1. NCAA Guidelines for Sophomores
DDPA

2. Are You Interested in College Athletics?
All Division I and Division II athletes must register with the NCAA Clearinghouse/Eligibility Center. Student athletes must be declared eligible to participate in college athletics.
Most Division I students receive athletic scholarships, and many Division II students receive athletic scholarships.
Division III athletes are not required to register with the NCAA, and do not receive athletic scholarships.

3. Michigan Athletic Divisions
Division I
Michigan, Michigan State University, Eastern Michigan University, Central Michigan University
Division II
Grand Valley State University, Wayne State University, Saginaw Valley State University
Division III
Albion College, Hope College, Calvin College

4. NCAA Requirements Graduate from high school.
Earn a minimum ACT or SAT score.
Earn minimum grades in required classes. Students must have a 2.3 or higher as seniors.
Requirements differ slightly from Division I and Division II.
New requirements will be enforced for students graduating in 2016 and beyond. This graduating class will be held accountable to the new standards.

5. Selecting High School Courses
DDPA sophomores will register for junior courses in February of sophomore year.
More often than not, athletes are not turned away from Division I or Division II scholarships because of ACT scores-but because of incomplete transcripts or a shortage of required high school courses.
Selecting high school courses is extremely important in becoming and maintaining NCAA eligibility. Discuss your NCAA aspirations with your counselor.

6. Course Selection
Access a list of approved courses at and click on “resources” at the top of the screen.
Division I and Division II requirements differ slightly; please see the following chart for specifics.
For Division I competition, 10 of the 16 requirements must be completed before senior year.
Always check with your school counselor.

7. Academic Requirements
Division I
Division II
16 core courses
4 years of English
3 years of English
3 years of math (algebra 1 or higher)
2 years of math (algebra 1 or higher)
2 years of natural or physical science (including one year of lab science if offered)
1 extra year of English, science, or math
2 years of social science
4 years of additional core courses from any category above, or foreign language

8. GPA Requirements

9. Minimum Grades
Beginning August 1, 2016, you must earn at least a GPA in NCAA core courses to be eligible to compete in your first year of college. This will apply to you as a senior.
Only courses that appear on your high school’s list of NCAA courses will be used to calculate your GPA for NCAA eligibility purposes. Your elective classes might not count in the reconfiguration of your GPA.
Once ten core courses are “locked in” prior to the start of your seventh semester, you can’t take those classes over again to improve your GPA.
Questions? Visit

10. Summer School
If a student needs to retake a course, it must be completed before senior year. Register for summer school courses before the end of sophomore year. Use this summer to retake any core classes.

11. Academic Help at DDPA
DDPA offers after school tutoring in math, science, English, and social studies. Check with your core teacher for days and locations!
Please visit the Counseling Office for specific tutoring assistance.

12. Power School
DDPA utilizes Power School to access grades and attendance.
Remember to maintain your Power School account and check grades frequently.

13. Grades and Test Scores
The NCAA will consider two things: GPA and standardized test scores. The student’s grades and scores will placed in a grid to determine eligibility.

14. NCAA Sliding Scale
Each student can check their ACT/SAT scores against their high school GPA to determine eligibility. To see the complete sliding scale, visit

15. The SAT
Students may take both the ACT or the SAT, but both are not required.
Only reading and mathematics sections of the SAT are used by the NCAA Eligibility Center.

16. Test Registration Both the ACT and SAT require advanced registration.
Registration is always online.

17. Social Media and the High School Athlete
Remember that colleges and coaches often check social media during the recruitment process.
Inappropriate use of social media has resulted in NCAA suspensions.
Think before posting!!

18. Questions?
NCAA Eligibility Center Contact Information
NCAA Eligibility Center:
Certification Processing
P.O. Box 7136
Indianapolis, IN
Package or overnight delivery:
1802 Alonzo Watford Sr. Drive
Indianapolis, IN 46202
Web address:
NCAA Eligibility Center customer service:
U.S. callers (toll free): 877/
International callers: 317/
Fax: 317/

19. Additional Resources
Please visit the NCAA Eligibility Center for additional handouts and information.