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Initial Eligibility

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In order to be eligible for practice, competition and financial aid, a prospective student-athlete must:

  • Graduate from high school;
  • Complete a minimum of 16 core courses;
  • Present the required grade-point average (GPA);
  • Present a qualifying test score on either the ACT or SAT; and
  • Request final amateurism certification (beginning April 1 for fall enrollees or beginning October 1 for spring enrollees).

Core Courses

NCAA Division I currently requires prospects to complete 16 core courses during their eight (8) semesters of high school.

The 16 core courses must consist of:

  • 4 years of English
  • 3 years of mathematics (Algebra I or higher)
  • 2 years of natural/physical science
  • 1 year of additional English, mathematics or natural/physical science
  • 2 years of social science
  • 4 years of additional courses (from any area above, foreign language or comparative religion/philosophy)

Prospects are required to complete at least 10 core courses prior to the seventh semester (seven of the 10 core courses must be a combination of English, math or natural or physical science). These 10 courses become "locked in" at the seventh semester and cannot be retaken for grade improvement. If a prospect fails to meet the 10 core-course requirement, they may still receive athletics aid and the ability to practice, but they would not be eligible to compete in their first year.

Test Scores
NCAA Division I uses a sliding scale to match test scores and core GPA. The sliding scale can be found on the NCAA Eligibility Center Quick Reference Guide.

Grade Point Average

Prospects are required to have a minimum GPA of 2.300 to be eligible for competition ("Academic Qualifier"); and a minimum GPA of 2.000 to be eligible to receive athletics aid and practice in their first year ("Academic Redshirt").

Only courses that appear on a prospect's high school's List of NCAA Courses will be used for GPA calculations.

Coaches and Staff

  1. JumpForward
  2. Recruiting Rules
    1. Recruiting Calendars - PDFs
    2. Publicity and Recruiting
    3. Social Media and Recruiting
    4. National letter of Intent
    5. Official and Unofficial Visits
    6. Recruiting Materials
    7. Contacts and Evaluations
    8. CARA
    9. NCAA Division I Manual
    10. Initial Eligibility
  3. Awards and Benefits
    1. Occasional Meals
    2. Award Limitations
  4. Other Important Rules
    1. Academic Integrity
    2. APR
    3. Personnel
    4. Summer Activities
    5. Outside Competition
    6. Gambling
    7. Volunteer Coaches

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