Eligibility Center account.

» If you fall behind academically, ask your high school

counselor for help finding approved courses you can take.

1
th
1 GRADE	STUDY

» Ensure your sports participation information is correct in your Eligibility Center account.

» Check with your high school counselor to make sure you’re on track to complete the required number of NCAA-approved core courses and graduate on time
with your class.

» Share your NCAA ID with NCAA schools recruiting you so each school can place you on its institutional request list.

» At the end of the school year, ask your high school counselor from each school you attend to upload an
official transcript to your Eligibility Center account.

th
12GRADE	GRADUATE

» Request your final amateurism certification beginning April 1 (fall enrollees) or Oct. 1 (winter/spring enrollees) in your Eligibility Center account at eligibilitycenter.org.

» Apply and be accepted to the NCAA school you plan

to attend.

» Complete your final NCAA-approved core courses as you prepare for graduation.

» After you graduate, ask your high school counselor to upload your final official transcript with proof of
graduation to your Eligibility Center account.

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GUIDE FOR THE COLLEGE-BOUND STUDENT-ATHLETE

Registration Checklist If you want to compete in NCAA sports, you need to register with the

NCAA Eligibility Center at eligibilitycenter.org. Plan to register before your freshman year of high school (or year nine of secondary school).

Which account type do I need?

1. Profile Page Account: If you’re not sure in which division you want to compete, or are a domestic student who plans to compete at a Division III school, register for a free Profile Page account. If at any time you wish to pursue a Division I or II path, you’ll be able to transition your account to the required certification account.

2. Academic and Amateurism Certification Account: You must receive an academic and amateurism certification from the Eligibility Center to compete at an NCAA Division I or II school. You must complete the Academic and Amateurism Certification account
registration (including payment or fee waiver) before you go on official visits, sign a National Letter of Intent, receive an athletics scholarship or compete at a
Division I or II school.

3. Amateurism-Only Certification Account:

If you’re an international student-athlete (first-year enrollees and transfers), you must receive an amateurism certification from the Eligibility Center to compete at an NCAA Division III school. You must register with a certification account and receive your
final amateurism certification before you can compete at a Division III school.

This account may also be right for domestic students transferring from a two-year school to a Division I
or II school who did not require an Eligibility Center academic certification. These students should check with the compliance office at the NCAA school they
may attend to determine their required account type.

NCAA ELIGIBILITY CENTER ACCOUNT TYPES

In which division do you plan to compete?
	Academic and Amateurism Certification Account
	
Amateurism-Only Certification Account
	
Profile Page* Account
	
Division I
				
Any recent high school graduate (domestic or international), first-time enrolling at NCAA school.
				
Transferring from a two- or four-year college or university. Check with the compliance office at the school you may attend.
				
		O
	R

Division II
				
Any recent high school graduate (domestic or international), first-time enrolling at NCAA school.
				
Transferring from a two- or four-year college or university. Check with the compliance office at the school you may attend.
				
		O
	R

Division III

Recent high school graduate (domestic only), first-time enrolling at NCAA school.
				
Recent high school graduate who maintains a permanent residence outside of the U.S.
				
Recent high school graduate who attended high school or college outside of the U.S. for any time (excluding U.S.-based students who study abroad).
				
		O
	R
		O
	R

Recent high school graduate (international only), first-time enrolling at NCAA school.

Recent high school graduate who competed outside of the U.S.
				
Transferring from a two- or four-year college or university, attended domestic high school(s) only.
				
Transferring from a two- or four-year college or university, attended at least one international high school (U.S. territories are considered domestic).
				
Division Undecided/Unknown
				
Never enrolled full time at a two- or four-year college or university. Best for younger students or before recruiting begins. Can be transitioned to a certification account when needed.

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GUIDE FOR THE COLLEGE-BOUND STUDENT-ATHLETE

sibling’s account.
Once you have determined the right account for you, visit eligibilitycenter.org to register. A list of information you will need to complete your account is outlined on below. For a Profile Page account, allow 15 minutes to complete. For certification accounts, allow between 30 and 45 minutes to complete. If you need to exit and come back at a later time,
you can save and exit once your account is created.

*Unsure which account type is right for you? Start with our free Profile Page account, then check with the compliance office at the NCAA school you may attend.
If you need additional assistance, contact the Eligibility Center’s Customer Service team at 877-262-1492, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Eastern time Monday-Friday for assistance. International students (including Quebec) should use the
International Contact Form to submit questions.

ELIGIBILITY CENTER REGISTRATION ESSENTIALS

Below are some items you should have with you as you create an account at eligibilitycenter.org:

Valid Email for Student	or awards you received, any teams you have
To register, you need a valid email address that	practiced or played with or certain events in which you check regularly and will have access to after	you participated. We also ask about any individuals high school. The Eligibility Center uses email	who have advised you or marketed your skills
to update you about your account throughout	in a particular sport. This information helps the the process. Note: If you have a sibling who	Eligibility Center certify your amateur status once has previously registered, you will need to use	you request your final amateurism certification.
a different email address than the one in your	Payment (Certification Accounts Only) Your Academic and Amateurism or Amateurism-
Basic Student Personal Information	Only Certification account registration is This includes information such as your name,	complete only after your registration fee is
gender, date of birth, primary and secondary	paid (or upon indicating you’re eligible for a fee contact information, address and mobile number	waiver, if you’re eligible). You may pay online by for texting.	debit, credit card or echeck. For the Academic
and Amateurism Certification account, the fee for Basic Student Education History	college-bound student-athletes attending a high
We will ask you to provide details about all	school in the U.S., U.S. territories or Canada is secondary and high schools and additional	$100; the fee for international students is $160. programs you attend in the U.S. and	For students for which an Amateurism-Only internationally. Be sure to include all schools,	Certification account is the right choice, the fee regardless of whether you received grades or	for all students is $70. Profile Page accounts do credits. If you attended ninth grade at a junior	not have a fee.
high school located in the same school system in
which you later attended high school, do not list	All fees are nonrefundable 30 days after the
the ninth-grade school.	certification account fee is paid. If you completed
a duplicate registration and paid your registration Student Sports Participation History	fee twice, you may be eligible for a refund. To
Select the sport(s) you plan to participate in at	receive a refund, you will need to complete and an NCAA school. For certification accounts, we	submit an NCAA refund form.
will ask you to provide details for any expenses

Unsure if you’ve already created an account? Contact Customer Service at 877-262-1492 prior to creating a new account to avoid duplicate account issues during recruiting.

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GUIDE FOR THE COLLEGE-BOUND STUDENT-ATHLETE

REMEMBER

As a college-bound student-athlete, you’re responsible for your eligibility — that means
planning ahead, taking high school classes seriously and protecting your amateur status.
It can be a challenging step, but the benefits of being a student-athlete are worth the effort.

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GUIDE FOR THE COLLEGE-BOUND STUDENT-ATHLETE

Initial Eligibility Initial-eligibility standards help ensure you’re

prepared to succeed in college. The eligibility process also protects the fairness and integrity of college sports by ensuring student-athletes are amateurs.

If you want to practice, compete and receive an athletics scholarship during your first year at a Division I or II school, the NCAA Eligibility
Center must certify you as eligible. This includes both an academic and amateurism certification. International student-athletes planning to enroll at a Division III school are required only to receive an amateurism certification from the Eligibility Center. (Domestic college-bound student-athletes planning to enroll at a Division III school are not required to be certified by the Eligibility Center.) Throughout the process, Eligibility Center staff members partner with you and your family, as well as your high school administrators and coaches, to guide you on your journey.

GUIDE FOR THE COLLEGE-BOUND STUDENT-ATHLETE

NCAA-Approved Core Courses

The NCAA core curriculum (core course) requirement ensures you’re taking high school courses that prepare you for the academic expectations of college. Note: Not all high school classes are NCAA-approved core courses and may not count toward your 16 core-course credit requirement.

What is a Core Course?

An NCAA-approved core course must meet the following requirements:

English
Science
(Algebra I
or higher)
Religion or
Philosophy

Is a four-year college preparatory course in one of these subject areas:

Math	(Including one	Social	World	Comparative year of lab,                 Science                 Language
if offered)

Is taught by a qualified instructor.

Is taught at or above your high school’s regular academic level.

You receive credit toward high school graduation and course appears on an official transcript with course title, grade and credit awarded.

Is in a noncore area, such as driver education, typing, art, music, physical education or welding.

Prepares you for work or life, or for a two-year college or technical school, such as personal finance, consumer education or tech prep.

Is taught below grade level, at a slower pace or with less rigor or depth, such as basic, essential, fundamental or foundational courses.

Is a credit-by-exam course.

REMEMBER Scan the QR code to find your high school’s list of NCAA-approved core courses.

Courses that meet the above criteria must be submitted to and approved by the Eligibility Center. Approved classes are included on your high school’s list of NCAA-approved core courses. (For additional information on how your high school addresses core-course credits in your transcript, review the High School Information section of your high school’s list of NCAA-approved core courses.) Make sure you’re taking courses on your high school’s approved list; ask your high school counselor if you need help. For more information regarding courses that can be taken
in each core-course subject area, including additional subject areas, scan the QR code or visit on.ncaa.com/CCL.

Core-Course Credits

You can earn credit for a core course only once. If you take a course that repeats the content of another core course, you earn credit for only one of these courses, and the higher grade counts toward your core-course GPA. For more information on core-course credits, visit
ncaa.org/student-athletes/future/core-courses.

Dual-Enrollment Coursework

Dual-enrollment coursework may be used to satisfy NCAA core-course requirements if the course appears on your high school transcript with grade and credit and meets all
requirements for an NCAA-approved core course.

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GUIDE FOR THE COLLEGE-BOUND STUDENT-ATHLETE

REMEMBER

Log in to your Eligibility Center account frequently to
update your school information if you take courses from additional academic programs.

Nontraditional and Online Courses

Nontraditional courses are taught online or through distance learning, hybrid/blended, independent study,
individualized instruction, correspondence or similar means.

To find out if a nontraditional program or course is approved, search for the school/program on
eligibilitycenter.org/courselist 

and review the "High School" or

"District Information" box.

Generally, for a nontraditional course to count as an

NCAA-approved core course, it must meet all the following requirements:
» Course must meet all requirements for an NCAA-approved core course.
» All students in the course must have regular and ongoing instructor-led interaction for the purposes of instruction, evaluation and assistance for the duration of the course. For example, exchanging emails, online chats, phone calls, feedback on assignments and the opportunity for the teacher to engage the student in individual or group instruction.
» Course must have a defined time period for completion. For example, it should be clear how long students are required to be enrolled and working in the course and how long a school would permit a student to work on a single nontraditional course.
» Student work (e.g., exams, papers, assignments) must

be available for evaluation and validation.

» The course should be clearly identified as nontraditional on the student’s official high school transcript.

A nontraditional course may not be approved for any of the following reasons:
» Does not have teacher-based instruction.

» Does not require regular and ongoing instructor-led interaction between the student and teacher.
» Does not require students to complete the entire course.
» Does not prepare students for four-year college class work.
» Does not have official student grade records.

» Does not meet NCAA core-course requirements.

When viewing your school/program’s list of NCAA-approved core courses you will find information about any nontraditional programs or courses in the “High School
Information” or “District Information” box as seen below.

HIGH SCHOOL OR DISTRICT INFORMATION

Coursework from this school/program meets NCAA nontraditional core-course legislation.

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GUIDE FOR THE COLLEGE-BOUND STUDENT-ATHLETE

REMEMBER

If you attend more than one high school or take courses from more than one program, the Eligibility Center needs an official transcript from each high school or program.

GUIDE FOR THE COLLEGE-BOUND STUDENT-ATHLETE

Courses Taken Before High School

High school classes taken prior to ninth grade may be used to satisfy NCAA core-course requirements if the course appears on your high school transcript with grade and credit and meets all requirements for an NCAA-approved core course. For example, if you take a high school class such as Algebra I or Spanish I before high school, the class may count toward your 16 core-course credits requirement.

Courses Taken After High School

A college course taken after high school graduation may be used toward your initial eligibility and awarded 0.5 units from your college transcript (unless awarded one full unit on your high school transcript). It must appear on your high school transcript with grade and credit meet all requirements for an NCAA-approved core course.

For Division I, only core courses completed in your first eight semesters will be used in your academic certification. If you graduate from high school on time (in eight semesters) with your incoming ninth-grade class, you may use one core-course unit completed in the year after graduation (summer or academic year) and before enrolling full time at any college or university. You may complete the NCAA-approved core course at a location other than the high school from which you graduated as long as the course is taken prior to full-time enrollment at any college or university.

» An additional core-course unit taken after on-time high school graduation cannot replace a course used to meet the core-course progression (10/7) requirement, but an additional core course after on-time graduation may replace one of the remaining six core-course units necessary to meet core-course requirements.

For Division II, you may use an unlimited number of core courses completed after graduation (summer or academic year) and before enrolling full time at any college or university. You may complete the NCAA-approved core course at a location other than the high school from which you graduated.

Transcripts

Ask your high school counselor from each school you attend to upload an official four-semester, six-semester and final transcript with proof of graduation (once you have completed high school) to your Eligibility Center account. If you attend more than one high school or take courses from more than one program, the Eligibility Center needs an official transcript from each high school or program you attend. High schools have the capability to upload transcripts directly to a student’s account for free from the High School Portal.

Except for school districts with common transcripts, the Eligibility Center does not accept grades from one high school or program transcribed on another high school’s transcript. Be sure to keep your Eligibility Center account updated with each high school and/or program you attend. A school cannot upload your transcript if it is not included in the Education section of your Eligibility Center account. Visit on.ncaa.com/SubmitTranscript to learn more about how your high school submits your transcript.

» International students: For information on proper submission procedures for transcripts and academic records, see page 21 or visit ncaa.org/international.

Note: Some approved programs that have a list of NCAA-approved courses are not credit-awarding institutions and, therefore, do not produce official transcripts. If you attend an approved program that does not award credit, a grade report from the program should be submitted.

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GUIDE FOR THE COLLEGE-BOUND STUDENT-ATHLETE

Grade-Point Average

The NCAA Eligibility Center calculates your core-course grade-point average based on the grades you earn in NCAA-approved core courses. Only your best grades from
the required number of NCAA core courses will be used. This means that the cumulative GPA listed on your high school transcript could be different than the NCAA core-course GPA used in your certification. Your core-course GPA is based solely on the grades you received in NCAA-approved core courses. To find your high school's list of NCAA-approved core courses, visit eligibilitycenter.org/courselist.

Your core-course GPA is calculated on a 4.0 scale. Numeric grades such as 92 or 87 are changed to letter grades, such as A or B. As part of this calculation, each grade received is assigned “quality points,” as shown in the scale below.
The Eligibility Center does not use plus or minus grades when calculating your core-course GPA. For example, grades of B+, B and B- will each be worth three quality points. Weighted honors or advanced placement courses may improve your core-course GPA, but your high school must notify the Eligibility Center that it awards weighted grades in these classes.

In “Pass/Fail” grading situations, the Eligibility Center will assign your high school’s lowest passing grade for a
course in which you received a “Pass” grade. For most high schools, the lowest passing grade is a D, so the Eligibility Center generally assigns a D as a passing grade.

Test Scores

In January 2023, NCAA Divisions I and II adopted legislation to remove standardized test scores from initial-eligibility requirements. Check with the NCAA school you plan to attend regarding whether standardized test scores
are necessary for admission or scholarship requirements.

Calculating Your Quality Points In order to determine your quality points earned for each course, multiply the quality points for the grade by the amount of credit earned.

Examples:

An A grade (4 points)

for a trimester course (0.34 unit):

4 points x 0.34 unit = 1.36 total quality points

An A grade (4 points)

for a semester course (0.50 unit):

4 points x 0.50 unit = 2.00 total quality points

An A grade (4 points)

for a full-year course (1.00 unit):

4 points x 1.00 unit = 4.00 quality points

Use the Division I and II Worksheets

to help determine your core-course GPA.

QUALITY POINTS A = 4 points
B = 3 points C = 2 points D = 1 point

UNITS OF CREDIT

1 quarter unit = 0.25 unit

1 trimester unit = 0.34 unit 1 semester unit = 0.50 unit
1 year = 1 unit

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GUIDE FOR THE COLLEGE-BOUND STUDENT-ATHLETE

Education-Impacting Disabilities For academic eligibility purposes, the NCAA defines an education-impacting disability as a current impairment that has a substantial educational impact on a student’s academic performance and

requires accommodation.

Some of the most common EIDs include: » Learning disabilities.
» Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder.

» Mental health conditions.

» Medical conditions.

» Deaf or hard of hearing.

» Autism spectrum disorder.

If you have a documented EID, you must meet the same initial-eligibility standards as other students but may be provided certain accommodations to help meet those standards. For instance, if you have a documented EID, you may be allowed to take classes designed for students with EIDs if the classes appear on your high school’s list of NCAA-approved courses. Courses offered exclusively to students with an EID are indicated by a “=” symbol next to the course’s title on the high school’s core-course list. For more information regarding EIDs scan the QR code or visit on.ncaa.com/EID.

If you have a documented disability (physical or mental) and require a medical accommodation for practice or competition, ask your NCAA school if a rules waiver is right for you. More information regarding sport-specific medical accommodations can be found at on.ncaa.com/Accommodation.

Equivalency Tests/ Diplomas

A state high school-equivalency test (e.g., General Educational Development) may be accepted as proof of graduation under certain conditions, but it will not satisfy requirements for core courses or core-course GPA. The equivalency test may be accepted as proof of graduation
if taken after you graduate from high school on time (in eight semesters with your incoming ninth-grade class) and before full-time enrollment at any college or university. Contact your state education agency to request an official copy of the applicable certificate (along with your state high school-equivalency test scores) be sent to the Eligibility Center.

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GUIDE FOR THE COLLEGE-BOUND STUDENT-ATHLETE

th
Division I Academic Standards Division I schools require you to meet academic standards. To be eligible to
practice, compete and receive an athletics scholarship in your first year of full-time enrollment, you must meet all the following requirements:

1. Earn 16 NCAA-approved core-course credits in the following areas:

ENGLISH

4 years

MATH (Algebra I or higher)

3 years

SCIENCE (Including one year of lab, if offered)

2 years

EXTRA (English, math or science)

1 year

SOCIAL SCIENCE

2 years

OTHER
Any area listed to the left or courses listed in additional discipline (world language, comparative religion or philosophy)

4 years

2. Complete 10 of your 16 NCAA-approved core-course credits, including seven in English, math or science, before the start of the seventh semester. Once you begin your seventh semester,
any course that is needed to meet the 10/7 requirement cannot be replaced or repeated.

The Eligibility Center will use the best combination of

Semester 1	Semester 2	Semester 3	Semester 4	Semester 5	Semester 6	Semester 7	Semester 8	core courses to meet the 10/7

requirement. Courses can

10/7 requirement: 10 of your 16 NCAA-approved core-course credits must be completed before the start of your seventh semester, including seven in English, math or science.

» Students with solely international academic credentials (including Canada)

are not required to meet the 10/7 requirement.

be repeated or replaced if they are
not needed to meet the 10/7 requirement.

3. Complete your 16 NCAA-approved core-course credits in eight academic semesters or four consecutive academic years from the start of ninth grade. If you graduate from high school early, you still must meet core-course requirements.

4. Earn a minimum 2.3 core-course GPA.

4 x 4
5. Ask your high school counselor to upload your final official transcript with proof of graduation to your Eligibility Center account.

How to plan your high school courses to meet the
16 core-course requirement:

th
th
th
9GRADE	10GRADE	11GRADE (1) English                                     (1) English                                     (1) English

= 16 12GRADE
(1) English

(1) Math (1) Science
(1) Social Science and/or other

4 CORE COURSES

(1) Math (1) Science
(1) Social Science and/or other

4 CORE COURSES

(1) Math (1) Science
(1) Social Science and/or other

4 CORE COURSES

(1) Math (1) Science
(1) Social Science and/or other

4 CORE COURSES

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GUIDE FOR THE COLLEGE-BOUND STUDENT-ATHLETE

What If I Don’t Graduate on Time?

In Division I, if you do not graduate on time (in four years/ eight semesters), the Eligibility Center will still use your grades and coursework for the first four years/eight semesters for your certification. You will still need to provide proof of graduation (once you graduate) but may not use any coursework taken after your high school graduation toward your certification.

What If I Don’t Meet Division I Standards?
If you have not met all the Division I academic standards, you may not compete in your first year of full-time enrollment at a Division I school. However, if you qualify as an academic redshirt, you may practice during your first term in college and receive an athletics scholarship for the entire year.

Division I Worksheet

Use the Division I Worksheet to assist you in monitoring your progress in meeting NCAA initial-eligibility standards. The Eligibility Center will
determine your academic status after you graduate. Remember to check your high school’s list of NCAA-approved core courses for the classes you have
taken or plan to take.

ACADEMIC CERTIFICATION DECISIONS Academic certifications are required for all college-bound student-athletes planning to compete at an NCAA Division I school. If you're being recruited
by a Division I school, below are the most common decisions you may receive once a certification has been completed.

EARLY ACADEMIC QUALIFIER

If you meet specific criteria after six semesters of high school, you may be deemed an early academic qualifier for Division I and may practice, compete and receive an athletics scholarship during your first year of full-time enrollment.

QUALIFIER

You may practice, compete and receive an athletics scholarship during your first year of full-time enrollment.

ACADEMIC REDSHIRT

You may practice during your first

regular academic term and receive an athletics scholarship during your first year of full-time enrollment but may NOT compete during your first year of full-time enrollment. You must pass either eight quarter or nine semester hours to
practice in the next term.

NONQUALIFIER

You will not be able to practice, compete or receive an athletics scholarship during your first year of full-
time enrollment.

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GUIDE FOR THE COLLEGE-BOUND STUDENT-ATHLETE

Division II Academic Standards Division II schools require you to meet academic standards. To be eligible to
practice, compete and receive an athletics scholarship in your first year of full-time enrollment, you must meet all the following requirements:

1. Earn 16 NCAA-approved core-course credits in the following areas:

ENGLISH

3 years

MATH (Algebra I or higher)

2 years

SCIENCE (Including one year of lab, if offered)

2 years

EXTRA (English, math or science)

3 years

SOCIAL SCIENCE

2 years

OTHER
Any area listed to the left or courses listed in additional discipline (world language, comparative religion or philosophy)

4 years

2. Earn a minimum 2.2 core-course GPA.

3. Ask your high school counselor to upload your final official transcript with proof of graduation to your Eligibility Center account.

What If I Don’t Meet Division II Standards? If you have not met all the Division II academic standards, you may not compete in your first year of full-time enrollment at a Division II school. However, you will be deemed a partial qualifier. All Division II partial qualifiers may practice and receive an athletics scholarship, but may
NOT compete, during their first year of full-time enrollment.

Division II Worksheet

Use the Division II Worksheet to assist you in monitoring your progress in meeting NCAA initial-eligibility standards. The Eligibility Center will
determine your academic status after you graduate. Remember to check your high school’s list of NCAA-approved core courses for the classes you have
taken or plan to take.

ACADEMIC CERTIFICATION DECISIONS Academic certifications are required for all college-bound student-athletes planning to compete at an NCAA Division II school. If you're being recruited
by a Division II school, below are the most common decisions you may receive once a certification has been completed.

EARLY ACADEMIC QUALIFIER

If you meet specific criteria after six semesters of high school, you may be deemed an early academic qualifier for Division II and may practice, compete and receive an athletics scholarship during your first year of full-time enrollment.

QUALIFIER

You may practice, compete and receive an athletics scholarship during your first year of full-time enrollment.

PARTIAL QUALIFIER

You may practice and receive an athletics scholarship, but may NOT compete, during your first year of full-time enrollment.

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GUIDE FOR THE COLLEGE-BOUND STUDENT-ATHLETE

International Students

For Divisions I and II, an international student is one who has taken coursework outside the U.S. (not including Department of Defense Dependent Schools or American schools abroad) at any point from the initial start of school year nine through secondary school graduation. (For student-athletes planning to enroll at a Division III school, check with the compliance office to determine status.) As an international student enrolling at a Division I or II school, you must submit:

» Transcripts for years nine and up in the native language.

» Proof of graduation in the native language, which may include certificates, diplomas and/or final leaving exams.

» Certified line-by-line English translations of these documents if they are issued in a language other than English.

Students enrolling at a Division III school should monitor their task list for any additional information needed to certify their amateur status.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

For specific details about the documents you must submit, refer to the current Guide to International Academic Standards for Athletics Eligibility or visit the International Student-Athletes page at ncaa.org/international. For a list of non-English-language resources for future student-athletes, visit on.ncaa.com/Translated.

In certain situations, the NCAA Eligibility Center may request additional documentation to clarify that your academic information is complete, valid and accurate. The task list within your Eligibility Center account is
used to communicate these requests, so be sure to check your email frequently for task notifications.

» For information on how to submit international documentation, visit on.ncaa.com/Intl_Docs.

» All documents submitted to the Eligibility Center become the property of the Eligibility Center and cannot be returned. This includes any mailed original documents.

Failure to include any of these items will delay the review of your records, so be sure to understand the documents required for the country in which you attended school by reviewing the current Guide to International Academic Standards for Athletics Eligibility or visit your country’s specific information page at ncaa.org/countries.

Need help? For specific questions that you can’t find the answer to in our other resources, use our International
Contact Form, found at on.ncaa.com/IntlContact.

Home School Students Learning at home is not necessarily the same as being home-schooled. Because of ongoing growth in online and virtual education, a student may be able to learn at home through an online school with online teachers, which would not be considered a parent-directed tutor.

Courses evaluated as home school courses are those in which a parent or parent-directed tutor: » Plans and delivers actual instructional activities such as lectures, discussions, tutorials, feedback or assistance.
» Determines the student’s comprehension of the material by grading and evaluating student performance and achievement on assignments and assessments and providing appropriate re-teaching and feedback.

» Determines the overall grade the student achieved in the course.

» Places the grade on a transcript or grade report, or reports the grade to an approved home school umbrella program.

How to Register

If you’re a home school student and want to play NCAA sports at a Division I or II school, you need to register with the NCAA Eligibility Center and meet the same standards as all other students.

Once you have completed your registration, visit ncaa.org/student-athletes/future/home-school-students and download the Home School Toolkit. This resource provides you with all the necessary home school resources.

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GUIDE FOR THE COLLEGE-BOUND STUDENT-ATHLETE

Amateurism Requirements

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GUIDE FOR THE COLLEGE-BOUND STUDENT-ATHLETE

Amateurism

When you register for an Academic and Amateurism or Amateurism-Only Certification account with the NCAA Eligibility Center, you will be asked a series of questions about your sports participation to determine your amateur status. In some instances, the Eligibility Center may need to gather additional information to evaluate your amateur status.

Circumstances Reviewed as Part of the Amateurism Certification Process
» Delaying your full-time collegiate enrollment and participating in organized competition.

» Playing with professionals.

» Signing a contract with a professional team.

» Participating in tryouts or practices with a professional team.

» Receiving payment or preferential treatment/benefits for playing sports.

» Receiving prize money.

» Entering a written/verbal agreement with an agent. » Involvement with a recruiting service.
» Participating on a Major Junior Hockey League team.

Requesting Final Amateurism Certification

College-bound student-athletes enrolling for the first time at an NCAA Division I or II school and international students enrolling for the first time at a Division III school must request their final amateurism
certification before being certified to compete. (This includes transfers from junior colleges, National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics, international schools or transfers from a Division I, II or III school to
a school in a different division. See page 8 to determine the right Eligibility Center account for your circumstances.) You must request your final amateurism certification through your Eligibility Center account; the Eligibility Center staff cannot finalize your amateurism certification without your request. Note: You can request your final amateurism certification even if other tasks are still open in your account. When you can request your final amateurism certification depends on when you’re starting at an NCAA school:

Fall Enrollment: If you’re enrolling at an NCAA school for the fall semester, you may request final amateurism certification on or after April 1 prior to enrollment.

Winter/Spring Enrollment: If you’re enrolling at an NCAA school for the spring semester, you may request final amateurism certification on or after Oct. 1 prior to enrollment.

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GUIDE FOR THE COLLEGE-BOUND STUDENT-ATHLETE

M&W TENNIS MEN’S ICE HOCKEY
DI	DI	DII Grace Period*               2Up to T Grace Period*
months	BIRTHDAY	YEARS
	M&W SKIING	ALL OTHER SPORTS
DI	DII	DI	DII	DIII 2Up to T Grace Period*          Grace Period*       Grace Period*        Grace Period
BIRTHDAY	YEARS**	months	months	months

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

For an overview of NCAA pre-enrollment amateurism bylaws visit on.ncaa.com/ PreEnroll_Amat_Bylaws.

Delayed Enrollment

After you graduate high school, you have a certain amount of time — called a “grace period” — to continue to compete in your sport before you are required to enroll at a two-year or four-year college or university. If you do not enroll within your division- and sport-specific grace period and continue to compete in organized competition, or continue to compete
on or after Oct. 1 or March 1 (whichever occurs first after the end of your grace period), you risk losing one season of NCAA eligibility for each consecutive 12-month period you continue to compete. You may also be required to serve an academic year in residence at your NCAA school before you can compete. If you continue to compete on or after Oct. 1 or March 1 (whichever occurs first after the end of your grace period), you risk losing one season of NCAA eligibility for each consecutive 12-month period you continue to compete. (This does not apply to Division I men’s ice hockey and Division I men’s and women’s skiing.)

A Division III student-athlete can utilize a 12-month grace period in all sports after high school graduation; however, the continued participation in the following activities in each consecutive 12-month period after the initial 12-month grace period has ended will result in a season being charged. Division III requires serving a year in residence if a student participates in any of the following activities after the grace period:

» Team or individual competition or training in which payment above actual and necessary expenses is received.

» Individual competition or training in which payment above actual and necessary expenses is received based on place finish.

» Any competition pursuant to the signing of a contract with a professional team or entering a professional draft. » Any competition funded by a college booster that is not open to all participants.

6
S
1	3
S
1	3	12 12 12
*If you continue to compete on or after Oct. 1 or March 1 (whichever occurs first after the end of your grace period), you risk losing one season of NCAA eligibility for each consecutive 12-month period you continue to compete. ** Competition must be sanctioned by the U.S. Ski and Snowboard Association or its international counterparts.

Frequently Asked Amateurism Questions
» What is organized competition?

» Who is an agent?

» What is a professional team?

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GUIDE FOR THE COLLEGE-BOUND STUDENT-ATHLETE

Division III Amateurism Standards Division III schools provide an integrated environment focusing

on academic success while offering a competitive athletics environment. Division III rules minimize potential conflicts between athletics and academics and focus on regional in-season and conference play to maximize academic, co-curricular and
extracurricular opportunities. While Division III schools do not offer athletics scholarships, 80% of Division III student-athletes receive some form of merit or need-based financial aid.

While Division III schools set their own admissions and academic requirements, international student-athletes (first-year enrollees and transfers) who are enrolling at a Division III school after Aug. 1, 2023, and must be certified as an amateur by the Eligibility Center. This includes completing the Amateurism-Only Certification account registration before you can compete at a Division III school. Contact the Division III school you plan to attend for more information about its academic requirements.

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GUIDE FOR THE COLLEGE-BOUND STUDENT-ATHLETE

Recruiting

26

GUIDE FOR THE COLLEGE-BOUND STUDENT-ATHLETE

Best Practices

If a college coach calls, texts, emails or contacts you via social media; comes to visit your high school; pays your expenses
to visit the campus; or (in Divisions I and II) issues you a National Letter of Intent or a written offer of financial aid, you’re considered recruited. But when and how do you get recruited? The recruiting process can begin as early as your freshman year (or year nine in secondary school), although in most cases the recruiting process starts before your junior year (or year 10 in secondary school).

» Talk with your family members, high school counselor and coaches about what level of competition they think you should aim for.

» Register for an Eligibility Center account before your freshman year of high school (or year nine of secondary school).

» Check your email often for open Eligibility Center tasks.

» Work as hard in the classroom as you do on the field or court! Earn the best NCAA core-course GPA possible.

» Use the NCAA Research’s interactive map to help locate NCAA schools you’re interested in attending.

» Research when your division- and sport-specific recruiting activity periods are throughout each year.

» If possible, play on elite travel teams and attend camps or showcases in your area to display your skills and build relationships.

» Email college coaches to share your academic and athletic achievements (including highlight videos) and why you’re interested in their NCAA school’s program.

⁰ In any contact with a coach, include your name, position and NCAA ID in the email subject line for easier

reference by the coaching staff.

» If you're being actively recruited by an NCAA school and have a Profile Page account, transition it to the required certification account.

» Take unofficial and official visits to NCAA schools you’re interested in attending.

» Conduct yourself in a positive manner in class, practices and games, at home, in your community and online.

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GUIDE FOR THE COLLEGE-BOUND STUDENT-ATHLETE

Questions to Ask College Admissions

NCAA certification does NOT include acceptance to the NCAA school recruiting you. In addition to receiving your academic and amateurism certification from the Eligibility Center, you also must apply and be accepted to your NCAA school before you can compete on campus. Below are some important questions to ask college

admissions staff as you make your decision: » Access to any
extracurricular activities.

» Admissions requirements. » Cost of attendance.
» Degree programs.

» Financial aid.

» On-campus housing. » Schedule planning.
» Student-athlete and non-student-athlete graduation rates.
» Study abroad/internships.	Only about 2%

NCAA Coaches

Choosing the right college or university can sometimes seem like an overwhelming process. Below are some important questions to ask NCAA coaches during the recruiting process:
» Academic resources.	» Injuries and rehabilitation.

» Additional team requirements.	» Mental health resources.

of high school athletes are awarded athletics scholarships to compete in college.
Of the student-

» Athletic training

and medical expenses.

» Coaching philosophy and style.

» Degree completion support.

» Playing time.

» Scholarship renewals.

» Team time demands.

athletes participating in college sports with
professional leagues,

Visit on.ncaa.com/Choosing for more suggestions of questions to ask NCAA schools recruiting you.

Scholarships

NCAA Division I and II schools provide more than $3.8 billion in athletics scholarships annually to over 195,000 student-athletes. (Division III schools do not offer athletics scholarships.) Be sure you understand what is covered by any offer of athletics aid you may receive from the NCAA school recruiting you, and
the costs you would be responsible for outside of that aid.

less than 2% become professional athletes. A college education is the most rewarding benefit of your student-athlete
experience.

Possible Elements of Financial Aid
	Division I
	Division II

Tuition and fees

Room and board

Books

Course-related books and supplies

Multiyear scholarship options

One-year scholarship option
			
Funding for degree completion to finish your bachelor’s or master’s
degree after your time playing NCAA sports ends

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GUIDE FOR THE COLLEGE-BOUND STUDENT-ATHLETE

Division I schoolsmay provide you with multiyear scholarships. Division II schools may only provide you with a one-year scholarship. Additionally, Division I and II schools may provide funding for degree completion to finish your bachelor’s or master’s degree after your time playing NCAA sports ends.

If a school plans to reduce or not renew your aid, the school must notify you in writing by July 1 before the start of the impacted school year and provide an opportunity
for you to appeal. In most cases, the head coach decides

who receives a scholarship, the scholarship amount and whether it will be renewed.

Many student-athletes also benefit from academic scholarships, NCAA financial aid programs, and need-based aid such as federal Pell Grants. You must report all financial aid you receive to your NCAA school’s financial aid office. If you have questions about what financial aid can be accepted, contact your NCAA school’s financial aid office or athletics departmentfor more detailed information about NCAA
financial aid rules.

National Letter of Intent

By signing a National Letter of Intent, you’re agreeing to attend a Division I or II school for one academic year. NLI member schools agree to provide athletics financial aid to you for a minimum of one academic year as long as you’re admitted to the school and are eligible for financial aid under NCAA rules.

The NLI is voluntary and not required for you to receive financial aid or participate in sports. Signing an NLI ends
the recruiting process because coaches are prohibited

from recruiting student-athletes who have signed NLIs with other NLI-member schools.

If you sign an NLI but decide to attend another college, you may request a release, but it is at the signing school’s
discretion to grant your NLI release. If you sign an NLI with one school but attend a different school, you lose one full year of eligibility and must complete a full academic year at the new school before being eligible to compete. If you
have questions about the NLI, visit nationalletter.org.

Recruiting Calendars

NCAA Division I and II recruiting calendars promote your well-being and ensure fairness among schools by defining certain periods during the year in which recruiting may or may not occur in a particular sport. To view your division- and sport-specific recruiting calendar scan the QR code or visit on.ncaa.com/RecruitCal.

What can happen during contact, evaluation, quiet and dead periods?

Keep in mind that certain recruiting activities, such as calls, visits to your high school, face-to-face contact and other forms of correspondence, may have division- and sport-specific restrictions prior to certain grade levels in high school. *For more information regarding recruiting activity periods visit on.ncaa.com/RecruitCalendars.

Division, Sport and Grade Level Determines Recruiting Activities*

Contact Period

College coaches may call, write, text or email you and your family.

College coaches may watch you compete.

College coaches may visit your high school.

College coaches may have face-to-face contact
with you and your family.

Evaluation Period

College coaches may call, write, text or email you and your family.

College coaches may watch you compete.

College coaches may visit your high school.

College coaches may not have face-to-face contact with you or your family
off the college’s campus.

Quiet Period

College coaches may call, write, text or email you and your family.

College coaches may not watch you compete.

College coaches may not visit your high school.

College coaches may only have face-to-face contact with you and your family
on the college’s campus.

Dead Period

College coaches may call, write, text or email you and your family.

College coaches may not watch you compete.

College coaches may not visit your high school.

College coaches may not have face-to-face contact
with you or your family.

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GUIDE FOR THE COLLEGE-BOUND STUDENT-ATHLETE

Official vs. Unofficial Visits

Official Visit

An official visit is any visit to a college campus paid for by the NCAA school you’re visiting. Before a Division I or II official visit, you must:

» Be on the institutional request list of the NCAA school inviting you.

» Send the NCAA school inviting you a copy of your high school transcript.

» Register for an Eligibility Center Academic and Amateurism Certification account.

Note: In Division I, you cannot take an official visit during your sport’s recruiting shutdown period or dead period. In Division II, cannot take an official visit during your sport’s dead period. In Division III, you can be offered an official visit after Jan. 1 of your junior year of high school (or year 11 of secondary school).

What can an NCAA school pay for during an official visit?

Division I
	
Division II
	
Division III

Transportation to and from the NCAA school you’re visiting for you (and up to two family members).
		
Your transportation to and from the NCAA school you’re visiting.

Your transportation to and from the NCAA school you’re visiting.

Your lodging.
	
Your lodging.
	
Your lodging.

Up to three meals per day for you and up to four family members.
	
Your meals.
	
Up to three on-campus meals per day for you.

Reasonable entertainment expenses (including up to $60 per recruited student-athlete and up to four family members accompanying you, including five tickets to a home sports event).
	
Reasonable entertainment expenses (including up to $30 per recruited student-athlete and any family member accompanying you, including five tickets to a home sports event).
	
Reasonable entertainment expenses (including up to $40 per recruited student-athlete and any family member accompanying you, including tickets to home
sports events).

Unofficial Visit

An unofficial visit is any visit to a college campus paid for by you or your family members. In Division I, you may take as many unofficial visits as you like after the first permissible date in your sport. Note: In Division I, you cannot take an official visit during your sport’s recruiting shutdown period or dead period. In Division II, cannot take an official visit during your sport’s dead period.

What can an NCAA school pay for during an unofficial visit?

Division I
	
Division II
	
Division III

Complimentary admission (including tickets for you and those accompanying you).

Complimentary admission (including three tickets for a home
athletics contest).

Complimentary admission (including five tickets for a home
athletics contest).

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GUIDE FOR THE COLLEGE-BOUND STUDENT-ATHLETE

Important Recruiting Terms

Celebratory standardized signing form (a form used by Division III schools): A standard NCAA-provided, nonbinding athletics celebratory signing form after you have been accepted for enrollment at a Division III school.

Contact: Any time a college coach says more than “Hello” while face-to-face with you or your family off the college’s campus.

Contact period: Your division, sport and grade level determine when permissible recruiting activities (such as when college coaches may call, watch you compete, visit your high school, have face-to-face contact with you and your family, etc.) may occur. For more information regarding recruiting activity periods visit on.ncaa.com/RecruitCalendars.

Dead period: Your division, sport and grade level determine when permissible recruiting activities (such as when college coaches may call, etc.) and non-permissible recruiting activities (such as when college coaches may watch you compete, visit to your high school, have face-to-face contact with you and your family, etc.) may occur. For more information regarding recruiting activity periods visit on.ncaa.com/RecruitCalendars.

Evaluation: When a college coach observes you practicing or competing.

Evaluation period: Your division, sport and grade level determine when permissible recruiting activities (such as when college coaches may call, watch you compete, visit to your high school, etc.) and
non-permissible recruiting activities (such as when college coaches may have face-to-face contact off the college’s campus with you and your family, etc.) may occur. For more information regarding recruiting activity periods visit on.ncaa.com/RecruitCalendars.

Financial aid (scholarship): Any money you receive from a college or another source, such as outside loans or grants. Financial aid may be based on athletics ability, financial need, scholarships or academic achievement.

Five-year clock: In Division I, you have five calendar years in which to play four seasons of competition. Your five-year clock starts when you enroll full-time at any college. Thereafter, your clock continues, even if you spend an academic year in residence as a result of transferring, decide to redshirt, do not attend school or attend school part time during your college career.

Full-time student: Each school determines what full-time status means. Typically, you’re a full-time student if you’re enrolled for at least 12 credit hours in a term.

Institutional request list: A list of college-bound student-athletes who an NCAA school is interested in recruiting. This informs the Eligibility Center of the school’s interest in having an academic and/or amateurism certification decision for you.

International student: In Divisions I and II, an international student is any student who is enrolled in a secondary school outside the U.S., U.S. territories or Canada. In Division III, an international student is any student who attended high school outside of the U.S. or U.S. territories or competed individually or as part of a team based outside of the U.S. or U.S. territories; or whose permanent residence is outside of the U.S. This does not apply to U.S.-based students who
study abroad unless they also compete while living abroad.

Official commitment: When you sign a National Letter of Intent, agreeing to attend a Division I or II school, for one academic year.

Official visit: Any visit to a college campus paid by the NCAA school you’re visiting.

Quiet period: Your division, sport and grade level determine when permissible recruiting activities (such as when college coaches may call, have face-to-face contact on the college’s campus with you and your family, etc.) and non-permissible recruiting activities (such as when college coaches may watch you compete, visit to your high school, etc.) may occur. For more information regarding recruiting activity periods visit on.ncaa.com/RecruitCalendars.

Recruited: When a college coach contacts you off campus, pays your expenses to visit the campus, or (in Divisions I and II) issues you a National Letter of Intent or a written offer of financial aid.

Recruiting calendar: NCAA Division I and II recruiting calendars promote your well-being and ensure fairness among schools by defining certain periods during the year in which recruiting may or may not occur in a particular sport.

Recruiting shutdown: A period when no forms of recruiting (e.g., contacts, evaluations, official or Division I unofficial visits, correspondence, or making/receiving calls) are permissible.

Season of competition/participation: Generally, NCAA rules say any competition in a season (regardless of the amount of time) counts as having played one season in that sport. If you play any time during a season (regardless of the amount of time) it counts as having played for an entire season in that sport. A season starts when you spend one second in competition on the field, court, gym or track. In Division III, you use a season if you practice or compete after the first contest. NCAA schools may have sport-specific exceptions to this general rule, so check with the compliance office at the NCAA school you may attend before participating.

Ten-semester/15-quarter clock: In Divisions II and III, you have the first 10 semesters or 15 quarters in which you’re enrolled as a full-time student to complete your four seasons of competition/ participation. You use a semester or quarter any time you attend class as a full-time student or are enrolled part time and compete for the school. You do not use a term if you only attend part time with no competition or are not enrolled for a term.

Two-year college: Any school from which students can earn an Associate of Arts, Associate of Science or Associate of Applied Science within two years. (AKA: Community or junior colleges.)

Unofficial visit: Any visit to a college campus paid for by you or your family.

Verbal commitment: When you verbally agree to play sports for a college before you sign or are eligible to sign a National Letter of Intent. The commitment is not binding on you or the school.

Walk-on: Someone who is not typically recruited by a school to participate in sports and does not receive a scholarship from the school, but who becomes a member of one of the school’s
athletics teams.

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GUIDE FOR THE COLLEGE-BOUND STUDENT-ATHLETE

Student-Athlete Experience

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GUIDE FOR THE COLLEGE-BOUND STUDENT-ATHLETE

Celebrating Student-Athlete Success

Over 90% of student-athletes say college sports have helped them grow in personal responsibility, work ethic, teamwork and goal setting, according to the 2019 NCAA GOALS study.

A Gallup study from 2020 revealed that former NCAA student-athletes are more likely than other college graduates to be thriving in areas such as purpose and community, social and physical well-being.

Student-athletes are continuing to graduate at record rates, with a four-year Graduation Success Rate of 89% in Division I and Academic Success Rates of 76% in Division II and 88% in Division III.

The Association applauds three core components that make up the student-athlete experience — academics, well-being and community service.

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GUIDE FOR THE COLLEGE-BOUND STUDENT-ATHLETE

Time Management

What student-athletes should expect Time management is a key component of any college student’s success,

but it is especially important for students who play sports. From classes to competition and everything in between, the student-athlete schedule stays busy year-round. Know what awaits before you step foot on the field.

Hours spent on activities per week (168 hours total)

Division I

85
Other (e.g., sleep, job, extracurriculars)
	
14.5 Socializi
	
35.5
ng	Academics
	
33 Athletics

Division II

84.5
Other (e.g., sleep, job, extracurriculars)
	
15.5 Socializin
	
37
g	Academics
	
31 Athletics

Division III

84.5
Other (e.g., sleep, job, extracurriculars)
	
15.5 Socializin
	
40
g	Academics
	
28 Athletics

*Medians collected from the 2019 NCAA GOALS study.

What takes up a Division I and II student-athlete’s time?

These are considered countable athletically related activities (CARA). NCAA rules limit the time student-athletes can spend on these activities each week. Check
with the compliance office at the NCAA school you may attend for more information.

Percentage of student-athletes who said they spend as much or more time on athletics during the offseason as during their competitive season.

67% of Division I student-athletes

Supplemental workouts

Competition

Practice

Film review

Strength and conditioning

63% of Division II student-athletes

47%
of Division III student-athletes

*Based on the 2019 NCAA GOALS study.

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GUIDE FOR THE COLLEGE-BOUND STUDENT-ATHLETE

Division I

The activities listed below do not count toward a team or student-athlete’s countable athletically related activities limit.

» Academic meetings. » Nutritionist sessions. » Media activities.
» Injury treatment/prevention.

» College-bound student-athlete host duties.
» Community service.

» Sports psychologist sessions. » Team fundraising.
» Compliance meetings.

Division II

The activities listed below do not count toward a team or student-athlete’s countable athletically related activities limit.

» Academic meetings.

» Injury treatment/prevention.

» College-bound student-athlete host duties.
» Team fundraising.

» Community engagement. » Compliance meetings.
» Study hall.

» Social activities.

» Professional development.

Participation

1 in every 7.8 Division II student-athletes will participate in an NCAA championship during
their college experience.

Division III NCAA rules allow athletically related activities to occur only during your sport’s declared playing season. Check with the compliance office at the NCAA

school you may attend for more information. The Division III experience includes:

» Academics. » Competition.
» Compliance meetings. » Film review.
» Injury treatment and prevention. » Internship/externship.
» Leadership. » Practice.
» Strength and conditioning. » Team fundraising.
» Teamwork.

» Time management.

» Work.

Game Day

During a typical day of competition, Division I student-athletes report spending anywhere from four to nine hours on their sport.

*Based on a 2015 survey of Division I student-athletes.

1/3 of Division II student-athletes work nine hours per week on average during the academic year.

*Based on the 2019 NCAA GOALS study.

Division III student-athletes note their athletics experience did not hinder their academic and co-curricular pursuits. In fact, it had
a positive effect on their

collegiate experience.

68% Involved in an internship/ externship

67% Think it’s likely
they will attend graduate school

24% Have or will study abroad

44% Have a job and
work a median of eight hours per week

*Based on the 2019 NCAA GOALS study.

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GUIDE FOR THE COLLEGE-BOUND STUDENT-ATHLETE

NCAA Sport Science Institute Since its inception in 2013, the NCAA Sport Science Institute

has worked collaboratively with the NCAA Committee on Competitive Safeguards and Medical Aspects of Sports to support the membership in its efforts to provide college
athletes with an environment that supports safety, excellence and wellness. This work occurs through research, education
and best practices, in collaboration with member schools, national governing bodies, medical and research experts, including key medical organizations and the leading sports medicine organizations in the country. Led by the NCAA Chief Medical Officer, the mission of the SSI is to promote safety, excellence and wellness in college student-athletes and to foster lifelong physical and mental development.

NCAA Health, Safety and Performance Priorities As endorsed by the NCAA Board of Governors in 2023:

» Mental and physical health.

» Sport-related illness and injury. » Performance and training.
» Education and policy.

Resources

The NCAA collaborates with multidisciplinary teams, content experts, leading medical and sports medicine organizations, and NCAA member schools to develop and seek endorsement of interassociation best practices and recommendations. These interassociation documents also reflect input from student-athletes, coaches and administrators to support the important work of the NCAA membership in promoting the health and safety of college athletes. Below are links to current interassociation best practices and recommendations:

» Consensus Recommendations from the NCAA Interassociation Task Force on Sleep and Wellness. » Consensus Statement on Cardiovascular Care of College Student-Athletes.
» Independent Medical Care for College Student-Athletes Best Practices.

» Interassociation Consensus Document: Best Practices for Understanding and Supporting Student-Athlete Mental Wellness.

» Interassociation Recommendations: Preventing Catastrophic Injury and Death in Collegiate Athletes. » Sexual Violence Prevention: An Athletics Tool Kit for a Healthy and Safe Culture.

For additional health and safety resources, visit on.ncaa.com/SSI.

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GUIDE FOR THE COLLEGE-BOUND STUDENT-ATHLETE

Transfer Students

Division I Student-Athlete Transfer Portal Outcomes

The decision to transfer to another school involves important and sometimes difficult choices. Make sure you understand the rules, the options and the potential consequences of
your decision. You do not want to risk your education or your chance to play NCAA sports.

Depending on your college experience, you may be able to compete as soon as you transfer or you might have to be enrolled full time for one academic year at your new school before competing. This time is called an academic year in residence and is designed to allow you to become comfortable
in your new environment. You will need to check with the

57% Transferred to a new NCAA school.

43% Exploring transfer options, transferred to a non-NCAA school or left their sport.

compliance office at the NCAA school you may attend to determine when you will be eligible to compete.

If you’re a college student-athlete and need to contact the Eligibility Center’s Customer Service team regarding your decision to transfer, first review on.ncaa.com/Transfer to learn more about NCAA transfer requirements.

» Student-athletes transferring from a two-year school (junior or community college) to a four-year school should review the Guide for Two-Year Transfers.

» Student-athletes transferring from a four-year school

should review the Guide for Four-Year Transfers.

Of the Division I student-athletes who asked to be entered into the Transfer Portal in 2021-22, 57% were reported to have transferred to a new NCAA school. The remaining 43% may still be exploring transfer options, transferred to
a non-NCAA school or left their sport.

*Based on the 2022 Transfer Portal Data: Division I Student-Athlete Transfer Trends.

Thinking of Going Pro?

There are more than 500,000 NCAA student-athletes, and less than 2% will go pro in their sport.

	Men’s Basketball
	Women’s Basketball
	
Football
	
Baseball
	Men’s Ice Hockey

High School Student-Athletes
	540,800
	399,100
	1,006,000
	482,700
	35,300
	
NCAA Student-Athletes
	18,800
	16,500
	73,700
	36,000
	4,300
	
NCAA Student-Athletes Drafted
	52
	31
	254
	791
	71
	
*Percentage High School to NCAA
	3.5%
	4.1%
	7.3%
	7.5%
	12.3%
	
*Percentage NCAA to Professional
	1.2%
	0.8%
	1.6%
	9.9%
	7.4%

*Percent NCAA to major professional figures are based on the number of draft picks made in the NBA, WNBA, NFL, MLB and NHL drafts.

For the rest, the experiences of college athletics and the life lessons they learn along the way will help them as they pursue careers in business, education, athletics administration, communications, law, medicine and many more fields. Education is a vital part of the college athletics experience, and student-athletes treat it that way.

Overall, student-athletes graduate at higher rates than their peers in the student body, and those rates rise each year. For more information on graduation rates, search for “graduation rates” on ncaa.org.

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GUIDE FOR THE COLLEGE-BOUND STUDENT-ATHLETE

IT ALL
HERE!
STARTS

MORE THAN 500,000 STUDENT-ATHLETES 24 SPORTS | OVER 1,000 SCHOOLS

ncaa.org/playcollegesports