GPA and the Sliding Scale
Division I schools use a sliding scale to match SAT test scores and core-course GPA. This means depending on what GPA a student earns from his/her core courses, a matching SAT or ACT score must be obtained in order for a student athlete to be eligible for competition. The reference sheet link below illustrates the sliding scale as it corresponds to a students GPA.
quick_reference_sheet.pdf | |
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Academic Requirements for Division I
There are new requirements for college-bound student athletes enrolling full time at an NCAA Division I college
or university on or after August 1, 2016. The student athlete is required to have the following requirements:
Along with these changes the NCAA has named three possible out comes that will affect the athletes ability to compete and practice. The outcomes are as follows:
or university on or after August 1, 2016. The student athlete is required to have the following requirements:
- Minimum core-course GPA of 2.300
- Change in GPA/test score index (sliding scale); and
- Ten core courses required before beginning of senior year. 7/10 must be in English Math or natural/physical science
Along with these changes the NCAA has named three possible out comes that will affect the athletes ability to compete and practice. The outcomes are as follows:
- Full qualifier :competition, athletics aid (scholarship), and practice the first year.
- Academic redshirt = athletics aid the first year, practice in first regular academic term.
- Nonqualifier = no athletics aid, practice or competition the first year
Full-Qualifier
Students will need to meet the following requirements to receive athletic aid, practice and compete their first year:
4 years English;
3 years math (Apprenticeship and Workplace Math not accepted)
2 years natural or physical science (one lab if offered at any high school attended);
1 year additional English, math or natural/physical science;
2 years social science; and
4 years additional from areas above or foreign language, philosophy or comparative religion.
- 16 core courses in the following areas (note: requirements begin with grade 9 courses):
4 years English;
3 years math (Apprenticeship and Workplace Math not accepted)
2 years natural or physical science (one lab if offered at any high school attended);
1 year additional English, math or natural/physical science;
2 years social science; and
4 years additional from areas above or foreign language, philosophy or comparative religion.
- Minimum GPA of 2.300 in those 16 core courses required for eligibility.
- Graduate high school
- Competition sliding scale. The minimum sum ACT or SAT (critical reading and math only) score that matches the 16 core-course GPA.
Academic Redshirt
If a college-bound student-athlete meets the following requirements, he/she can receive an athletic scholarship during his/her first year at an NCAA Division I college or university. He/she can practice during his/her first term at a Division I college or university. After the first semester or quarter is complete, in order to continue to practice for the rest of the year, the student must be academically successful at the collegiate level.
4 years English,
3 years math at Algebra I level or higher,
2 years natural or physical science (one lab if offered by any school attended);
1 year additional English, math or natural/physical science;
2 years social science; and
4 years additional from areas above or foreign language, philosophy or comparative religion.
- 16 core courses in the following areas:
4 years English,
3 years math at Algebra I level or higher,
2 years natural or physical science (one lab if offered by any school attended);
1 year additional English, math or natural/physical science;
2 years social science; and
4 years additional from areas above or foreign language, philosophy or comparative religion.
- Minimum GPA of 2.000 in 16 core courses required for eligibility.
- Graduate High School
- Academic redshirt sliding scale. Minimum sum ACT or SAT score (critical reading/math only) that matches the 16 core-course GPA.
Non-Qualifier
What if a student doesn't meet either set of requirements?
If a college-bound student-athlete does not meet either set of requirements, he/she is a nonqualifier.
A non-qualifier:
If a college-bound student-athlete does not meet either set of requirements, he/she is a nonqualifier.
A non-qualifier:
- Cannot receive athletics aid during the first year at an NCAA Division I college or university.
- Cannot practice or compete during the first year at a Division I college or university.