NCAA SEMINAR “How to” for the College Bound Student-Athlete Lower Dauphin High School November 13, 2013

PANEL Jen Kastelic, MS Physical Education Teacher  Middle School Field Hockey Coach Rob Klock, HS Social Studies Teacher  High School Football Coach Linda Kreiser, Retired MS Science Teacher  High School Field Hockey Coach Tanya Dreon, Counselor

NCAA What is the NCAA?  National Collegiate Athletic Association  An organization through which many of the nation’s colleges/ universities speak and act on athletic matters at the national level  It is a non-profit, voluntary association of more than 1200 schools, conferences, organizations and individuals dedicated to the sound administration of intercollegiate athletics

NCAA Eligibility Center Responsibilities The NCAA Eligibility Center is responsible for determining the eligibility of every college bound student athlete in NCAA Divisions I and II using the following two areas:  Academic Certification Does the college bound student athlete meet the legislated minimum academic requirements?  Amateurism Certification Has the college bound student athlete jeopardized his or her amateur status?

Amateurism Certification It’s important to the NCAA that students are “student athletes” above all else and therefore require that applicants complete an amateurism certification as a part of the eligibility process. In general, amateurism requirements do not allow:  Contracts with professional teams  Salary for participating in athletics  Prize money above actual and necessary expenses  Play with professionals  Tryouts, practice or competition with a professional team  Benefits from an agent or prospective agent  Agreement to be represented by an agent  Delayed initial full-time collegiate enrollment to participate in organized sports competition

Definition of a Core Course A course that qualifies for high school graduation in one or more of the following: English, mathematics, natural or physical science, social science, foreign language or comparative religion or philosophy;  Is considered four year college preparatory;  Is taught at or above the high school’s regular academic level;  For mathematics courses, is at the level of Algebra I or higher; and  Is taught by a qualified instructor as defined by the appropriate academic authority.

Academic Requirements for Initial Eligibility  Graduate from high school  Complete NCAA approved courses  Earn a minimum required core course grade point average (GPA)  Earn a required SAT or ACT sum score  Also…NEW requirements for those entering college after August of 2016 (current 10 th and 11 th graders)…

Core Classes- Division I 16 Core Classes 4 English 3 Math (Algebra 1 or higher) 2 Natural/Physical Science (including one lab science) 1 extra English, math OR Natural/Physical Science 2 Social Science 4 additional courses from core above (and/or foreign language or religion) See sliding scale for GPA/test score match (pg. 10)

Core Classes – Division II 16 Core Classes  3 English  2 Math (Algebra 1 or higher)  2 Natural/Physical Science (including one lab science)  3 extra English, math OR Natural/Physical Science  2 Social Science  4 additional courses from core above or foreign language or religion Core GPA: 2.0 SAT minimum score: 820/ ACT minimum score: 68

Best test score will be used in Certification Process MATHVERBALTOTAL SAT 3/ SAT 11/ SCORES USED SAT or ACT scores must be sent directly to the NCAA through the testing company (they will not be accepted from the HS or on a transcript) NCAA Code: 9999

Changes for Class of 2016 and beyond  Minimum core course GPA of required;  Slight change in GPA/test score index (sliding scale); and  Ten core courses required before the beginning of senior year Three possible outcomes: 1. Qualifier= competition, athletics aid (scholarship), and practice the first year. 2. Academic Redshirt = athletics aid the first year, practice in first regular academic term (semester or quarter). 3. Nonqualifier = no athletics aid, practice or competition the first year

Changes for Class of 2016 and beyond To be a full qualifier: Must complete 10 core courses before seventh semester of high school (e.g., senior year).  Of the 10 core courses completed, seven must be in the area of English, math, or science.  These 10 core courses become “locked in” for the purpose of GPA calculation.  A repeat of any of the “locked in” courses will not be used if taken after the seventh semester begins New sliding scale for GPA & test scores

Changes for Class of 2016 and beyond ** If you fail to meet the required 10 core courses prior to the start of your seventh semester (seven of which must be in English, math, or natural or physical science), you will be allowed to retake core courses in your seventh or eighth semester, which will be used in your academic certification for the purpose of meeting the academic redshirt requirements.  Core classes are the same  Sliding scale changes (see eligibility website)  Min Core GPA ** If you meet these requirements, you can receive an athletics scholarship during your first year at an NCAA Division I college or university.  After the first term is complete, you must successfully complete nine semester hours or eight quarter hours in each applicable term at your college or university to continue to practice for the remainder of the year

Division III  Unlike Divisions I and II, there is no uniform set of eligibility requirements for Division III schools.  Eligibility for admission, financial aid, practice and competition is determined by the college or university.

Calculating Core Averages 4.0 Scale A= 4.0 B= 3.0 C= 2.0 D= 1.0  Core Classes are academic/ college prep courses as approved by the NCAA  See worksheet pg. 16 and sample in your packet  Keep track as you progress through high school

The Process   Eligibility registration pg. 6  Transcript Request  Cost: $65  Follow-up and Pin Number   Early certification – Junior year

Early Certification Students who meet the following criteria after six semesters will be certified as qualifiers: For Division I: Core-course GPA of or higher in a minimum of 14 core courses AND a minimum SAT score 900/ACT score 75:  3 English  2 math  2 science  2 additional core courses in English, math, natural/physical science  5 additional core courses. For Division II: Core-course GPA of or higher in a minimum of 12 core courses AND a minimum SAT score 1000/ACT score 85  3 English  2 math  2 science and  5 additional core courses.

Searching for the right colleges…    Lower Dauphin students: Naviance

Promoting your athletic talents Colleges do not typically knock on your door and offer scholarship money… you must increase your visibility to be recognized by college coaches. Students can boost their visibility by visiting campuses, meeting coaches and making phone calls. The first 2 years of HS are about development -- developing your sports skills as well as working on your leadership abilities. You will be a more valuable recruit if you have built a reputation for teamwork, sportsmanship and maturity. Establishing that reputation is a long process and it requires consistency. College coaches are looking for motivated athletes who contribute to team unity, have valued athletic talents and solid academic performance in school. The athlete’s season for recruiting is just a few months so being on a coaches radar early is important to make the best use of your time. Start early by evaluating college sports programs and thinking about the type of team philosophy or environment where you’d fit in best.

Promoting your athletic talents Work with your coaches! If marketing yourself – recruitment packets about student should include :  Stats/ athletic resume  CD/DVD of game/skills  Newspaper articles (highlighted) Other options can include using a consultant or a service to help you through the recruitment process

Timeline - 9 th grade  Choose rigorous courses  Talk with your counselor AND coach about future intentions  Work with a coach and/or trainer to improve/strengthen athletic skills  Develop a plan, attend camps and showcases  Keep track of your participation/stats  GRADES!!!!

Timeline - 10 th grade  Choose college preparatory classes – keep up those GRADES!!!  Continue to keep your coaches and counselor informed of your plans  Career/college research  Take PSATs in the fall  Continue to work on your athletic skills and keep track of your stats  Visit schools, attend camps and showcases

Timeline - 11 th grade  Unofficial visits to college campuses  Course selection – very important!  Take PSATs in the fall and SATs and/or ACTs in the spring (#9999)  Must send SAT test scores DIRECTLY to the NCAA!  Apply for initial eligibility on-line and through your School Counselor (to request transcripts)  Early certification (see requirements)  Athletic Skills and GRADES!

Timeline -12 th grade Fall SAT/ACT Official visits Applications in before Thanksgiving  Admissions vs. athletics! Complete a Financial Aid application (FAFSA) in January/February regardless of your plans Choose college Sign letter of intent Keep up with those grades!

College Athletics  Competitiveness  Scholarship Requirements  Professional Sports  Related articles and statistics  NAIA and NJCAA … other paths to consider

Miscellaneous  Sample Letters  Checklists  Questions to Ask  Making your decision  NCAA Code for SAT/ACT: 9999  Lower Dauphin HS Code:

Thank you and good luck!