NCAA Sliding Scale | GPA and SAT/ACT Requirements

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NCAA Eligibility Updates

In Janaury 2023, the NCAA eliminated SAT/ACT test score requirements for initial eligibility for student-athletes. This change, recommended by the NCAA Standardized Test Score Task Force, will take effect from the 2023-2024 school year onward.

The NCAA will no longer use a sliding scale to assess academic eligibility.

Keep in mind that this exemption is for eligibility purposes only. Many colleges still require students to take the ACT or SAT for admissions or scholarship purposes, and college coaches may still ask to see your scores to determine if you meet their program’s academic standards.

What is the NCAA sliding scale?

Before the NCAA removed the test scores eligibility requirement, student-athletes who wished to determine their eligibility would refer to the NCAA sliding scale. This scale allowed for some flexibility, meaning if you had a high GPA, you could have lower SAT/ACT scores – and vice versa.

Does the NCAA still use a sliding scale?

No, the NCAA no longer relies on a sliding scale. Student-athletes are not required to take the ACT/SAT for initial eligibility. However, they still need to meet the GPA and core course requirements set by the NCAA for their chosen division.

Are Ivy League or Top-50 colleges on your target list? CollegeAdvisor.com offers 1-on-1 guidance from admissions experts to strengthen your college applications and boost your chances of admission.

Four reasons to take the ACT or SAT

• Top-tier academic schools want to see your scores early. The competition is fierce at academically selective schools, and even applicants with high GPAs can find it difficult to stand out. Completing the ACT registration or SAT registration process, taking the test and submitting your scores early can help you set yourself apart from other recruits.
  
• Getting recruited doesn’t mean you’re automatically accepted into a college. Getting a verbal offer or signing the National Letter of Intent doesn’t mean that you’re automatically accepted by a college. The college coach works for the athletic department, not the admissions department. Your application, including grades and test scores, need to stand on its own. When researching schools, make sure you look at the incoming freshmen average GPA and ACT or SAT test scores to get an idea of what grades and test scores you need to meet admissions requirements.
  
• It may increase your chances at securing an academic scholarship. Many colleges provide academic scholarships to students who have a strong GPA and test score. Learn more about the different types of scholarships here.
  
• Adding a test score to your NCSA profile can help you stand out. College coaches want to focus their recruiting efforts on student-athletes who they know have a good chance at being accepted into their college. Beyond eligibility and acceptance purposes, coaches are also looking for recruits who take their academics seriously. Chances are, if you have a strong GPA and test score, they know you’re more likely to be able to balance the demands of your sport with a college workload. 

What is a Good SAT and ACT score?

The most common question that athletes and families ask us about the ACT and SAT tests is regarding what score qualifies as good. The national average on the ACT is a 21 and the national average on the SAT is a 1070.

With that said, these are relative scores and you’ll have to gather more information when applying to colleges. In this video, Tom Ehlers, President and Founder of Method Test Prep, breaks down what you need to know.

ACT registration, SAT registration and test dates

ACT and SAT test dates are offered throughout the year, but the deadlines to register for either test are typically at least a month in advance. Taking some time to complete your ACT registration or SAT registration in advance can save you stress, time and money in late fees! 

ACT Registration and Test Dates

2023-2024 ACT Registration and Test Dates

International test dates for student-athletes who reside outside of the US, US territories and Puerto Rico can view international ACT registration and test dates here. 

For more information about the ACT, including upcoming ACT registration and test dates, visit ACT.org. 

SAT Registration and Test Dates 

2023-2024 SAT Registration and Test Dates

International test dates for student-athletes who reside outside of the US, US territories and Puerto Rico can view international SAT registration and test dates here. 

For more information about the SAT, including upcoming SAT registration and test dates, visit the CollegeBoard website here.