Information for Student Athletes

Athletics is an area of special talent that can make a difference in the college admissions and financial aid process. At most colleges, athletics are regulated by the rules established by the NCAA (National Collegiate Athletic Association) which divides all college sports programs into three divisions known as Division I, II, and III. The recruitment and enrollment of college athletes are governed firmly by the NCAA's rules for each division.

To be eligible to participate at the Division I or II level, where full athletic scholarships are awarded, students must be certified as eligible by the NCAA Initial-Eligibility Clearinghouse. The Clearinghouse's pamphlet, Making Sure You Are Eligible To Participate In College Sports explains the academic standards and process needed to be certified.

Go to the NCAA Eligibility Center website and register if you intend or hope to play Division I or Division II at the college level.

At a Division III college, where athletic scholarships are not awarded, admission offices generally look favorably upon student athletes who also meet the college's academic entrance requirements.

Suggestions for the Student Athlete:

• Inform your high school coach that you are interested in playing that sport in college. Ask the coach if he or she is available to college coaches.
• Prepare and mail a short letter of introduction and an athletic resume to college coaches.
• Become familiar with the NCAA rules regarding the recruitment of athletes.
• Inform your counselor that you are interested in competing in athletics at the college level.
• Counselors can outline the athletic recruiting process and what the role of the student should be in that process.
• Register with the NCAA Clearing House if planning to play a sport at a division one or division two college.

Resources for Prospective College Athletes:

• NCAA Guide for the College Bound Student Athlete: A free publication and the best place to start to familiarize oneself with the rules, philosophy, and organization of the NCAA. Most athletic directors and guidance offices are mailed free copies each year.
• National Directory of College Athletics: Separate editions published yearly for men's and women's athletics. Organized alphabetically by college with name and phone number of each coach.
• Peterson's Sports Scholarships and College Athletic Programs: Information on scholarships, men's and women's sports, facilities, team records, coaches, and advice on how and when to apply and whom to contact.
• Official Directory of National Association of Collegiate Directors of Athletics NACOA