1. Jessica Hornsby, M.Ed., NCC
NCAA Eligibility
Everything you need to know about getting into Division I, II, and III sports in College
Jessica Hornsby, M.Ed., NCC

2. Understanding the Divisions
Division I
Seven sports teams for both men and women
High game attendance rates
Multiple financial aid rewards based on athletic ability
Division II
Five sports teams for both men and women
No attendance rate minimums
Students typically finance college through some athletic award combined with other methods
Division III
Five sports teams for both men and women
No attendance rate minimums
No athletic scholarships

3. Division I, II, and III Colleges and Universities in Virginia
College of William and Mary
UVA College at Wise
Averett University
George Mason University
Virginia State University
Bridgewater College
Hampton University
Virginia Union University
Christopher Newport University
James Madison University
Eastern Mennonite University
Liberty University
Emory and Henry College
Longwood University
Ferrum College
Norfolk State University
Hampden-Sydney College
Old Dominion University
Hollins University
Radford University
Lynchburg College
University of Richmond
Mary Baldwin College
University of Virginia
Marymount University
Virginia Comm. University
Randolph College
Virginia Military Institute
Randolph Macon College
Virginia Tech.
Roanoke College
Shenandoah University
Southern Virginia University
Sweet Briar College
University of Mary Washington
Virginia Wesleyan College
Washington and Lee University

4. In order for any student to play Division I or Division II sports his/her first year of college, they must meet NCAA eligibility requirements to become a “qualifier”…

5. Types of Qualifiers Division I Division II 1) Qualifier
Competition, athletics aid (scholarships), and practice for the first year
2) Academic Red Shirt
Athletics aid for the first year and practice in first academic term (semester or quarter)
3) Non-Qualifier
No athletics aid, practice, or competition for the first year
Division II
1) Qualifier
Competition, athletics aid (scholarships), and practice for the first year
2) Partial Qualifier
Students will be allowed to practice and receive athletics aid the first year if they meet minimum academic requirements

6. Academic Requirements Amateurism Requirements
Students must meet two major requirements to be eligible for Division I and II athletics:
Academic Requirements
Amateurism Requirements

7. Academic Requirements for Qualifier: Core Courses
Division I
16 Core Courses
4 years of English
3 years of Math
2 years of Science (1 lab)
1 additional core course
2 years of Social Science
4 years of additional courses
Division II
16 Core Courses
3 years of English
2 years of Math
2 years of Science (1 lab)
3 additional core courses
2 years of Social Science
4 years of additional courses

8. Academic Requirements for Qualifier: Core Courses
Division I
2.3 GPA
On-time graduation (4 years)
10 courses before senior year; 7 in English, Math, or Science
Sliding Scale comparison with SAT/ACT
Division II
2.2 GPA
Any courses completed until full- time college enrollment
SAT sum score of 820 or ACT sum score of 68 (in 2018, switch to Sliding Scale comparison)

9. Academic Requirements: SAT/ACT
Be sure to the “9999” code when registering for the SAT or ACT – this will assure that your scores are sent to the NCAA. Your highest scores will be used to certify you.

10. Amateurism: Sports Participation
The following may impact your amateur status:
Signing a contract with a professional team
Playing with professionals
Participating in tryouts/practices with professionals
Accepting payments or benefits for playing sports
Accepting prize money above your benefits
Accepting benefits from an agency or agent
Agreeing to be represented by an agent
Postponing college enrollment to play in an organized sports competition

11. When should you start planning?
Um….now.

12. Ninth Grade
Start planning now; take the right courses and work hard to get the best grades possible.
Make sure to communicate with me about your athletic interests so we can be sure you are planning well.
School Counseling website:
Explore the NCAA websites: eligibilitycenter.org and 2point3.org

13. Tenth Grade
Register with the NCAA Eligibility Center: eligibilitycenter.org

14. Eleventh Grade
Register to take the SAT or ACT…or both; enter code 9999 for the NCAA Eligibility Center
At the end of your junior year, ask me to send your transcripts to the NCAA Eligibility Center
Make sure you’re on track to graduate!

15. Twelfth Grade Take the SAT or ACT again, if necessary
Request final amateurism certificate after April 1st
Pass all of your classes so you can graduate!
Ask me to send your final transcript to the NCAA Eligibility Center
Go to the college of your choice…good luck!