Important Information About Division I and Division II Initial-Eligibility Changes
The Division I and Division II initial-eligibility requirements were recently changed.
WHAT IS THE NEW RULE? The new requirements increase the number of required core courses from 13 to 14. The additional course may come from any of the following areas: English, mathematics, natural/physical science, social science, foreign language, non-doctrinal religion or philosophy.
For the class of 2008: Division I only -- 16 core courses
If you plan to enter college in 2008 or after, you will need to present 16 core courses in the following breakdown:
Information for home-schooled students
Students who were home schooled for any part of high school (grades nine through 12) must now register with the NCAA Initial-Eligibility Clearinghouse. The clearinghouse will determine whether they will be eligible for practice, competition and institutional financial aid at an NCAA Division I or Division II institution during their freshman year.
The clearinghouse will perform preliminary and final certification reports for home-schooled students. The preliminary analysis of a student's academic record will enable the student to become aware of any deficiencies in their academic record and allow the student to rectify those deficiencies prior to high-school graduation.
It is important to note that before a preliminary certification may be performed, the clearinghouse must receive the student release form (or registration form, which may be completed via the Internet), the registration fee, a transcript with at least six semesters represented, and official test scores on the ACT and/or SAT.
After high-school graduation, once the clearinghouse receives the student's final transcript and proof of graduation, the clearinghouse will perform a final certification.
Home-schooled students should register with the clearinghouse by visiting the clearinghouse Web site at www.ncaaclearinghouse.net. From there, click on "Prospective Student-Athletes," then "Domestic Student Release Form" and follow the prompts.
Computer science being eliminated for core-course purposes
Computer science courses will no longer be able to be used for initial-eligibility purposes. This rule is effective August 1, 2005, for students first entering a collegiate institution on or after August 1, 2005. Computer science courses (such as programming) that are taught through the mathematics or natural/physical science departments and receive either math or science credit and are on the high school's list of approved core courses as math or science may be used after the August 1, 2005, date.
Register online!
Prospective student-athletes may register with the NCAA Initial-Eligibility Clearinghouse on-line. Simply go to the Initial-Eligibility Clearinghouse Web site. By registering on-line, prospects will be able to view their eligibility information on-line, and will not have to call the clearinghouse for eligibility updates. On-line registration saves time, and allows prospective student-athletes to view their eligibility status up to six weeks faster than through the paper registration process.
Changes in SAT/ACT tests
The SAT and ACT have made changes their tests; one of the most significant changes is the addition of a writing component. On both the SAT and ACT, students will be asked to write an essay. The SAT writing section is mandatory, while the ACT writing section is optional.
The SAT will now have three parts: critical reading (formerly known as verbal), mathematics, and writing. Since each section is worth 200-800 points, the SAT score will now range from 600-2400.
Will the NCAA require a writing test as part of its initial-eligibility requirements?
The NCAA had determined that the writing component should not be required at the present time. The NCAA has noted the importance of reviewing research related to the impact of the writing component.
How will the NCAA Initial-Eligibility Clearinghouse use the scores on the new SAT?
Because the critical reading and math sections will still be scored on a 200-800 point scale, the clearinghouse will still combine those two sections for the combined score. The writing section will not be used. The clearinghouse will use scores from the new SAT in combination with scores from the current SAT for the combined score.
What about ACT?
ACT is also adding a writing component, but the ACT writing component is optional. The scores on the ACT will remain the same.
Where can I get more information?
The College Board has information about the new SAT on its Web site at www.collegeboard.com, and ACT has information at www.act.org.
Specific questions regarding any of the information on this page may be answered by contacting the NCAA Membership Services staff at 317/917-6222.
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