There are numerous opportunities for young women and men to continue their athletic careers after high school, including at the NCAA Division I, II, and III levels, and the NAIA and NJCAA. As you begin to plan your journey as a collegiate student-athlete, the first step should be to talk with your varsity head coach for help throughout the process.  

NCAA

To pursue a DI or DII playing career, you must be certified by the NCAA Eligibility Center (formerly called the NCAA Clearinghouse). The Eligibility Center is the organization within the NCAA that determines the academic eligibility and amateur status for NCAA DI and DII athletes. While all NCAA athletes will eventually create an account, it is recommended that you create your account by the start of your junior year in high school. To complete the certification process, you will have to submit your transcripts, test scores, and a questionnaire about your amateur status.

After you have created your account, you should receive a verification email from the Eligibility Center that prompts you to finish the registration process.

NCAA Eligibility Center Certification Processing
P.O. Box 7136
Indianapolis, IN 46207-7136

Division I

If you want to compete at the NCAA Division I level, you must meet specific eligibility requirements. Check out the DI Initial-Eligibility Quick Reference Sheet for more information.

Division I uses a sliding scale to match SAT/ACT scores and core-course grade-point averages (GPAs) to determine eligibility. The sliding scale balances your test score with your GPA. If you have a low test score, you need a higher GPA to be eligible. If you have a low GPA, you need a higher test score to be eligible. Only NCAA core courses are used in the calculation of your GPA, which must be at least a 2.30.  

When you register for the SAT or ACT, use the NCAA Eligibility Center code of 9999 so your scores are sent directly to the Eligibility Center from the testing agency. Test scores on transcripts will not be used in your academic certification.

A combined SAT score is calculated by adding reading and math subscores. An ACT sum score is calculated by adding English, math, reading, and science subscores. 

NCAA requires the completion of 16 core courses by students entering any Division I college or university:

• 4 years of English
• 3 years of mathematics (Algebra I or higher)
• 2 years of natural or physical science (including 1 year of lab, if offered by high school)
• 1 year of additional English, mathematics, or natural or physical science
• 2 years of social science
• 4 years of additional courses (from any area above, foreign language or non-doctrinal religion/philosophy)

Division II

If you want to compete at the NCAA Division II level, you must meet specific eligibility requirements. Check out the DII Initial-Eligibility Quick Reference Sheet for more information.

Division II uses a sliding scale to match SAT/ACT scores and core-course grade-point averages (GPAs) to determine eligibility. The sliding scale balances your test score with your GPA. If you have a low test score, you need a higher GPA to be eligible. If you have a low GPA, you need a higher test score to be eligible. Only NCAA core courses are used in the calculation of your GPA, which must be at least a 2.20.

When you register for the SAT or ACT, use the NCAA Eligibility Center code of 9999 so your scores are sent directly to the Eligibility Center from the testing agency. Test scores on transcripts will not be used in your academic certification.

A combined SAT score is calculated by adding reading and math subscores. An ACT sum score is calculated by adding English, math, reading, and science subscores. 

NCAA completion of 16 core courses by students entering any Division II college or university:

•  3 years of English
•  2 years of mathematics (Algebra I or higher)
•  2 years of natural or physical science (including 1 year of lab, if offered by high school)
•  3 years of additional English, mathematics, or natural or physical science
•  2 years of social science
•  4 years of additional courses (from any area above, foreign language or non-doctrinal religion/philosophy)