“HOW TO” FOR THE COLLEGE BOUND STUDENT-ATHLETE NCAA SEMINAR Susquehanna Township High School October 30, 2013 Robert Deibler, Athletic Director Denise Short, Counselor

NCAA WHAT IS THE NCAA?  National Collegiate Athletic Association  An organization through which many of the nation’s colleges/ universities speak and act on athletic matters at the national level  It is a non-profit, voluntary association of more than 1200 schools, conferences, organizations and individuals dedicated to the sound administration of intercollegiate athletics

MEMBERSHIP Three legislative and competitive divisions: Division I Division II Division III

ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS Division I HS Diploma 16 Core Classes Min GPA and SAT/ACT Scores (see sliding scale chart) Division II HS Diploma 16 Core Classes 2.0 minimum GPA in Core Classes SAT 820 or ACT 68 minimum No Sliding scale chart Division III Varies by school Does not use NCAA initial eligibility center

CORE CLASSES- DIVISION I 16 Core Classes 4 English 3 Math (Algebra 1 or higher) 2 Natural/Physical Science (including one lab science) 1 extra English, math OR Natural/Physical Science 2 Social Science 4 additional courses from core above or foreign language or religion

CORE CLASSES – DIVISION II 16 Core Classes 3 English 2 Math (Algebra 1 or higher) 2 Natural/Physical Science (including one lab science) 3 extra English, math OR Natural/Physical Science 2 Social Science 4 additional courses from core above or foreign language or religion

DIVISION III Unlike Divisions I and II, there is no uniform set of eligibility requirements for Division III schools. Eligibility for admission, financial aid, practice and competition is determined by the college or university.

SAT AND/OR ACT SCORES The SAT score used for NCAA purposes includes only the critical reading and math sections. The writing section of the SAT is not used. The ACT score used for NCAA purposes is a sum of the following four sections: English Mathematics Reading Science

CALCULATING CORE GPA AVERAGES 4.0 Scale A= 4.0 B= 3.0 C= 2.0 D= 1.0  Core Classes are academic/ college prep courses as approved by the NCAA  Only core courses that appear on your schools list of NCAA will be used in the calculation of the GPA  Keep track as you progress through high school  Quick reference sheet for calculating the Core GPA available in Guidance

THE PROCESS   Eligibility registration pg  Transcript Request  Cost: $70  Follow-up and Pin Number   Early certification – Junior year

EARLY CERTIFICATION Students who meet the following criteria after six semesters will be certified as qualifiers: Minimum SAT (math and critical reading) of 1000 or minimum sum score of 85 on the ACT For Division I: Core-course GPA of or higher in a minimum of 13 core courses: 3 English 2 math 2 science and 6 additional core courses. For Division II: Core-course GPA of or higher in a minimum of 12 core courses: 3 English 2 math 2 science and 5 additional core courses.

PROMOTING YOUR ATHLETIC TALENTS Colleges do not typically knock on your door and offer scholarship money… you must increase your visibility to be recognized by college coaches. Students can boost their visibility by visiting campuses, meeting coaches and making phone calls. The first 2 years of HS are about development -- developing your sports skills as well as working on your leadership abilities. You will be a more valuable recruit if you have built a reputation for teamwork, sportsmanship and maturity. Establishing that reputation is a long process and it requires consistency. College coaches are looking for motivated athletes who contribute to team unity, have valued athletic talents and solid academic performance in school. The athlete’s season for recruiting is just a few months so being on a coaches radar early is important to make the best use of your time. Start early by evaluating college sports programs and thinking about the type of team philosophy or environment where you’d fit in best.

PROMOTING YOUR ATHLETIC TALENTS Work with your coaches! If marketing yourself – recruitment packets about student should include : Stats/ athletic resume CD/DVD of game/skills Newspaper articles (highlighted) Other options include using a consultant or a service to help you through the recruitment process

TIMELINE - 9 TH GRADE Choose rigorous courses Talk with your counselor AND coach about future intentions Work with a coach and/or trainer to improve/strengthen athletic skills Develop a plan, attend camps and showcases Keep track of your participation/stats GRADES!!!! Enrollments after 8/1/16: NEW NCAA Division I Initial- Eligibility Requirements ules/High_School_IE_Standards.pdf

TIMELINE - 10 TH GRADE Choose rigorous courses – GRADES!!! Continue to keep your coaches and counselor informed of your plans Career/college research Take PSATs in the fall Continue to work on your athletic skills and keep track of your stats Visit schools, attend camps and showcases

TIMELINE - 11 TH GRADE Unofficial visits to college campuses Course selection – very important! Take PSATs in the fall and SATs and/or ACTs in the spring (#9999) Must send SAT and/or ACT test scores DIRECTLY to the NCAA! In May/June apply for initial eligibility on-line and through your Guidance Office Early certification – fall (see requirements) Athletic Skills and GRADES!

TIMELINE -12 TH GRADE Fall SAT/ACT Official visits Applications in before Thanksgiving  Admissions vs. athletics! Complete a Financial Aid application (FAFSA) in January/February regardless of your plans Choose college Sign letter of intent Keep up with those GRADES!

COLLEGE ATHLETICS  Competitiveness  Scholarship Requirements  Professional Sports  Related articles and statistics  NAIA and NJCAA … other paths to consider

MISCELLANEOUS  Sample Letters  Checklists  Questions to Ask  Making your decision   NCAA Code for SAT/ACT: 9999  Susquehanna Twp HS Code:

RESOURCES Resources tab on the NCAA Eligibility Center website ( Initial-Eligibility Resource Index Guide for the College-Bound Student- Athlete Quick Reference Guide Initial Eligibility Brochure