Guide for College Bound Guide for College Bound Student AthletesStudent Athletes

George Mason High SchoolGeorge Mason High School

Boys Soccer ProgramBoys Soccer Program

OverviewOverview Academic Requirements/ PreparationAcademic Requirements/ Preparation Initial Eligibility RequirementsInitial Eligibility Requirements Sliding Scale (GPA- SAT/ACT)Sliding Scale (GPA- SAT/ACT) ChecklistChecklist Recruiting RegulationsRecruiting Regulations CommitmentsCommitments Scholarships/AidScholarships/Aid ChecklistChecklist

Academic RequirementsAcademic Requirements

Freshman and SophomoresFreshman and Sophomores JuniorsJuniors SeniorsSeniors Online CoursesOnline Courses

Freshman and SophomoresFreshman and Sophomores

Start Planning NowStart Planning Now Work hard to get best grades possibleWork hard to get best grades possible Take classes that match Mason’s list of Take classes that match Mason’s list of

Approved Core Courses. NCAA Approved Core Courses. NCAA Eligibility Center only uses these Eligibility Center only uses these courses to certify eligibility.courses to certify eligibility.

Access the list at Access the list at www.eligibilitycenter.orgwww.eligibilitycenter.org

JuniorsJuniors

At the beginning of Jr. year register At the beginning of Jr. year register at at www.eligibilitycenter.orgwww.eligibilitycenter.org

Register to take ACT, SAT or both. Register to take ACT, SAT or both. Use the code “9999” to send scores Use the code “9999” to send scores directly to the Eligibility Center as a directly to the Eligibility Center as a score recipient.score recipient.

Double check to make sure you are Double check to make sure you are taking Approved Core Courses.taking Approved Core Courses.

Ask guidance counselor to send an Ask guidance counselor to send an official transcript to the Eligibility official transcript to the Eligibility Center after completion of Junior Center after completion of Junior year. (They do not accept faxes).year. (They do not accept faxes).

Before registering for Senior classes Before registering for Senior classes meet with Guidance Counselor to meet with Guidance Counselor to determine what Core Courses you determine what Core Courses you will need to complete.will need to complete.

SeniorsSeniors

Take ACT/SAT again if necessary. Take ACT/SAT again if necessary. The NCAA will use the best scores The NCAA will use the best scores from each section of the tests to from each section of the tests to determine best cumulative score.determine best cumulative score.

Continue to take College Prep Continue to take College Prep Courses.Courses.

Double check that they meet List of Double check that they meet List of Approved Core Courses.Approved Core Courses.

Review your sports participation Review your sports participation responses and request final amateurism responses and request final amateurism certification beginning April 1 (for Fall certification beginning April 1 (for Fall enrollees) or October 1 (for Spring enrollees) or October 1 (for Spring enrollees).enrollees).

Continue to work hard to get best grades!Continue to work hard to get best grades! Graduate on time (in 8 semesters).Graduate on time (in 8 semesters). Ask Counselor to send your final Ask Counselor to send your final

transcript to the Eligibility Center with transcript to the Eligibility Center with proof of graduation.proof of graduation.

Online or Credit Recovery Online or Credit Recovery ProgramsPrograms

Must have certified teachersMust have certified teachers Requires instruction between student Requires instruction between student

and teacher. Not just work on their and teacher. Not just work on their own.own.

Must teach the entire course, not just Must teach the entire course, not just a section.a section.

Must have assignments, quizzes, Must have assignments, quizzes, papers and exams.papers and exams.

One form of assessment is not One form of assessment is not acceptable.acceptable.

Courses must have significant rigor.Courses must have significant rigor. Must meet high school policy.Must meet high school policy. Must require security measures. Must Must require security measures. Must

be able to verify the student’s identity.be able to verify the student’s identity. Requires certified proctors.Requires certified proctors.

If A Student Falls BehindIf A Student Falls Behind

Meet with Guidance Counselor to Meet with Guidance Counselor to make a plan on how to get back on make a plan on how to get back on track.track.

Sign up for College Prep Courses.Sign up for College Prep Courses. Consider Summer School after 9Consider Summer School after 9thth, ,

1010thth, 11, 11thth grades. grades. Take a full load of classes but do not Take a full load of classes but do not

overload.overload.

Get tutoring.Get tutoring. Graduate on time with your class.Graduate on time with your class. Accept the consequences of poor Accept the consequences of poor

academic performance.academic performance. Call the compliance officer at Call the compliance officer at

colleges or call NCAA Eligibility colleges or call NCAA Eligibility Center for questions.Center for questions.

DO NOT try a “quick fix” through DO NOT try a “quick fix” through short cuts.short cuts.

DO NOT try to take a full load of DO NOT try to take a full load of courses at high school and another courses at high school and another full load at alternative school full load at alternative school programs at night.programs at night.

DO NOT go around or through school DO NOT go around or through school policy. Work within the rules.policy. Work within the rules.

Initial Eligibility Initial Eligibility RequirementsRequirements

Division IDivision I

Division IIDivision II

Division IIIDivision III

Divison IDivison I

Uses a sliding scale to match test scores Uses a sliding scale to match test scores and core course GPA.and core course GPA.

Only courses that appear on Mason’s List Only courses that appear on Mason’s List of NCAA Courses will be used to calculate of NCAA Courses will be used to calculate the core GPA. Use the list as a guide.the core GPA. Use the list as a guide.

GPA required to receive athletic aid and GPA required to receive athletic aid and to practice on or after August 1, 2016 is to practice on or after August 1, 2016 is 2.000- 2.2999 depending upon test 2.000- 2.2999 depending upon test score.score.

GPA to be eligible for competition on GPA to be eligible for competition on or after August 1, 2016 is 2.300 with or after August 1, 2016 is 2.300 with corresponding test scores.corresponding test scores.

Core Course Grade Point Core Course Grade Point AverageAverage

NCAA uses a 4.00 ScaleNCAA uses a 4.00 Scale A = 4 pointsA = 4 points B = 3 pointsB = 3 points C= 2 pointsC= 2 points D = 1 pointD = 1 point Number Grades are changed to letter Number Grades are changed to letter

grades.grades.

SAT / ACTSAT / ACT

All SAT and ACT test scores must be All SAT and ACT test scores must be reported directly from the testing agency.reported directly from the testing agency.

When registering for the test(s) use the When registering for the test(s) use the NCAA Eligibility Center Code “9999”.NCAA Eligibility Center Code “9999”.

ACT uses sum of English, Math, Reading ACT uses sum of English, Math, Reading and Science scores.and Science scores.

SAT uses ONLY Critical Reading and Math SAT uses ONLY Critical Reading and Math sections. Multiple tests will use best score sections. Multiple tests will use best score from each section.from each section.

Division I : 16 Core CoursesDivision I : 16 Core Courses

4 years of English4 years of English 3 years of Math (Algebra I or higher)3 years of Math (Algebra I or higher) 2 years natural/physical science (1 year 2 years natural/physical science (1 year

of lab if offered)of lab if offered) 1 year additional English, Math or Science1 year additional English, Math or Science 2 years of Social Science2 years of Social Science 4 years additional courses (foreign 4 years additional courses (foreign

language, comparative language, comparative religion/philosophy or any area above)religion/philosophy or any area above)

Divison IIDivison II

Minimum SAT of 820 or ACT of 68.Minimum SAT of 820 or ACT of 68. SAT uses only critical reading and SAT uses only critical reading and

math scores.math scores. ACT is a sum of English, Math, ACT is a sum of English, Math,

Reading and Science sections.Reading and Science sections. Core Course GPA minimum is 2.000Core Course GPA minimum is 2.000 Use the Sliding Scale- these are Use the Sliding Scale- these are

minimum scores for each section!minimum scores for each section!

Division II: 16 Core CoursesDivision II: 16 Core Courses

3 years of English3 years of English 2 years of Math (Algebra I or higher)2 years of Math (Algebra I or higher) 2 years natural/physical Science (1 year lab)2 years natural/physical Science (1 year lab) 3 years additional English, Math or Science3 years additional English, Math or Science 2 years of Social Science2 years of Social Science 4 years additional (areas above plus foreign 4 years additional (areas above plus foreign

language or comparative language or comparative religion/philosophy)religion/philosophy)

Sliding Scale- Divison ISliding Scale- Divison I

The Sliding Scale of GPA plus The Sliding Scale of GPA plus ACT/SAT requirements are available ACT/SAT requirements are available at at www.eligibilitycenter.org www.eligibilitycenter.org

Sliding Scale Examples- DISliding Scale Examples- DI

GPA of 2.000 needs SAT of 1010 or act GPA of 2.000 needs SAT of 1010 or act 8686

GPA of 2.250 needs 920/77.GPA of 2.250 needs 920/77. GPA of 2.500 needs 820/68.GPA of 2.500 needs 820/68. GPA of 2.750 needs 720/59.GPA of 2.750 needs 720/59. GPA of 3.000 needs 620/52.GPA of 3.000 needs 620/52. GPA of 3.250 needs 520/46.GPA of 3.250 needs 520/46. GPA above 3.550 needs 400/37.GPA above 3.550 needs 400/37.

Division IIDivision II

Requires a minimum SAT score of Requires a minimum SAT score of 820 or ACT score of 68820 or ACT score of 68

Minimum Core Course GPA of 2.000Minimum Core Course GPA of 2.000

ChecklistChecklist Register at the beginning of Sophomore Register at the beginning of Sophomore

year at year at www.eligibilitycenter.orgwww.eligibilitycenter.org Send transcripts at end of Junior year.Send transcripts at end of Junior year. Take ACT or SAT and use code “9999”.Take ACT or SAT and use code “9999”. Meet with Guidance Counselor regularly.Meet with Guidance Counselor regularly. Request final Amateurism Certificate Request final Amateurism Certificate

during Senior year.during Senior year. Have Guidance Counselor send final Have Guidance Counselor send final

transcripts and proof of Graduationtranscripts and proof of Graduation

Division III (and other Division III (and other Organizations such as NAIA)Organizations such as NAIA)

Not regulated or certified by the Not regulated or certified by the Eligibility Center.Eligibility Center.

D-3 schools set their own admissions D-3 schools set their own admissions standards.standards.

Contact each school of interest in Contact each school of interest in regards to their standards and regards to their standards and policies for admission, eligibility and policies for admission, eligibility and financial aid.financial aid.

Recruiting TermsRecruiting Terms

Contact- any face to face meeting with a Contact- any face to face meeting with a student or parents off a college campus.student or parents off a college campus.

Contact Periods- Coaches may student Contact Periods- Coaches may student or parents during these times.or parents during these times.

Dead Periods- No contact times.Dead Periods- No contact times. Evaluation- any activity a coach Evaluation- any activity a coach

watches.watches.

Official Visits- Any visit to a college Official Visits- Any visit to a college campus by student or parents paid campus by student or parents paid for in full or part by the college.for in full or part by the college.

Includes: Transportation, Room, Includes: Transportation, Room, Meals during visit, reasonable Meals during visit, reasonable entertainment expenses including entertainment expenses including admission to an athletic contest.admission to an athletic contest.

Unofficial VisitsUnofficial Visits Any visit to a college paid for by the Any visit to a college paid for by the

Student or Parents.Student or Parents.

Soccer Recruiting Rules- Soccer Recruiting Rules- Sophomore YearSophomore Year

You may receive brochures for Camps You may receive brochures for Camps and Questionnairesand Questionnaires

You may make calls to a coach at your You may make calls to a coach at your expense, the coach can not call you.expense, the coach can not call you.

No off-campus contact is allowed.No off-campus contact is allowed. No official visits are allowed.No official visits are allowed. You may make unlimited unofficial You may make unlimited unofficial

visits, except during dead periods.visits, except during dead periods.

Junior YearJunior Year

You may begin receiving recruiting You may begin receiving recruiting materials on Sept. 1 of Junior year.materials on Sept. 1 of Junior year.

You may call a coach at your expense.You may call a coach at your expense. Coaches may call you once per week Coaches may call you once per week

starting July 1 after your Junior year.starting July 1 after your Junior year. Off-campus contact is allowed starting Off-campus contact is allowed starting

July 1 after your Junior year.July 1 after your Junior year.

No official visits are allowed.No official visits are allowed. You may make unlimited unofficial You may make unlimited unofficial

visits, except during dead periods.visits, except during dead periods.

Senior YearSenior Year

Recruiting materials are allowedRecruiting materials are allowed Coaches may contact you once per Coaches may contact you once per

week beginning July 1.week beginning July 1. Off-campus contact is allowed.Off-campus contact is allowed. Official visits are allowed beginning Official visits are allowed beginning

the opening day of classes of Senior the opening day of classes of Senior year.year.

Evaluations and contacts by coach are Evaluations and contacts by coach are allowed up to 7 times during Senior year.allowed up to 7 times during Senior year.

A college coach may contact students A college coach may contact students and parents off campus not more than and parents off campus not more than three times during the Senior year.three times during the Senior year.

Unlimited printed materials are allowed.Unlimited printed materials are allowed. No limit on phone calls.No limit on phone calls.

You may make an unlimited number of You may make an unlimited number of unofficial visits at any time.unofficial visits at any time.

You may make official visits starting the You may make official visits starting the opening day of classes of Senior year.opening day of classes of Senior year.

You may only make one official visit per You may only make one official visit per college and maximum of five to Division college and maximum of five to Division I schools. No limit to Division II schools.I schools. No limit to Division II schools.

Verbal CommitmentVerbal Commitment

Verbal Commitment prior to signing a Verbal Commitment prior to signing a National Letter of Intent.National Letter of Intent.

Can announce a verbal commitment Can announce a verbal commitment at any time.at any time.

NOT BINDING for the athlete or the NOT BINDING for the athlete or the college.college.

National Letter of IntentNational Letter of Intent Binding Agreement between student Binding Agreement between student

and college to attend the college or and college to attend the college or university for one academic year.university for one academic year.

In exchange the college must provide In exchange the college must provide athletics financial aid for one athletics financial aid for one academic year.academic year.

Review the restrictions and rules atReview the restrictions and rules at www.national-letter.orgwww.national-letter.org

or call 317-223-0706or call 317-223-0706

Athletic ScholarshipsAthletic Scholarships

Athletic Scholarships are minimum Athletic Scholarships are minimum one year agreements. Schools are one year agreements. Schools are permitted to offer multi-year permitted to offer multi-year agreements.agreements.

Schools must notify the student-Schools must notify the student-athlete by July 1 whether athlete by July 1 whether scholarships will be renewed for the scholarships will be renewed for the following year .following year .

Non-Athletic AidNon-Athletic Aid

Pell GrantsPell Grants Student Assistance FundsStudent Assistance Funds Financial AidFinancial Aid Must report all scholarships to the college Must report all scholarships to the college

financial aid office.financial aid office. Schools may have other funds available. Schools may have other funds available.

Contact the individual school.Contact the individual school. Only about 2% of High School Athletes are Only about 2% of High School Athletes are

awarded athletics scholarships.awarded athletics scholarships.

Additional HelpAdditional Help

Additional tips, help and information Additional tips, help and information can be found through a site that is can be found through a site that is independent of the NCAA and is independent of the NCAA and is located at located at www.dynamitesports.comwww.dynamitesports.com

Checklist (Again- Checklist (Again- Important!)Important!)

Register at the beginning of Sophomore Register at the beginning of Sophomore year at year at www.eligibilitycenter.orgwww.eligibilitycenter.org

Send transcripts at end of Junior year.Send transcripts at end of Junior year. Take ACT or SAT and use code “9999”.Take ACT or SAT and use code “9999”. Meet with Guidance Counselor regularly.Meet with Guidance Counselor regularly. Request final Amateurism Certificate Request final Amateurism Certificate

during Senior year.during Senior year. Have Guidance Counselor send final Have Guidance Counselor send final

transcripts and proof of Graduationtranscripts and proof of Graduation