NCAA Eligibility
Since our founding in 1925, families, fans and community members have been showing their Purple Pride and celebrating Father Ryan Athletics. We have built a culture of hard work, determination and success that has resulted in 64 Team State Championships and over 120 Individual State Championships throughout our long history. After leaving Father Ryan, these athletes have extended this culture to collegiate athletic programs around the country, competing at some of the highest levels and for historic teams. Today, 66 Irish athletes are competing at colleges and universities around the country, bringing their Irish Pride along with them.
NCAA FRESHMAN ELIGIBILITY STANDARDS
Students pursuing athletics at a NCAA division institution must meet eligibility requirements. We recommend student-athletes review the following information at the beginning of their freshman year to schedule the appropriate core courses to meet NCAA standards.
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Freshman to-do List
Freshman year is all about planning ahead. If you think you might want to compete in college athletics, freshman year is when you should lay the groundwork.
You should meet with an Academic Advisor and develop an Academic Road Map to ensure you are taking the right courses for NCAA eligibility.
In addition, you should begin researching prospective schools, regarding both academics and athletics. Make a list of about 50-100 potential schools, which will obviously be skimmed down as your high school career advances.
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Sophomore to-do List
Once you enter Sophomore year, it's time to start registering with the NCAA and/or NAIA. If you want to practice, compete and receive an athletics scholarship during your first year at a Division I or II school, complete your application via the NCAA Eligibility Center. Complete the same process on the NAIA site if you plan on attending a NAIA school.
It's crucially important that you continue to stick to your Academic Road Map. If the pursuit of college athletics is new to you this year, you should meet with an Academic Advisor to get on track.
You can also start making unofficial visits to schools on your list during Sophomore year.
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Junior to-do List
As with all students, regardless of athletics, your Junior year is your most important academic year. It should be a period where you focus on studying, achieving strong marks in class, and taking the ACT and SAT.
Once you have completed these exams, you should upload your scores to the NCAA and/or NAIA sites on your eligibility profile.
Additionally, you should begin to narrow down your prospective schools list, eliminating ones that do not fit your personal, academic and/or athletic needs. Continue to make unofficial visits and think about if you can envision yourself there.
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Senior to-do List
Senior year is all about finishing strong and making the big decision. If necessary, retake the SAT and/or ACT to achieve a stronger mark, and begin the process of applying to schools.
In the Fall, make official visits to schools, although remember that you can only officially visit five DI and DII schools.
Starting January 1st, you should begin applying for Financial Aid, and no later than August 1, you should sign and commit to the institution where you will continue your athletic and academic journey.
Division I Core Courses
NCAA Division I requires 16 core courses. This rule applies to any student entering any Division I college or university.
16 Core Courses:
4 years of English.
3 years of mathematics (Algebra I or higher).
2 years of natural/physical science (1 year of lab if offered by high school).
1 year of additional English, mathematics or natural/physical science.
2 years of social science.
4 years of additional courses (from any area above, foreign language or nondoctrinal religion/philosophy).
16 Core Courses:
4 years of English.
3 years of mathematics (Algebra I or higher).
2 years of natural/physical science (1 year of lab if offered by high school).
1 year of additional English, mathematics or natural/physical science.
2 years of social science.
4 years of additional courses (from any area above, foreign language or nondoctrinal religion/philosophy).
Division II Core Courses
NCAA Division II requires 16 core courses.
16 Core Courses:
3 years of English.
2 years of mathematics (Algebra I or higher).
2 years of natural/physical science (1 year of lab if offered by high school).
2 years of social science.
3 years of additional English, mathematics or natural/physical science.
4 years of additional courses (from any area above, foreign language or nondoctrinal religion/philosophy).
3 years of English.
2 years of mathematics (Algebra I or higher).
2 years of natural/physical science (1 year of lab if offered by high school).
2 years of social science.
3 years of additional English, mathematics or natural/physical science.
4 years of additional courses (from any area above, foreign language or nondoctrinal religion/philosophy).
OTHER IMPORTANT INFORMATION
Students enrolling at an NCAA Division I or II institution for the first time also need to complete the amateurism questionnaire through the Eligibility Center Web site. Students need to request final amateurism certification prior to enrollment.
Please call the NCAA Eligibility Center if you have questions: toll-free number (877) 262-1492.
For more information regarding the rules, please go to www.ncaa.org. Click on "Academics and Athletes" then "Eligibility and Recruiting." Or visit the Eligibility Center Web site at www.ncaaclearinghouse.net.
Please call the NCAA Eligibility Center if you have questions: toll-free number (877) 262-1492.
