1. NCAA initial Eligibility Standards
Stephen LaPorta
Director of Compliance- Rules Education
James Madison University

2. NCAA Eligibility Center
Responsible for two things:
Academic Certification
Amateurism Certification
Must register with NCAA Eligibility Center if you want to participate in Division I or II athletics

3. Academic certification
Division I

4. Academic Certification Requirements
Graduate from HS
Complete enough NCAA-approved courses
Earn a minimum GPA and SAT/ACT score

5. Core Courses

6. NCAA Approved Core Courses
Course that meets graduation requirements in:
English
Math (Alg 1 or higher)
Natural or Physical Science
Social Science
Foreign Language or Comparative Religion

7. NCAA Approved Core Courses
Considered four year college prep
Taught at or above the regular academic level
Taught by a qualified instructor

8. Division I Core Courses
Must complete 16 core courses before HS graduation
4 years of English
3 years of Math (Alg 1 or higher)
2 Years of Science
1 additional year of Eng, Math, or Sci
2 years of Social Science
4 additional core courses

9. GPA and Test Scores

10. GPA/Test Scores NCAA will determine GPA based on 16 core courses
PE, Art, Music, Etc. are NOT included
10 core must be completed before Sr yr (7th Semester)
7 of 10 must be in Eng, Math, Sci
Courses become “Locked In” for GPA purposes
Sliding Scale compares GPA in 16 core to your SAT/ACT score

11. Test Scores Best scores will be used to certify you Math Verbal Total
SAT (10/15)
SAT (12/15)
Scores Used

12. Core GPA
SAT (Math/Verbal)
ACT Sum
3.55 and above
400 37
2.7
740 61
3.4
460 42
2.6
780 64
3.3
500 44
2.5
820 68
3.2
540 47
2.4
860 71
3.1
580 49
2.3
900 75
3.0
620 52
2.2
940 79
2.9
660 54
2.1
980 83
2.8
700 57
2.0
1020 86

13. What are the Certifications
Final Qualifier
Academic Redshirt
Final Non-Qualifier

14. Final Qualifier Can practice, compete, and receive athletics aid
Has 2.3 GPA with at least a 900 SAT or higher
Has graduated from HS
Has completed all 16 core classes
10 before sr yr
7 of 10 in Eng, Math, Sci

15. Academic Redshirt
Can receive aid and practice 1st semester but cannot compete in first year
Graduated from HS
Completed all 16 core classes
Did NOT complete 10/7 before Sr Year OR
Has between a 2.29 and a 2.0 GPA with the correct test score

16. Core GPA
SAT (Math/Verbal)
ACT Sum
3.55 and above
400 37
2.7
740 61
3.4
460 42
2.6
780 64
3.3
500 44
2.5
820 68
3.2
540 47
2.4
860 71
3.1
580 49
2.3
900 75
3.0
620 52
2.2
940 79
2.9
660 54
2.1
980 83
2.8
700 57
2.0
1020 86

17. Core GPA
SAT (Math/Verbal)
ACT Sum
2.299
910 76
2.25
920 77
2.2
940 79
2.15
960 81
2.1
980 83
2.05
1000 85
2.0
1020 86

18. Non-Qualifier
Cannot practice, compete, or receive athletics aid in first year
One of the following:
Did not graduate from HS
Did not have 16 core courses
Did not have the correct test score/GPA

19. Academic Certification
Division II and III

20. Division II Core Courses
Must complete 16 core courses before college enrollment
3 years of English
2 years of Math (Alg 1 or higher)
2 Years of Science
3 additional year of Eng, Math, or Sci
2 years of Social Science
4 additional core courses

21. Divison II reminders No Sliding Scale (will introduce in 2018)
2.0 min in core classes
820 SAT/ 68 ACT

22. Division III reminders
No uniform eligibility standards
Each institution determines eligibility for admission, financial aid, practice, and competition

23. Things to do
Division I and II

24. Sophomores Must: Try your best to get good grades
Talk with your Guidance counselor and take NCAA Approved Core Classes
If you fall behind, retake classes during summer school

25. Juniors Must: Register with the Eligibility Center
Take the SAT/ACT and send the scores to the Eligibility Center (9999)
Continue to take NCAA approved core courses
Send official transcripts to the Eligibility Center at the end of the year

26. Registering with Eligibility Center
Eligibilitycenter.org

27. Eligibility Center Registration
Click here to
Create a new
account

28. Seniors Must: Take the SAT/ACT as many times as necessary
Continue to take core classes
Graduate on time
Request final amateurism

29. Seniors Must:
Visit the “My Planner” page and check for any missing information or documents.
Review your amateurism responses and request final amateurism beginning April 1 (for fall enrollees) or October 1 (for spring enrollees).
After graduation, ask your high school counselor to send your final transcript to the NCAA Eligibility Center with proof of graduation.

30. Questions? Eligibilitycenter.org 2point3.org
NCAA Eligibility Center (877)