For millions of parents and high school student-athletes, competing in college athletics is a goal they work toward for years. They invest significant time, effort, and resources into training, travel, and equipment. However, there is another important piece of the college athletics puzzle that can be overlooked: academic eligibility.

Strong grades alone do not guarantee that a student-athlete will meet the academic requirements to compete at the collegiate level. Taking the right courses and understanding eligibility requirements early can help athletes stay on track and avoid preventable setbacks.

Here are several steps to help ensure you are on track to be academically eligible to play volleyball at the collegiate level.

STEP #1

Don’t assume strong grades guarantee academic eligibility.

Academic eligibility is not determined by GPA alone. A student-athlete can earn strong grades and attend a rigorous high school while still falling short of specific eligibility requirements.

That’s why athletes and families should understand academic requirements early and regularly confirm that the courses being taken meet the applicable eligibility standards. Waiting until senior year to review requirements can leave little time to address missing coursework or other eligibility concerns.

STEP #2

Understand the language.

Academic eligibility is a different standard than simply being an A student. NCAA academic eligibility includes a specific combination of NCAA-approved courses, grades, and other requirements. NCAA-approved courses can vary by high school, so a course that qualifies at one school may not qualify at another.

For example, AP Computer Science may be an NCAA-approved course at one high school but not at another. Students and families should review their school’s list of NCAA-approved courses and understand the terminology used throughout the eligibility process. View a glossary of terms here.

Many families are also unfamiliar with the NCAA’s 10/7 rule, which requires Division I student-athletes to complete 10 of their 16 NCAA-approved core courses before the start of their senior year. Waiting until the final year of high school to complete required courses can leave an athlete without enough time to correct a problem.

A student may also earn straight A’s and still encounter eligibility issues by taking a course that does not meet NCAA requirements. Likewise, a high school may have an outdated list of NCAA-approved courses, creating a potential issue that could have been prevented with an earlier review.

Remember: your high school GPA is not necessarily the same as your NCAA Core GPA.

STEP #3

Ask questions and use the resources available.

The NCAA Eligibility Center provides resources to help student-athletes and families understand the eligibility process. Students and families should begin learning about eligibility requirements early rather than waiting until the recruiting process is underway.

Registering with the NCAA Eligibility Center does not mean the eligibility process is complete. Families should continue to monitor academic progress, review course selections, and confirm that coursework is meeting applicable NCAA requirements.

The NCAA Eligibility Center also offers different account options depending on an athlete’s plans and division. Visit the NCAA Eligibility Center for current registration information and requirements.

STEP #4

Check your course selections against your high school’s list of NCAA-approved courses.

Before registering for classes, review your high school’s current list of NCAA-approved courses. Do not assume that a course counts toward NCAA eligibility simply because it meets your high school’s graduation requirements.

If you have questions about whether a course qualifies, ask your school counselor and verify the information through the NCAA Eligibility Center.

STEP #5

Track your NCAA Core GPA each semester.

Don’t wait until your senior year to find out whether you are on track.

Review your NCAA Core GPA regularly and monitor your progress toward the applicable eligibility requirements. Keeping track each semester gives you more time to identify and address potential issues.

STEP #6

Prepare for standardized testing and stay current on NCAA requirements.

If standardized test scores are part of the eligibility requirements applicable to you, prepare early and understand the current requirements. NCAA rules and eligibility standards can change, so athletes and families should regularly check the NCAA Eligibility Center for the most current information.

College athletics can provide opportunities for financial aid, admissions support, academic resources, lifelong friendships, travel, leadership development, and career networking. By understanding academic eligibility early in your high school career, you can take the necessary steps to keep your college volleyball options open.

Start early, ask questions, and take responsibility for your academic eligibility.

About the Author

Honest Game is the academic eligibility expert for juniors volleyball clubs, coaches, athletes and families. Just upload your school transcript and get your downloadable individualized College Athletic Report on Eligibility™, we call it CARE™.

Revised 8.10.26