How can I find what classes count for my core courses?
Meeting the NCAA Core Course requirements is by far the most difficult to understand aspect of academic eligibility requirements for the NCAA. The NCAA does not give you advice on what specific courses at your high school you need to take. Instead, you need to work with your high school councilor and if possible the athletic department of the college recruiting you to figure out what classes you needs to take.
As stated before, here are the core source requirements for NCAA DI and DII
NCAA DI
- 4 Years English
- 3 Years Math
- 2 Years Physical or Natural Science
- 2 Years Social Science
- 1 Year Extra or Math or Science
- 4 Years of (Religion, Philosophy, Foreign Language, or categories above)
NCAA DII
- 3 Years English
- 3 Years Math
- 2 Years Physical or Natural Science
- 2 Years Social Science
- 2 Year Extra or Math or Science
- 4 Years of (Religion, Philosophy, Foreign Language, or categories above)
In order to determine what classes you need to take you first need to reference the list of core courses approved at your high school.
- Go to this website and navigate to your high school by entering your state, city (of the high school) and name of your school.
- Select your high school
You now have a complete list of courses at your high school that are approved by the NCAA as core courses. In addition, you should get the contact information for the councilors you need to talk to should you need more help.
The issues to look out for are if you are taking a lower level math or English course that isn’t on the list. For example, Math courses that are below the Algebra 1 level will not count as a year of Math.
It is best to sit down with your councilor and go over this list together. Ensure all of the classes you have taken to this point are approved classes and the schedule out the rest of your high school courses so you will meet the requirements. *If you aim to meet the core course requirements for NCAA DI you will also quality in DII. But not all DII qualifiers will qualify for DI. Plan your courses to meet the NCAA DI requirements.
What are the NCAA Core Course requirements?
How do I calculate my core course GPA?
How do I get cleared by the NCAA Eligibility Center?
What are the academic eligibility requirements?