NCAA Sliding Scale | GPA and SAT/ACT Requirements (2023)

Impact of COVID-19 on NCAA eligibility: The NCAA Eligibility Center extended its COVID-19 initial eligibility policies for student-athletes who initially enroll full-time during the 2021-22 and 2022-23 academic years. Students who intend to play D1 or D2 sports won’t be required to take the ACT or SAT by the NCAA. Students are also allowed to use pass/fail grades for core courses through the 2021–22 academic year. To keep track of updates that will impact eligibility for current and future recruiting classes, NCSA will continue to share information on our coronavirus resourcespage.

NCAA Eligibility Updates

On April 14, 2021, the NCAA extended their D1 and D2 COVID-19 initial-eligibility policies. Student-athletes who initially enroll full time at a college in 2021-22 or 2022-23 and intend to play NCAA D1 or D2 athletics are no longer required to take the ACT or SAT to meet NCAA initial-eligibility requirements.

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. Likewise, student-athletes who are planning to enroll in the class of 2023-24 or beyond should still plan on taking the test to meet NCAA eligibility requirements.

What is the NCAA sliding scale?

When you are trying to determine the GPA or SAT/ACT test scores you need to be NCAA eligible, you must reference the NCAA sliding scale. The NCAA sliding scale is designed so that if you have a higher GPA, you can have lower SAT/ACT scores. If you have really strong test scores, you can have a lower GPA.

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.

Academics are very important when it comes to earning a roster spot and securing scholarship money. College coaches do not want to worry about how athletes are doing in the classroom and whether they are staying eligible to compete. That’s why they recruit good students. Check out this video to see how the NCAA factors in both grades and test scores in eligibility requirements.

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 are just as interested in your academic performance as they are with your athletic abilities. They 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.

Insider Tip: Check in with your high school guidance counselor about your grades, core courses and test scores. Not only can they help you meet NCAA eligibility requirements, they can also make sure you’re on track academically to being accepted into your target schools.

If you’re wondering whether you should consider taking the ACT or SAT, check out our recruiting experts break down the importance of standardized testing in the video below.

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

2021-22 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

2021-2022 SAT Registration and Test Dates

SAT Registration will open by early July, 2021. Anticipated test dates are listed below.

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.

NCAA SAT requirements: How to send your SAT scores to the NCAA

The NCAA uses what is called a “combined SAT” test score. This means you add the math and reading scores and do not use the written score when determining your NCAA eligibility. You can take the SAT as many times as necessary during high school. The NCAA will use your highest single math and reading score and add them together for your best SAT combined score.

How to send your SAT scores to the NCAA:The NCAA only accepts test scores sent directly from the College Board. Test scores on transcripts cannot be used in your academic certification.

• Sending test scores when registering: When you are registering for the SAT, enter the code “9999” in the area identifying the schools you would like your test scores sent.
• Sending test scores after you have taken the SAT: If you have already taken the SAT, you have two options. You can send your scores to the NCAA for free up to nine days after the test date. However, if it’s been more than nine days, you will need to go to the college board website to have test scores sent. Be advised this will cost $12, but there are fee waivers available.

SAT Concordance Score:The College Board organization changed the SAT test in the spring of 2016. If you took the SAT before then, you likely took the old version and will need to use the concordance table to convert those scores into the ones now used by the NCAA.

NCAA ACT requirements: How to send your ACT scores to the NCAA

The NCAA sliding scale uses your “ACT sum score.” This is calculated by adding together your English, math, reading and science scores. You can take the ACT a total of 12 times during high school, and your top scores in each subject will be used to create your highest ACT score.

How to send your ACT scores to the NCAA: The NCAA will only accept ACT scores sent directly from the ACT organization. Test scores that appear on your transcript cannot be used in your academic certification.

• Sending ACT scores when registering: When you register for the ACT, enter the code “9999” in the area identifying the schools you would like your test results shared with.
• Sending ACT scores after you’ve taken the test: If you have already taken the ACT and need to send scores, go to the ACT website. Be advised, this will cost $38 per test date per report if you tested before 9/1/2016, and $13 per test date per report if you tested after that date.

Insider Tip: If you qualified (or will qualify) for a waiver of the SAT or ACT fee, you are eligible for a waiver of the NCAA Eligibility Center Certification account registration fee. After you complete your registration, ask an authorized official from your current high school (like a guidance counselor) to submit your fee waiver documentation online.

NCAA D1 Sliding Scale

NCAA D2 Sliding Scale