College Basketball Academic Requirement

NCAA Division I

  • Core Courses: 16 core courses (10 must be completed before the start of your final semester of high school, and 7 of these 10 must be in English, math, or science):
    • 4 years of English
    • 3 years of math (Algebra I or higher)
    • 2 years of natural/physical science (1 year of lab if offered by high school)
    • 1 extra year of English, math, or natural/physical science
    • 2 years of social science
    • 4 years of additional courses (from any area above, foreign language, or comparative religion/philosophy)
  • GPA: Minimum GPA of 2.3 in core courses.
  • Standardized Tests: Combined SAT score or ACT sum score that matches your core-course GPA on the NCAA sliding scale.

NCAA Division II

  • Core Courses: 16 core courses:
    • 3 years of English
    • 2 years of math (Algebra I or higher)
    • 2 years of natural/physical science (1 year of lab if offered by high school)
    • 3 additional years of English, math, or natural/physical science
    • 2 years of social science
    • 4 years of additional courses (from any area above, foreign language, or comparative religion/philosophy)
  • GPA: Minimum GPA of 2.2 in core courses.
  • Standardized Tests: Combined SAT score of 820 or ACT sum score of 68.

NCAA Division III

  • Division III does not use the NCAA Eligibility Center. Each college or university determines its own eligibility for admission and participation.

NAIA Academic Requirements

NAIA Freshman Eligibility

  • High School Graduation: Must graduate from high school.
  • GPA: Minimum GPA of 2.0 on a 4.0 scale.
  • Class Rank: Graduate in the top half of your high school class.
  • Standardized Tests: Minimum score of 18 on the ACT or 970 on the SAT (critical reading and math sections).

Community College Academic Requirements

NJCAA (National Junior College Athletic Association)

  • High School Graduation: Must graduate from high school or have a GED.
  • GPA: Requirements vary by school and program.
  • Placement Tests: Some community colleges may require placement tests to determine course placement.

General Tips for Meeting Academic Requirements

  • Stay on Track: Start planning your courses early in high school to ensure you meet all the necessary requirements.
  • Seek Help: Utilize academic resources such as tutors, study groups, and academic advisors.
  • Monitor Progress: Regularly check your GPA and coursework to ensure you are meeting the eligibility requirements.
  • Register Early: Register with the NCAA Eligibility Center and/or the NAIA Eligibility Center early in your high school career to stay informed about any changes or specific requirements.

Meeting these academic requirements is crucial for maintaining eligibility and maximizing opportunities for scholarships and college admissions.

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