In order to be eligible to compete as a freshman in college, you will need to make certain that you meet the academic eligibility requirements of the Athletic Association where you are planning to participate. Just as important, if not more, are the academic requirements that relate to the course schedule you need to carry each year in high school.

There are good reasons for these academic requirements. Most importantly, you need to be prepared for the rigorous academic schedule you will have in college. The best preparation for this is a solid foundation at the high school level. Remember, the odds of a high school football making it to the pros are about 6,000 to 1. The odds for a high school basketball player are about 10,000 to 1. What really matters in the long run is receiving a good college education.

Each Athletic Association has their own initial eligibility standard. Qualifying or not qualifying to these standards will determine whether or not you can compete as a freshman. Meeting these standards DOES NOT necessarily mean that you will be accepted for admission into an institution. It simply means that you have met the requirements by the Athletic Association (NCAA, NAIA, or NJCAA).