If your kids are interested in competing in NCAA sports, it’s time to learn about the college admissions process for athletes.

Register for an NCAA Eligibility Center Account

Students who want to compete in NCAA Sports must first register and create an account with the NCAA Eligibility Center (formerly the Clearinghouse). Plan to register prior to freshman year of high school.

There are three types of accounts. Select the account best suited to the individual student’s situation:

  • Free Profile account for (i) middle school and older students who are interested in college athletics, (ii) students who are still deciding on an NCAA division, (iii) Division III level athletes, or (iv) NCAA-certified non-scholastic basketball players.
  • Amateurism-Only certification account for international college-bound first-year and transfer students who will compete at an NCAA Division III school
  • Academic and Amateurism certification is the most common account and is appropriate for future NCAA student athletes who (i) compete at an NCAA Division I or Division II school, (ii) take an official visit, and (iii) sign a National Letter of Intent to attend the school.

Students who are enrolling for the first time at an NCAA Division I or Division II school should speak with the compliance staff at the school to confirm which NCAA account is right for them.

NCAA Eligibility Registration Checklist

After determining which account type is needed, be prepared with the following information:

  • Valid personal email address for student. The email must be accessible and checked by the student after high school (i.e., do not use a school email address)
  • Basic personal and contact information
  • Sports participation history, including any expenses and awards received as well as information about teams and events for which the student participated
  • Details about any individuals who advised or marketed the student athlete
  • Account application fee payment or eligibility for a fee waiver

Additional Steps for College Admissions

In addition to registering for an NCAA Eligibility Certification, students (including recruited athletes), must also complete the school’s admissions process.

  • Prepare for the ACT / SAT and register for the test
  • Write a college admissions essay
  • Submit an application to the college
  • Learn more about financial assistance
  • Provide to NCAA proof of high school graduation by submitting final high school transcripts
  • Communicate with college coaching staff about application process

NCAA Eligibility Center

National Collegiate Athletic Association

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES

Learn more about the SAT and ACT

Receive expert guidance for college admissions applications

Apply to multiple schools with a single Common Application

Review more detailed information about the college application process for athletes

Mental Toughness For Young Athletes (Parent’s Guide)

Moses Horne & Troy Horne

Mental Toughness For Young Athletes

Summary. This book helps parents better understand the stress and anxiety of young elite athletes. It provides guidance for developing mental toughness based on interviews with collegiate and professional players across multiple sports.

There are two options: a parent’s guide edition and an edition for young athletes.

Reviews. Parents, parent coaches and other reviewers applaud the wisdom and guidance offered in this book. It clarifies the mindset of youth who dream of being a champion. While centered around basketball, the tips and insights are applicable across all sports. Parents learn how to support and guide their children to understand the power of their mind and develop self-confidence.

Top photo credit: Keith Johnston | Pixabay