If you want to play sports in college on an athletic scholarship, you need to start planning your junior year of high school.  There are many regulations and conditions you need to know ahead of time so that you don't miss possible opportunities.

 

The National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) establishes rules on eligibility, recruiting, and financial aid for most college athletic programs.  Colleges are members of one of the NCAA's three membership divisions (Division I, II, or III) according to the size and scope of their athletic programs and whether they provide athletic scholarships.

 

If you plan to participate in NCAA Division I or II college sports as a freshman, you need certification from the NCAA Initial-Eligibility Clearinghouse (www.eligibilitycenter.org/).  You should start the certification process when you are a junior in high school and no later than graduation of your senior year.

 

-Check with the Guidance Department to make sure your are taking classes that meet the NCAA coure course requirements.

- Take the SAT I or ACT Assessment as a junior.

- Make sure the Clearinghouse receives your SAT or ACT score reports by entering the specific code (9999) printed in the SAT and/or ACT registration forms. 

- Fill out a Transcript Request Form available from the Guidance Office and have it sent to the NCAA Clearinghouse at the beginning of your senior year. 

- Complete the NCAA Eligibility Application.

- There is a fee charged by the NCAA for this application.

 

- The Clearinghouse personnel will validate your application and determine your initial eligibility. 

- Colleges will request information from the Clearinghouse on the initial eligibility of prospective student-athletes. 

- The Clearinghouse will make a certification decision and report it directly to the college.