How to Achieve Academic Eligibility

Junior Year NCAA Academic Eligibility

1. When the school year begins, register at the NCAA's Eligibility Center.


2. Sign up for either or both the ACT and SAT and use the NCAA Eligibility Center code (9999) as a score recipient.


3. Double check to make sure the courses you have taken match your university's list of approved core courses.


4. At the end of the school year, have your guidance counselor send an official transcript to the NCAA Eligibility Center. The NCAA will need official transcripts from all high schools attended. Be aware that the Eligibility Center does not accept faxed transcripts or test scores.


5. Before senior year class registration begins, talk to your high school guidance counselor to determine the number and type of core courses you need to complete for DI and for DII universities (the core class requirements are different for D1 and D2 schools).

Senior Year NCAA Academic Eligibility

1. If necessary, take the SAT and/or the ACT again. Your best score from each section of the SAT and ACT will be used by the Eligibility Center to determine your best cumulative score. It never hurts to take them twice!


2. Continue taking college-prep courses.


3. Make sure the courses you have taken match your intended university's list of approved core courses.


4. Review your amateurism responses and request final amateurism certification on or after April 1 for fall enrollees, or Oct. 1 for spring enrollees.


5. Graduate on time -- in eight academic semesters. If you fall behind, use summer school before graduation to catch up.


6. After graduation, ask your guidance counselor to send your final transcript to the NCAA Eligibility Center with proof of graduation.

Helpful Academic Eligibility Links