If you plan to participate in Division I or Division II sports in college, it's important that you read the "Guide for the College-Bound Student-Athlete." This guide can be found at the link below. It covers such topics as academic eligibility, amateur status, registration with the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) eligibility center, and financial aid and recruiting rules. Eligibility and registration requirements are complex and subject to change, so be sure to read the guide and follow all the rules and regulations.

The main website for the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA ) is www.ncaa.org and the National Collegiate Athletic Associate (NAIA) is www.naia.org.

All prospective Division I and Division II athletes must also be certified by the NCAA Eligibility Center. Go to the link below and follow the directions on how to be certified.  If you get free or reduced lunch, you can stop by the College and Career Center to get a fee waiver for the NCAA Clearinghouse.  You will also need to send the scores from your standardized tests to the Center. When you register to take the SAT or ACT, send your scores to the Center at code 9999.  If possible, register during your junior year.  After junior year, send a transcript to the Center.

If you are applying to a Division III school, you should contact that school regarding its policies on admissions, financial aid, practices, and competitions. Division III schools have limited recruiting budgets, so they tend to favor students who show an interest in them. For more information, go to www.collegestudentathletes.com.