Preazy Prep is pleased to announce the introduction of the NCAA Division I Eligibility Calculator. This free tool will allow athletes to determine the minimum ACT score needed to become eligible for an NCAA scholarship. Determining eligibility can often be confusing because the NCAA uses a sliding scale based on the grades received in specific courses to determine the minimum required ACT score.

The three main academic requirements for NCAA eligibility are:

1. Completion of Required Core Classes
2. Core Grade Point Average (over 2.00)
3. Minimum required ACT / SAT score

All these requirements are related. These requirements are described in more detail below:

Required Core Classes

Prior to graduation, each student must complete 16 units (32 semesters) of core courses. Courses that qualify as core courses are: English, math, physical sciences, social sciences, foreign language and philosophy. Courses that do NOT qualify as core courses are: physical education (football, basketball, cheerleading, etc), religion (faith-based), and any independent study courses.

When filling out the online NCAA calculator, you will see that each course goes in a specific category. It is important that by the time you graduate, you have completed the minimum required courses.

Core GPA

To ensure fairness, the NCAA does not use the same grade point average (GPA) that is computed by your school. Instead, your core GPA is determined based on the grades you receive in your core classes alone. A standard scale (A = 4.0, B = 3.0, etc) is then applied to the grades to get a core GPA. When planning your curriculum, keep in mind that both honors and advanced placement courses use the same scale as regular courses. The minimum required GPA to qualify for an NCAA scholarship is 2.00.

Standardized Test Score (ACT / SAT)

Once you have found your core GPA, the NCAA uses a sliding scale to determine the required test score. On the sliding scale, the higher your core GPA, the lower the required ACT score. When you use the NCAA eligibility calculator, you will get both a composite ACT score, which is the overall score that you need to get on the ACT as well as the the required sum of all the sections. This is the sum of the scores of the four main subject areas of the ACT (English, math, reading, and science). In order to be eligible for an NCAA scholarship, the sum of your scores on all four sections must meet or exceed your minimum required score.

Do not wait until the last minute to take the ACT. Make sure you have the score you need by signing up for our online ACT preparation course. Not sure what your score is? Try our free online ACT test to see where you stand.

The NCAA eligibility calculator is a free tool provided by Preazy Prep to help students, parents, and coaches better understand the academic requirements for athletes. To find the calculator in the future, check under the ‘Resources’ tab near the top of the page. Check back soon for more tools and information from PreazyPrep.com.

Filed under: ACT Test, Athletics, College Admissions, SAT Test, Scholarships by Michael West