Our partner Matt Hunt from College Hunt helps students successfully navigate the college selection process. In his latest blog post he explains the new NCAA academic requirements for Division 1, 2, and 3.
Planning on, or dreaming to one day participate in NCAA Athletics? Before you step onto the field or court you must first complete the required academics to be eligible for participation. Beginning in August 2016 the NCAA is increasing the minimum academic requirements student-athletes must meet to participate in Division 1 and 2 athletics. While these changes may seem minor, it’s important to remember all students planning on playing Division 1 or 2 athletics must meet these requirements or they will be academically ineligible.
Before we dive into the specific academic requirements we should first understand the purpose of the NCAA Eligibility Center. Think of them as the checks and balances for coaches as well as colleges/universities on whether or not the student has met the established requirements. Keep in mind, they are separate from admissions; a student still applies to individual schools during senior year. A common misconception from students is they believe if they’ve met the NCAA Eligibility requirements they are good to go, but in reality, they have only met the standard to play.
What is a Core Course? The NCAA Eligibility Center requires students earn a specific number of Core Courses by a certain point in high school as part of meeting eligibility. Now, there are some differences in the amount and timeline per level (D1, 2, & 3), but the definition of a Core Course remains the same. A Core Course is one that counts towards graduation in the core curriculum: English, Math, Natural or Physical Science, Social Science and World Language or Comparative Religion. Students must earn at least a D or higher in these courses. I know what you’re thinking, the NCAA allows D’s? Correct, but remember four-year colleges and universities do not.
The NCAA Eligibility Center has clearly defined specific academic requirements for Division 1, 2, and 3. Here is a breakdown of those requirements for each Division….
Division 1: minimum 2.3 GPA, increase on the SAT & ACT sliding scale, 10 of the 16 core courses must be met before the start of senior year.
Division 2: minimum 2.0 GPA, combined 820 on SAT or sum 68 on ACT, & 16 core courses completed.
Division 3: the college or university, not NCAA Eligibility Center, determines eligibility for admission, financial aid, practice and competition.
What happens if a student fails to meet the academic eligibility requirements? It will first depend on which division they’re being recruited by and how they’ve missed the requirement. The results may range from delayed opportunity to play, having to sit for an extended time or worse- being ruled academically ineligible.
Remember, the number one focus should be earning successful grades throughout high school to meet the requirements to play and more importantly too give yourself the opportunity to earn admissions into the college or university you’re desiring to attend.
For more information about the college selection process check out his blog!
Rachel Martin
1. Why did you decide to sign with Oregon Institute of Technology?
I chose this school because of the strong academic programs provided and the incredibly high job placement rate. I loved being on campus, I enjoy the coach, and it felt right to be there.
2. Describe the excitement you feel about becoming a college student-athlete?
I am very excited about the opportunity to be a college student-athlete. It’s something that many people do not experience, and I am thankful that I am one that does.
3. What advice would you give to other athletes looking to get recruited?
I would just let them know that if you have an offer early from a school you love, it’s okay to sign early.
4. Who has been the biggest influence in your sports career and why?
My dad has been my biggest influence because he he has spent hours practicing with me and pushes me to be the best I can be.
5. What would you like to accomplish during your college sports career?
I want to improve over the next four years.
Over the last five years SportsForce Recruiting has helped over 1,000 student-athletes and families successfully navigate the college recruiting and athletic scholarship process while saving families on average $50,000 in college expenses.
1. Why did you decide to sign with Stevens Institute of Technology?
It has a great reputation for engineers everywhere and it is a prestigious school to play lacrosse, with a chance to win a national championship. Coach Peluso and Coach Madalon and Coach Koch are very great teachers of the game.
2. Describe the excitement you feel about becoming a college student-athlete?
I’m one of a very special group that gets to continue their dream of playing sports in college; I am absolutely excited to have this opportunity.
3. What advice would you give to other athletes looking to get recruited?
The game of lacrosse and recruiting is speeding up; there are sophomores committing left and right. Every opportunity you have, visit colleges and call coaches. It can only help and may be the difference between your dream school and settling.
4. Who has been the biggest influence in your sports career and why?
My first ever coach, John Gendron. He has introduced the game to me and all my friends that lived on my street. Without him and his teaching of the fundamentals, I wouldn’t be the player I am today.
5. What would you like to accomplish during your college sports career?
I would like to enhance my skills on defense and make a true name for myself. Also I would like to start many long-lasting friendships with my teammates and fans. My hopes for the team are to win conference, as well as contend for a national championship.
Over the last five years SportsForce Recruiting has helped over 1,000 student-athletes and families successfully navigate the college recruiting and athletic scholarship process while saving families on average $50,000 in college expenses.
1. Why did you decide to sign with Tennessee Wesleyan College?
I loved the campus and location. They have the degree I am pursuing: Exercise Science. I really liked the soccer Coach (Naomi) and the girls I met on the team were awesome. I could also play starting my freshman year and that’s huge. Overall I could see myself really happy there for 4 years.
2. Describe the excitement you feel about becoming a college student-athlete?
I have had dreams of progressing in my game of soccer and this is another step on my ladder. I am so proud that all my hard work has paid off and I want to keep working hard the next four years in developing further, and I hope maybe to continue playing after college. Who knows? National team, Olympic team, play abroad professionally or in the US – anything is possible.
3. What advice would you give to other athletes looking to get recruited?
I would make sure you are on the right club team to get noticed. You need to market yourself. Reach out to colleges that interest you and don’t give up. Keep working hard in the classroom and on the pitch.
4. Who has been the biggest influence in your sports career and why?
There are a lot of influences but I love Abbey Wambach. She is so awesome, not only as a dominant soccer player but as a role model for young women and a great leader on the US team.
5. What would you like to accomplish during your college sports career?
I want to earn a starting spot and I would like to be a person that is there for my teammates. I would like to win championships, of course, and improve my game to earn the opportunity to take my game to the next level after college.
Over the last five years SportsForce Recruiting has helped over 1,000 student-athletes and families successfully navigate the college recruiting and athletic scholarship process while saving families on average $50,000 in college expenses.
1. Why did you decide to sign with Adrian College?
I chose Adrian, because it had everything I wanted in a school. A great lacrosse program, but also a great program for what I want to major in. They take their sports and academics seriously, which is something I value. They also helped a lot financially, because it is not cheap to attend school here and they do their best to get you as much aid as possible.
2. Describe the excitement you feel about becoming a college student-athlete?
It’s great to know that I’ve excelled enough in my sport to be able to play in college. I wasn’t a big star on my high school team, so to do something that not many people get to do is cool. On top of that I don’t come from a lacrosse heavy area, so being able to stand out above amazing players from the hotbeds of lacrosse is a great feeling.
3. What advice would you give to other athletes looking to get recruited?
Don’t wait for coaches to come to you, be proactive. It shows a lot of you as a person to approach a coach by yourself and show them you have passion and drive to play for their team. Also be gracious, these coaches don’t have to talk to you, so reply to all emails, call them back, and always say thank you, because they’ll remember someone who was nice and genuine over the cocky star athlete.
4. Who has been the biggest influence in your sports career and why?
My dad has really pushed me in my sports career. He went to as many games as possible, especially after missing a year because he was deployed to Afghanistan. He really knows the game now that I’ve been playing for 8 years and he helps the other parents figure out what’s going on. He also really wanted to be active in the recruiting process and he helped me say the right things to coaches which really helped sell me as a player.
5. What would you like to accomplish during your college sports career?
I really want to excel as a player, and be better than I was in high school. I hope that I can develop my skills and push myself to be better than people thought I was. I also want to make people from my high school team proud.
Over the last five years SportsForce Recruiting has helped over 1,000 student-athletes and families successfully navigate the college recruiting and athletic scholarship process while saving families on average $50,000 in college expenses.
1. Why did you decide to sign with the University of Tampa?
The University of Tampa competes for a national championship yearly. The coaching staff is phenomenal and the athletes are talented and dedicated. After visiting several schools I knew UT was the right fit for me based on the campus size and team dynamics.
2. Describe the excitement you feel about becoming a college student-athlete?
I was fortunate to end my club season with a national championship. That excitement has carried over into my pre-season conditioning. I continue to work hard, so that I have the opportunity to make an immediate impact. I have had the chance to get to know my teammates during camps and we all get along great. I am looking forward to working towards another national championship. Taking classes that are specific to my degree is another amazing opportunity. I am ready to take the next step of my life as a college student.
3. What advice would you give to other athletes looking to get recruited?
I highly recommend that recruits visit numerous schools and make their decision based on what is best for them and not what others think is best for them.
4. Who has been the biggest influence in your sports career and why?
My parents have been the biggest influence in my sports career because they have supported me in all my athletic endeavors. Both my parents were athletes, so they understand the demands. My dad was my basketball coach growing up and when I decided to play volleyball my mom spent hours in the gym working with me. My parents have promoted lessons and personal training to ensure I was in the best shape to compete. Most importantly, they are always there in the stands to cheer me on.
5. What would you like to accomplish during your college sports career?
I would like to make an instant impact on the program and play for a national championship all 4 years.
Over the last five years SportsForce Recruiting has helped over 1,000 student-athletes and families successfully navigate the college recruiting and athletic scholarship process while saving families on average $50,000 in college expenses.
1. Why did you decide to sign with Aquinas college?
Well I was originally signed to Saint Ambrose University in Davenport, Iowa, but ended up wanting to be closer to home and my fiancé. I made a very last minute choice to go to Aquinas because of their location, their environment, and of course their basketball program.
2. Describe the excitement you feel about becoming a college student-athlete?
I am very excited, but have known this was going to happen for years. When I was 14, right before 10th grade, I decided that I wanted to take my game to the next level and have been working on it more and more since then. I am most excited about having unlimited access to a gym and weight room, I really believe I have loads of potential.
3. What advice would you give to other athletes looking to get recruited?
Try your hardest in school, because having good grades will open up more doors for you to play at the next level. Also, just make smart life decisions. No coach wants someone who posts profanity on social networks or talks about drinking, partying, etc. Don’t be afraid to email a coach and tell them about yourself either, maybe they will see something in you.
4. Who has been the biggest influence in your sports career and why?
My 2 year high school coach Kevin White. He had 15 years of college coaching experience and definitely prepared me for the next level. He ran practice just like a college team and was the first coach I had who had us watch weekly film. I went to a workout at Marygrove a few weeks ago and since I had previously done every workout already with Coach White, I was very prepared. He also knew many college coaches at the level I was being recruited at, so he let them know about me personally.
5. What would you like to accomplish during your college sports career?
I want to win championships with my team. I want to increase my strength and athleticism. I hopefully will prepare myself to play in Europe for a few years, since I was born in Sweden. I would also like to graduate with good grades and maybe go to grad school later.
Over the last five years SportsForce Recruiting has helped over 1,000 student-athletes and families successfully navigate the college recruiting and athletic scholarship process while saving families on average $50,000 in college expenses.
1. Why did you decide to sign with State Fair College?
It’s a small college in Sedalia, MO with a 25:1 faculty to student ratio. I believe I’ll get a lot of one-on-one time with the professors, as well as focus more on my sports career. I also decided on going here because I want to travel and study business, which is why I’ll be majoring in business international (they have that option for me). Finally, I decided to go here because I received a full ride basketball scholarship.
2. Describe the excitement you feel about becoming a college student-athlete?
It feels extremely surreal, because I’ve always considered myself an elite athlete, but to get the opportunity to play in college is one of the best feelings.
3. What advice would you give to other athletes looking to get recruited?
The best advice I believe I can give to other athletes is, do not depend on your coaches and school counselors. You should go online and make an online profile and go from there. As you continue with your online searches you will learn more and more about different colleges and began filling out sport questionnaires.
4. Who has been the biggest influence in your sports career and why?
My father has been the biggest influence in my sports career because he was a student-athlete. He has been supportive of my sports career since I’ve been playing. I also believe he was a huge influence, because he gave me the confidence to play sports. He would tell me when I didn’t do well, and then take me to the park to work on my weaknesses. He inspired me to become the best!
5. What would you like to accomplish during your college sports career?
During my college sports career, I would like to see myself stepping out of my comfort zone. If the coach asks me to play a position I don’t really play, I would like to see myself taking on the challenge and become a better player. If I get the chance, I want learn how to play all positions.
Over the last five years SportsForce Recruiting has helped over 1,000 student-athletes and families successfully navigate the college recruiting and athletic scholarship process while saving families on average $50,000 in college expenses.
