NCAA Eligibility and SAT Scores: If a student takes the current SAT before March 2016 and then takes the redesigned SAT at a later date, the NCAA Eligibility Center will not combine section scores from the current and redesigned SAT when determining a student's initial eligibility. The NCAA Eligibility Center will only combine section scores from the same version of the test. Because the redesigned SAT varies in design and measures different academic concepts than the current SAT, a numerical score on the current test may not be equivalent to the same numerical score on the redesigned test. Students should use recipient code 9999 when sending scores to the NCAA Eligibility Center.
FRESHMEN & SOPHOMORES
Start planning now by working hard to get the best grades possible.
Take classes that match you high school’s List of NCAA Courses. The NCAA Eligibility Center will only use approved courses to certify a student’s initial eligibility. For Division I and Division II, click here for the high school courses you need to take.
Click here to learn more about Division II courses.
If you fall behind, use summer school sessions before senior year to catch up.
JUNIORS
Register to take the ACT, SAT or both and use the NCAA Eligibility Center code "9999" as a score recipient.
Double check to make sure that you are taking courses that match your high school’s List of NCAA Courses.
Request that your high school counselor send an official transcript to the NCAA Eligibility Center after completing your junior year. (The NCAA Eligibility Center does NOT accept faxed or emailed transcripts.)
SENIORS
Take the ACT or SAT as many times as necessary.
Check your List of NCAA Courses.
Graduate on time (eight semesters).
Continue to take college-preparatory courses.
Visit the "My Planner" page online after you register to view your status and check for any missing information or documents.
Review your sports participation (amateurism) responses and request final amateurism certification 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.
NAIA
NAIA Information and NAIA Guide for the College Bound Student Athlete
Send ACT or SAT Scores using NAIA Code 9876 (test scores on transcripts are not acceptable).
NAIA only needs one qualifying test score
18 composite score on the ACT
OR 860 on the SAT (Critical Reading & Math only).
The ACT or SAT score must be from one sitting. Have your high school send an official transcript after high school graduation, unless you qualify to receive an Early Decision. In that case, have the school send it at the end of your junior year.
EARLY DECISION REQUIREMENTS: same ACT/SAT scores, at least a "B" average (3.0 on 4.0 scale) after the completion of junior year of high school or at least a 2.5 GPA on a 4.0 scale midway through senior year. If you qualify, have your high school send the transcripts early to receive a determination before graduation (end of junior year). This is the final determination from the NAIA and no further action is needed from the Eligibility Center if an "eligible" decision is received.
Graduating HS seniors
only need to meet TWO requirements to be eligible in the NAIA their
freshman year
Minimum GPA of 2.0 on 4.0 scale, 18 ACT or 860 Critical
Reading/Math SAT
Graduating in top 50% of class.
$70 registration fee
for U.S. and Canadian high school students. Fee waivers are available
based on need - HS students with an ACT/SAT fee waiver or participating
in free/reduced school lunch program.