Know the rules before they cost you.

The NCAA sliding scale, explained: why it's retired and what counts now

The famous GPA-to-test-score chart was eliminated in 2023. Here's what it was, when it ended, and the GPA-only rules that replaced it.

NCAA Core Courses: the 16 classes that actually count

The NCAA builds your eligibility GPA from just 16 specific courses — here's exactly which classes count and which ones don't.

Can a 2.0 GPA play D1? What the NCAA actually requires

A 2.0 isn't an automatic no — it depends on your core-course GPA, not the number on the report card. Here's the real math, in plain English.

All guides

Homeschool athletes and NCAA eligibility: the complete playbook

Homeschoolers go D1 every year — but the documentation rules are different, and the burden of proof is on you.

NAIA vs. NCAA eligibility: different rulebooks, different doors

The NAIA runs its own eligibility center with simpler rules — and for thousands of athletes it's the better fit, not the backup plan.

Timelines6 min read

Senior year NCAA checklist: certification, transcripts, and the deadlines that end careers

By senior year the GPA math is mostly locked — what's left is paperwork, and paperwork is where eligible athletes still lose.

Timelines6 min read

Freshman year NCAA eligibility checklist: 7 moves that decide everything

Recruiting is won in 9th grade math class. Here's the freshman-year plan that keeps every door open.

The 16 NCAA core courses, listed — what counts and what doesn't

English, math, science, social science and the approved extras — plus the classes families are shocked don't count.

When should my athlete register with the NCAA Eligibility Center?

There's no hard deadline, but the smart move is sophomore or junior year. Here's why registering early protects your athlete's eligibility — explained for parents.

NIL, amateurism & eligibility: what families need to know

NIL money is allowed now — and it doesn't end amateurism on its own. But the rules differ by state and are still changing. Here's what families actually need to watch.

The NCAA Sliding Scale Is Gone: What Replaced It

The NCAA permanently eliminated the SAT/ACT sliding scale in 2023. Here's the short history, the GPA-only rules that replaced it, and where test scores still count.

The NCAA Eligibility Center: a parent's step-by-step guide

If your child hopes to play D1 or D2 sports, the Eligibility Center isn't optional. Here's every step, in plain English — from account setup to final transcript.

What GPA do you need to play college sports? (by division)

There's no single magic number — it changes by division, and it's almost never the GPA on the report card. Here's the real math, level by level.

Testing6 min read

Do SAT/ACT scores still matter for NCAA eligibility?

The NCAA permanently dropped test scores from eligibility in 2023, but colleges, scholarships, and coaches still read those numbers closely. Here's what's actually true, and whether your athlete should still test.

D1 vs D2 vs D3 vs NAIA: the eligibility differences explained

Four levels, four sets of rules. Here's how D1, D2, D3, and NAIA differ on academics, scholarships, and registration — and how to find the right fit.

Recruiting6 min read

The academic side of getting recruited (what coaches actually check)

Talent gets you noticed. Academics get you signed. Here's what college coaches really check off the field — and how to be the recruit they can say yes to.