NCAA Initial-Eligibility and the Recruiting Process Presented by: Paul C. Bowden George Mason University

National Collegiate Athletic Association Known as the NCAA 1280 member institutions Divided into 3 divisions

NCAA Divisions Division I Division II Division III Division I-A [Football]- Football Bowl Subdivision Division I-AA [Football] Football Championship Subdivision Division I-AAA [No Football] Division II Division III

NCAA Championships Sponsors 88 championships in 23 sports Approximately 450,000 student-athletes compete for NCAA championships

Where do I fit? All of the 3 Divisions offer excellent academic and excellent athletic opportunities Consult your Parents, Counselors and Coaches to help determine your best “fit”. Is playing a requirement for your happiness? Do you want to play more than one sport? There is a college team for you!!!

NCAA Division I Requirements Graduate from high school Successfully complete 16 Core Courses Have a core course GPA in combination with a SAT or ACT test score Receive Amateurism Certification

NCAA Core Course Requirements 16 core academic courses required: 4 years of English 3 years of Math (Algebra I and higher) 2 years of Natural/physical science (at least one lab) 1 year of Additional courses in English, math, or science 2 years of Social science 4 years of Additional academic courses (foreign language, etc.) You must complete at least 10 core courses by the end of your junior year, 7 of 10 in E,M or Sc (current sophomores)

NCAA Test Score Requirements SAT Math Verbal Writing (This Component will not be used in determining Qualifier Status) ACT English Science Reading

NCAA Sliding Scale 3.550 & above 37 400 3.525 38 410 3.500 39 420 Core GPA ACT SAT 3.550 & above 37 400 3.525 38 410 3.500 39 420 3.000 52 620 2.500 68 820 2.000 86 1010 Scale is now expanded with gpa range 2.00 – 3.55 with a corresponding test score.

SAT/ACT Since the NCAA and Admissions Offices allow you to use the best SAT Math score from one test date and the best Verbal score from another test date to obtain the highest combined score. It is in your best interest to take the test more than once.

NCAA Division II Requirements 2.0 GPA in 16 core courses 820 SAT combined score

NCAA Division III Requirements If admitted to Division III institution you are eligible to compete

To Report Test Scores Mark code 9999 when registering for ACT/SAT Scores must be reported directly from the testing agency.

Tips A high school course taken in the eighth grade may be used if the course is on the high school transcript with a grade and credit and if the course is on the high school's list of approved core courses. Plus and minus grades CANNOT be used In Division I, all core courses must be completed in the first eight semesters of high school, based on when a student first started ninth grade.  If a student graduates on time with his or her class (in eight semesters), the student may use one core course taken after graduation. In Division II, it is allowable to use any core course taken prior to the student’s enrollment as a full-time student in any college or university.

NCAA Eligibility Center File at the end of junior year in high school (6 semesters completed)

Clearinghouse Application Process Online registration is REQUIRED!!!!!!!! Apply online at www.eligibilitycenter.org

Visits to College Campus Unofficial Visits (at your own expense) may be taken at anytime. Official Visits (paid for by the Athletics Department) can only be taken during your senior year and only if you are registered with the NCAA Clearinghouse

Recruitment Phone calls from Division I coaches can not start until July 1, after your junior year (except Men’s Basketball, which starts June 15 after sophomore year and Women’s Basketball, which starts September 1 of your junior year) One phone call per week from that point on You can call a coach anytime you want, no restrictions

Please note! Meeting NCAA academic requirements does not guarantee your admission into a college. You must apply for admission. You must apply to the NCAA Clearinghouse These processes are required, but do not have anything to do with each other

Most Valuable Resource Annually the NCAA produces the Guide for College Bound Student-Athletes. You can either call the NCAA to request a copy or print from the NCAA website

Academic Challenges (if you really want to play in college!) As a high school student-athlete, you must be a “real student”! You need to develop and enhance your academic talents To participate at the collegiate level is a wonderful opportunity, offered to very few high school student-athletes. You have to be different. You have to be serious about academics. IT IS IN YOUR HANDS!

Other Topics Scholarships Financial Aid Division I,II,III Playing more than one sport Time management

Conclusion The goal is to find the school that is a “Good Fit” for you in terms of Academics and Athletics

For additional information: To contact the NCAA Eligibility Center: Certification Processing P.O. Box 7136 Indianapolis, Indiana 46207 877-262-1492 Fax 317-968-5100 www.eligibilitycenter.org To contact the NCAA: NCAA Hotline: 1-317-917-6222 www.ncaa.org

George Mason University Compliance Office Paul C. Bowden Associate AD of Compliance 703-993-3230 pbowden@gmu.edu