What tests do I need to take to be eligible?
The tests you need to take depend on what collegiate level you want to play. NCAA Divisions 1 and 2 require that you take either the SAT or the ACT. For D1 and D2 schools, the NCAA Eligibility Center uses a sliding scale to see if your standardized test score is high enough.
The minimum SAT score to be eligible–combined critical reading and math–is a 400, accompanied by a 3.55 and above GPA. Here is a tool that calculates what you need with your GPA and test scores.
The NCAA doesn’t look at the critical writing section to decide eligibility, however most individual schools do consider it during the admissions process.
Just because you’re declared eligible by the Eligibility Center doesn’t mean you’ll gain admission to a college or be recruited.
Individual institutions and conferences set eligibility standards at the NCAA Division 3 level. You may be able to find schools that don’t require a standardized test, but you’ll severely limit your options.
The NAIA determines academic eligibility by looking at your GPA, class rank, and standardized test scores, the SAT or ACT. To be declared eligible to compete at an NAIA school you must hit a specified mark in two out of three of those categories: a 2.0 GPA on a 4.0 scale, finish ranked in the top 50% of your high school class, or score above a combined 860 on the reading and writing portions of the SAT or score an 18 on the Enhanced ACT.
Remember, an SAT or ACT score may not be necessary to be eligible, but not taking it may reduce your school options.
If you’re an international student from a non-native English speaking country you’ll be required to take the TOEFL exam. The TOEFL exam evaluates a student’s ability to read and write in English.