Academic achievement is almost entirely measured with grades (by course or assignment) and GPA. This is unsurprising since grades and GPA measures are by far the most readily available assessments for institutions.  Indeed, acceptance into postsecondary programs is usually based exclusively on academic performance of applicants, and limited enrolment programs require excellent grades in high school. Adolescence is therefore a crucial period in terms of academic performance because of the direct impact it can have on the probability of being accepted into the chosen postsecondary program.

Having students to understand the importance of their academic decisions at an early stages of high school can better position them for success later on when it comes time to start looking at colleges and universities.

For a student athlete, this means that not only must they be recruited by a college coach to play for their program.  Additionally, they must meet the academic admission requirements to get accepted to the college or university that is recruiting them.  The NCAA has created minimum academic elgibility requirements for student athletes in order for them to participate in collegiate sports at the NCAA DI and DII levels.

NCAA DI Academic Standards

To be eligible to practice, compete and receive an athletics scholarship in your first year of full-time enrollment, you must meet the following requirements:

1. Earn 16 NCAA-approved core-course credits in the following areas:

     - English (4 years)

     - Math (Algebra or high 3 years)

     - Science (including one year of lab, if offered -- 2 years)

     - Extra (English, Math, or Science -- 1 year)

     - Social Science (1 years

     - Other (Any of the previously listed areas or courses listed in additionaly disciplie -- world langusate, comparative religion, or philosophy -- 4 years)

2. Complete your 16 NCAA-approved core-course credits in eight academic semesters or four consecutive academic years from the start of ninth grade. If you graduate from high school early, you still must meet core-course requirements.

3. Complete 10 of your 16 NCAA-approved core-course credits, including seven in English, math or science, before the start of your seventh semester.  Once you begin your seventh semester, any course needed to meet the 10/7 requirement cannot be replaced or repeated.

4. Earn a minimum 2.3 core-course GPA.

5. Ask your high school counselor to upload your final official transcript with proof of graduation to your Eligibility Center account.

See the NCAA website for more information.

Additionally, an prospective student athlete must meet the NCAA DI ACT/SAT Test Scores.

NCAA DII Academic Standards

For high-school athletes enrolling in college full-time in 2023-2024 and beyond: 

1. Complete 16 core courses using pass/fail grades

     - English (4 years)

     - Math (Algebra or high 3 years)

     - Natural/Physical Science (including one year of lab, if offered -- 2 years)

     - Additional Courses

          * English, Math, or Science: 1 year

          * English, Math, Sciences, Foreign Language, Comparative Religion or Philosophy:  4 years

2. Earn a core course GPA of 2.2 or higher

3. Graduate high school

4. Receive final certification on your amateurism status via the NCAA Eligibility Center.

5. Additionally, an prospective student athlete must meet the NCAA DI ACT/SAT Test Scores.

NCAA DIII Academic Standards

Division 3 schools are responsible for setting their own academic eligibility rules.