Reading our newspaper the other morning, an article in the sports section mentioned that a local high round baseball draft choice had recently signed a letter of intent with an area Junior College. He’s keeping his options open, may play there for one year, and have the opportunity to be drafted again in 2012.
Players who do this should keep in mind the NCAA eligibility and transfer rules that may apply to them should they end up being recruited from the JUCO to an NCAA Division I or II program.
Why? What will happen if you get injured and your draft stock goes down? Or if the coach you hoped to play for took a new job?
All high school athletes – in any sport – who desire to play at the college level should strive to achieve the academic requirements to be a Division I “Qualifier.”
If you’ve graduated but haven’t yet achieved Qualifier status, you still have the opportunity to do that if you don’t enroll this Fall as a full-time student. This gives you more time to improve your ACT or SAT test score to achieve Qualifier status.
If you’ll attend a JUCO before moving to an NCAA program, becoming a Qualifier will make the transfer process easier as you will have fewer academic requirements when the time to transfer arrives.
A non-qualifier who attends a JUCO and then plans to transfer to a Division I or II program is required to graduate from the JUCO and/or will be required to attend the JUCO for at least three semesters and will be required to have at least six-semester hours of English and four semester-hours of math.
Also, if you’ve signed a National Letter of Intent with an NCAA Division I or II program for enrollment this Fall, but decide to enroll in a JUCO instead, remember that the NLI that you signed remains binding upon you until you graduate from the JUCO or until you are released from the NLI by the school that you signed with.
If you have questions about NCAA rules, contact Rick at rick@informedathlete.com or at 913-766-1235. Sign up to receive our monthly newsletter and current recruiting calendars with the SAT/ACT test dates.
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rick I plan to walk on to a community college team…what do I need to get done to transfer to a division 1 or 2 school regarless of a schloarship or not?
Laonidas,
What you need to accomplish to transfer to a Division I or II school will depend upon whether or not you are certified as a “Qualifier” by the NCAA Eligibility Center. That also will depend upon the Div. I or II school you choose. Until you find out if you are a Qualifier, you should plan on graduating from the community college. You should also plan to communicateee with the school you plan to transfer to and determine which of your community college courses will transfer to your chosen degree plan at the Div. I or II.
Good luck, and let me know if you’d like more detailed information.
Rick
Rick, I have a son that was being recruited by a few D1 schools but he did not qualify. He had originally signed for a full scholarship with a juco but he is now wondering if he can go to community college, as a student only, and not play for a year and go straight D1 next year? He just graduated from high school this year. Can you please provide some clarity about his options?
Hi Kevin,
The idea he is considering is possible, but he must keep the following points in mind:
1) He will want to make sure that he does not enroll at the community college as a full-time student. If he does, that will start his five-year clock, and will eliminate the following option;
2) As long as he doesn’t begin full-time collegiate enrollment (attends part-time only), he could continue to take the ACT or SAT test if raising his test score will make him a Qualifier; and
3) It would also be possible for him to take some of his high school classes over again to try to improve his core-course GPA. If he considers trying to do this, be sure to get more detailed information so that it’s done correctly.
Good luck,
Rick
Rick,
If a kid signs a JUCO NLI, can they still sign one with a Division I school and choose that instead?
Hi Scott,
Yes, a prospect can sign a JUCO NLI as well as a Division I and II NLI. One document does not impact the other.
Rick
Rick,
I’m currently a Junior (72 credit hours) is there anyway I could go to a junior college to play basketball? Also, if I graduated is there still any chance I could play collegiate basketball? Thanks
Tyler,
You need to provide more info. What level of college are you currently attending? Have you played basketball at the college level previously? If so, what level, and how many seasons? How many full-time semesters have you been enrolled in college?
Rick
Rick,
I am currently attending a JUCO in WV I am a freshmen with 27 credits I plan on taking a summer class which is 3 credits to make it 30 going into my sophomore year. I think I am a qualifier for the NCAA from HS but not sure because I didn’t complete the clearing house. My GPA and SAT scored matched up from the scale provided by the NCAA. I’ve spoke to my adviser and he let me know what classes I need to take to graduate but
If I don’t graduate does that mean I won’t be able to play DI? What steps should
I take to make sure I’m on the right track?
Micah,
Register with the NCAA Eligibility Center and have your official SAT score and HS transcript sent to the Center so your status can be determined. No need to speculate on what you need to do academically until you know for certain what your qualifier status is. You’re going to have to do it at some point, so might as well do it now, and then you’ll have better information for your planning purposes.
Good luck!
Rick
hi my daughter is not elgible to play division 1or 2 gpa 2.1 act 58 good basetball player all division 1 colleges contact her. if she goes to a division 3 or community college can she transfer to division 1 after 1 year?
Hi Teresa,
If your daughter goes to a Div. III school and then to a Div. I school after one year, she would not be eligible to play in her first year at the Div. I school. Her best option is to go to a community college for two years, graduate with her Associates Degree, and then transfer to a Div. I school where she could be eligible immediately.
Rick
Do the same transfer rules apply if you transfer from a juco to DIII as they do if you transfer from a juco to a DI or DII? You have to be an NCAA Eligibility Center Qualifier or graduate from the junior college.
Hi Jerry,
To transfer from JUCO to a Div. III school, you do not have to graduate from the JUCO. The only requirement is that the JUCO must be able to certify that when you left the JUCO you were eligible had you stayed there. In other words, if you had another year of eligibility remaining, would you have been academically eligible at the JUCO to compete.
Rick
Hey rick i plan to go to NAIA or JUCO or a lower NCAA division school but i was wondering if i could transfer to a division 1 school and if i went to summer school am i eligible for division 1 even if im coming from a lower division.
Hi Daniel,
As long as you were not recruited to the NAIA or Div. II or III school (see the post on our website with the definition of a recruited athlete), you could transfer to a Div. I program and be immediately eligible as long as you met the academic requirements at the Div. I program. If coming from a JUCO, it doesn’t matter whether you were recruited, you would have to meet the Div. I academic requirements at the time you transfer.
Rick
Ok I was a non qualifier out of high school . I signed a letter of intent to a junior college in Iowa . I left that juco to go to a juco in texas closer to home after the fall semester. After a whole year of juco last year I got an offer from a division 2 school out in Missouri where im currently taking 12 hrs this semester to add to the 33 credits I held from my first year of juco last year. So I should have 45 credits after this semester . What are my options to go back division 1 once my Athletic Director grants me full release . I also meet took a math class at juco as well . So an I go back a semester and get my degree and or just walk on to the division 1 program and sit out a year . What are some alternatives to get around this ?
Hi Trevante,
If you go back to JUCO to get your Associates degree, you’ll also have to earn the required number of transferable degree credits when you go to a Div. I school and meet the percentage of degree requirements for Div. I. If you go directly to the Div. I school from the Div. II program, you’ll have to attend there for one year before you can be eligible to play.
Rick
So after I leave my d2 and get a full release and get my associates next semester which is the spring can I play that 2013 season or do I have to sit out in the MAC conf ?
Trevante,
If you get your Associates Degree before next Fall, you can be eligible next Fall as a 2-4-2-4 transfer if:
1) You complete 12 transferable degree credits next spring with at least a 2.00 GPA ( credits that will transfer to the next school),
2) You have completed at least 40% of the specific course requirements for the degree you choose at the Div. I school,
3) and, as long as one year has elapsed since your departure from the Div. I school. (In other words, if you leave the Div. II school at the end of this semester, you can be eligible for Spring 2014 at the Div. I school).
Rick
So if I get my associates degree before next fall will I be eligible to play or next year or still sat out a year and do a year of residency ?
Trevante,
If you get your Associates Degree before next Fall, you can be eligible next Fall as a 2-4-2-4 transfer if:
1) You complete 12 transferable degree credits next spring with at least a 2.00 GPA ( credits that will transfer to the next school),
2) You have completed at least 40% of the specific course requirements for the degree you choose at the Div. I school,
3) and, as long as one year has elapsed since your departure from the Div. I school. (In other words, if you leave the Div. II school at the end of this semester, you can be eligible for Spring 2014 at the Div. I school.
Rick
My son went juco for three semesters and plans on transfering to a divion 2 school, do he have to graduate from the juco? He was a non Qualifier.
Hi Bob,
In order to be immediately eligible upon transfer from JUCO to a Division II program, Div. II rules provide another option that does not require your son to graduate from the JUCO.
His other option is that he must complete an average of 12 credit hours per term of full-time enrollment at the JUCO that are acceptable for transferable degree credit to the Div. II school he will be attending. He also must have at least a 2.000 minimum GPA.
Good luck to your son!
Rick
I’m planning on going to a community college after high school to play football and I have all of my core classes my gpa is 3.0+ and I got a good score on the SAT, but I have one D on my transcript, would that prevent me from being a qualifier?
Hi Courtney,
One “D” on your transcript won’t prevent you from being a Qualifier if you have all your core classes, a GPA above 3.00, and have a good SAT score. Are you registered with the NCAA Eligibility Center and have you submitted your test score and HS transcript so that they can make an official determination? If you haven’t, you should, even if you’re going to a community college first, because any Div. I or II school that you transfer to is going to need that information.
Good luck!
Rick
My son is graduating in a month from high school and he has not qualified yet because of a low act score so he plans to go to a community college and play on a team my queston is will he be able to transfer to a Div.1 college after 1 year if his act score is good enough to put him at qualified status?
Hi Marie,
If your son achieves an ACT score high enough to make him a Qualifier at the NCAA Eligibility Center, then he would be able to transfer to a Div. I after one year at community college.
Good luck to your son!
Rick
if he plays one year @ a community college( or NAIA,JUCO or D3) and transfers to D1 will the one year of play take a year off his 4-year elgibility. and when transfering and you have to sit out a year, do the year you sit count against your 4-year elgiblity.
Hi Larry,
Competing for one year at a two-year college will use one year of an athlete’s four years of college eligibility. If an athlete serves a year in residence before being eligible to compete, that year could be considered a redshirt year.
Rick
What are the new 2-4 transfer requirements for 1 Aug 2012? My son was a qualifier played 2 years JUCO baseball. He is transfering to D1 to play baseball. The 4 year school is saying he needs 48 SH to transfer, but that’s not how i read the NCAA legislative bylaw 14.5
Hi Mark,
The 2-4 transfer requirements that your son is subject to have not changed. Assuming that your son attended the JUCO for 4 semesters, he will need 48 hours of transferable degree credit, as he must earn an average of at least 12 hours per term of transferable degree credit for each term of full-time enrollment at the JUCO.
Rick
If I transfer from a four year, Michigan State, to a two year, will I be eligible to transfer to another four year college after a year of JUCO? I play football and I’m only a freshman. Only one semester of schol has passed and I was a qualifier out of high school. Thanks.
Hi Mark,
If you desire to go to another Div. I program, the NCAA rules will require that you stay at the JUCO long enough to earn your Associates Degree. You won’t have to do that if going to NCAA Div. II, but will have to stay at the JUCO at least two semesters.
Rick
Whasup Rick? I’m transferring from a Juco to a D2 school this fall. I signed up for the clearinghouse already too but I am worried about the scores of my ACT and SAT that I took when I was in HS.
Hi Steve,
For the sake of discussion, let’s assume that you are not a Qualifier, since you’re worried about your ACT and SAT test scores. To be eligible at the Div. II school this Fall, you’ll need to have either graduated from the JUCO, or you’ll need to have completed an average of at least 12 hours of transferable degree credit for each semester of full-time attendance at the JUCO. So, if you’ve been there four full-time semesters, you’ll need to have at least 48 hours that will transfer to the Div. II school. You’ll also need a minimum GPA of 2.000.
In addition, depending upon when you first began your enrollment at the JUCO, you may also be required to have earned at least 6 semester hours of transferable English credit and at least 3 semester hours of transferable math credit as part of the above requirements.
Good luck!
Rick
Hi Rick,
I am an international student, i play tennis and was being recruited by a few division 1 and 2 schools. But i was a non qualifier for division 1 and a partial qualifier division 2. Should i enroll in JUCO? Any chance of being recruited to div 1 after JUCO?
Thanks
Hi Sonam,
Yes, there is a great chance of being recruited to Div. I after JUCO! Be aware that in order to be immediately eligible when you transfer to a Div. I school that you will need to graduate from the JUCO with an Associates Degree, earn at least a 2.5 GPA, and earn at least 48 hours of academic credit that will be acceptable upon transfer to the Div. I school that recruits you.
Good luck!
Rick
Thanks a lot Rick
i have another question, Some NAIA schools want me to come play for them so JUCO or NAIA? where do i have a better chance of transferring to Div 1?
Thanks
Sonam
Sonam,
You have an equally good chance to transfer to Div. I from either a JUCO or an NAIA school. IF you are going to start at NAIA, you will have to register with the NAIA Eligibility Center (totally separate from the NCAA Eligibility Center and an additional registration fee and paperwork) and be certified for freshman eligibility. If you start at a JUCO, your academic requirements for transfer to a Div. I program will be more restrictive than what you will need to do to transfer from an NAIA school.
Good luck!
Rick
Rick
restrictive as in what way?
Sonam
Hi Sonam,
I’m not going to go into all of that detail here on the website. I’ll follow up with a private e-mail to you.
Rick
Hello Rick,
I qualified out of high school and now I play football for a juco. What are the specific courses and requirements to transfer to a D1 school?
Hi Demarcus,
I’m going to follow up with a private e-mail to you.
Rick
Can I get the same email because I have the same problem.
Hi TJ,
The e-mail address is rick@informedathlete.com mailto:rick@informedathlete.com . You can also find it at the bottom of the “About Us” page of this website.
Rick
Hey Rick,
In high school i scored a 1270/2400 on the SAT and graduated with a 3.1 GPA. i currently attend a junior college and just finished my 2nd year of basketball eligibility. I’m going to finish the summer semester with 48 credits. Am i considered a D1 qualifier? or if not D2?
And if i am a D2 qualifier, what is the minimum amount of transferable credits i need to have in order to be eligible next fall?
Wayne,
You will need to have at least 12 transferable credits that are acceptable at a Div. I or II institution for each semester that you’ve been enrolled at the JUCO as a full-time student.
Rick
Wayne,
You’re not considered a Qualifier for NCAA Div. I or II if you didn’t register with the NCAA Eligibility Center and submit your test scores and transcripts to the Center for their official determination. You’ll still need to do that even though you’re in a JUCO so that your amateurism status can be determined.
Rick
I played at a d3 last season an now going to a juco do I still have 2 years here or only 1? And does juco count for your 4 year eligibility?
Hi Carson,
You have 10 semesters of full-time enrollment in which to use your 4 permitted seasons of competition. Participation at JUCO does count against your 10 semester limit, and if you compete at the JUCO, will count against your 4 seasons of competition.
Good luck!
Rick
My son was at D2 school on a football scholarship in the fall of 2011. Unfortunately his first semester there his academics really suffered. Because of that he was not invited back for the second semester. Prior to this he was a D1 qualifier but without the academic support he needed for his learning difficulties it was an uphill battle. Now we are looking into a JUCO. He is currently attending a community college in the area that does not offer football. What does he need to do to be eligible to play in the fall of 2012 for a JUCO. Or is that not an option. Thanks.
Hi Angela,
It would probably be best if we discuss his situation so I can get more details. I’m going to send you a private e-mail.
Rick
If my son’s core gpa is 1.92 does that number get rounded up to 2 and make him eligible as a freshman to play sports in DII?
Hi P16,
No, 1.92 will not be rounded up to 2. Your son needs a 2.00 GPA in his core courses to be certified as a Div. II Qualifier and be eligible to compete as a freshman.
Rick
i enrolled fulltime in fall 2010 did not play football(palomar college – juco) erolled spring2011 fulltime an took spring/summer2011 football classes did not take fall2011 football for experience but was enrolled fulltime attended spring(fulltime)&summer2012 football classes erolled fulltime in spring 2012 no fall football classes. enrolled full time with football classes but dropped to part-time befort classes started now part-time attending classes. what is my ncaa D1,2&3 eligibility? did i lose it from being enrolled in spring&summer football? can i use a redshirt? what can i do? juco please email me with an answer asap i will appriciate it GREATLY.
jhunt,
You’ve asked a number of questions here that are more appropriate for a private consultation. I’ll send you a follow up e-mail.
Rick
Can a student athlete play football after high school if he doesn’t have any SAT/ACT test scores? He has to go to summer school to graduate High school, but he really wants to go to school & play football at the next level. What options are available for him Rick?
Hi Ronald,
Without an ACT or SAT test score, your son could play football as a freshman for a two-year college, or could possibly play for an NAIA school if he registers with the NAIA Eligibility Center and has at least a 2.00 GPA (he would also have to rank in the top half of his HS graduating class). You can learn more about this NAIA option at http://www.playnaia.org.
Good luck to your son!
Rick
Hi Rick – so here is the complicated question.
-My son was recruited by a DI school a few years ago to play baseball…qualified and went. We are from Canada.
-Anyway, the coach was fired and so he decided to transfer to a another DI and he redshirted.
-Then that next summer a Juco contacted him and asked him to come play, so he transferred.
-So so far he has – I year DI NCAA and 1 year Jucco, with a total of 55 hours.
-Now a couple of DI schools are recruiting him and want him for next year and then the transfers are over, we get this. We would stay for three years.
Here is the complicated question, can he transfer. Does he need a certain number of hours? This has been really difficult to figure out?
Thanks
Lynne
Hi Lynne,
I think it would be beneficial for us to have a phone discussion about your son’s situation. I’m going to send you a private e-mail.
Rick
Hi coach ,
If i was a D2 qualifier coming out of highschool and i graduated in 2010. Do i need to turn in transcripts from the other colleges (all of which were community colleges)to accept a scholarship from a D2 school or can i go off my highschool elgibility?
Hi Tyrone,
You will not have to submit your community college transcripts to the NCAA Eligibility Center, but you will need to provide them to the Div. II school that you plan to attend so that they can determine if you meet their admission requirements. The Div. II school will also need your transcripts so they can determine if you have satisfied the 2-4 transfer requirements to be immediately eligible upon transfer.
Good luck!
Rick
My son is not a NCAA Eligibility Center Qualifier and has attended a JUCO for 2 years and played baseball. After his sophomore year he did not have enough hours to complete his associates degree but is taking classes this summer to finish and should have the hours needed after his last summer class ends the first week of August 2012. Once he has his associates, will he then be able to attend a DI or DII school in the fall of 2012 and be eligible to play baseball? The DI and DII colleges that are interested in him are considering him for a preferred walk-on. He is registering for the colleges prior to completing his summer classes just so he will be accepted before the registration deadline. Are there any eligibility issue with him registering before he has completed his associates degree or is there a deadline of when he needs to have his associates degree completed?
Jerry,
There is no eligibility issue with your son applying for colleges and registering for classes before he has completed his Associates Degree. The deadline for him completing his Associates Degree is before he steps foot in a class at the four-year college that he’ll be attending. In addition to graduating and earning the Associates Degree, he will also have to have a certain number of credit hours completed toward the degree of his choosing. I’m going to follow up with a private e-mail to you.
Rick
Son is DI qualifier out of HS. Currently plays DII baseball and finished freshman season. Considering transferring to JUCO. If he has 27 credits already, can he play JUCO for just one year ? I had heard of others transferring to JUCO even after sophomore year. I don’t get it.
Hi Renee,
Yes, your son can play at JUCO for just one year. Keep in mind that to be immediately eligible upon transfer to Div. I after that year of JUCO, he will have to graduate with his Associate’s Degree.
Good luck to your son!
Rick
Hi rick,i plan on going to a D1 JUCO to play soccer and study criminal justice, will i be able to transfer to a D1 or D2 school after one year in JUCO?
Hi David,
You may be able to transfer to a Div. I or II soccer program after one year in JUCO, but it will depend upon how you do academically. It also will depend upon whether you have been certified as a Qualifier by the NCAA Eligibility Center. If you have not registered with the Center and had your official ACT or SAT test scores and official high school transcripts sent to them, you will want to start on that right away. It can take some time to get high school transcripts during the summer when school staff are on vacation or working reduced hours.
Good luck!
Rick
thanks Rick, I have not yet registered for the NCAA clearing house, i will try to send in my transcripts to them soon.
Hi Rick I was recruited by a bunch of major division 1 football schools in high school but I didn’t play my senior year and gave it up. I never did the NCAA clearinghouse and im not sure if i qualified. I graduated in june 2011 toke a semester off of school then enrolled at a JC and joined the team in January and scored pretty high on my test scores and now I’m on course to receive my AA next spring if everything goes right. How many years of division 1 eligiblity will I have left if I receive a scholarship after the season? And do I have to have my AA to transfer if I wanted to leave in December for a school? Does it matter if you have the certain amount of hours ?or if you have all your credits and a High GPA?
Hi Kendall,
Based on your circumstances and the number of questions that you have, it would probably be better for us to discuss this over the phone. I will follow up with an e-mail to you.
Rick
Hi Rick, Iam a 2012 graduate. If I attend a NAIA or a Community college to play baseball will I be able to transfer out after a year to a Div 1 and be able to play without sitting out? I am a NCAA qualifier.
Hi Lee,
As a Div. I Qualifier, you would be able to transfer to a Div. I program after one year at a JUCO and be immediately eligible, as long as you earn at least a 2.500 GPA, and have enoough transferable academic credits.
The same is true of transferring from an NAIA college, as long as you are not recruited to the NAIA college (see our article on the Definition of a Recruited Athlete) or receive an athletic scholarship, they grant you permission to speak with NCAA Div. I schools, and can certify that you would be eligible if you were returning to their school rather than transferring.
Good luck!
Rick
Do The clearing house use more than one ACT sub score? Like if I got 18 16 15 16 on one test then on another i got 18 16 21 16. would they use the 21 instead of the 15?
Hi John,
You are correct. They would replace the 15 with the 21. The NCAA Eligibility Center uses a “sum score” because they do take subscores from multiple tests if an athlete has taken the test more than one time.
Rick
RIck,
My son was a full-qualifer out of high school. He went to community college his first year and grey shirted (due to surgery). The next year (as a freshman juco), he played football. That spring, he signed a NLI and went to a Div I in the summer. After a week of football strength and conditioning, he came home due to a conflict w/the coach (among other things). He is now back at the community college w/ 53 units completed and 18 units left for an AA . 1) Is he eligible to play football as a sophomore juco? 2) Does he need to be released from his NLI if he wants to transfer and play at a Div I or II next year? 3) Does he need to get his AA before transfer to a Div I or II if he leaves December?
Thank you.
Hi Lori,
Your son’s situation is a bit complicated with the signing of the NLI and the return to the JUCO after a week with the Div. I school. I’m going to follow up with a private e-mail to you.
Rick
what if clearing house did the finale thing to see if you are qualified and your not. But then you take the act test again and get the score you needed will the change you qualified status?
Hi Bob,
If your ACT test score improved sufficiently to change your status to “Qualifier” the Eligibility Center will change your status, as long as the test was taken on a national testing date under national testing conditions, and as long as the test was taken prior to your initial enrollment as a full-time college student.
Be sure that the recent test score is submitted to the Eligibility Center directly from ACT.
Good luck!
Rick
if you sign a nli and attend summer school at that institution can you get out of it a play at a lower level right away say from di to d2
fish,
You will have to obtain an NLI release from the Div. I school that you signed with in order to be immediately eligible to compete at a Div. II school. Go to the website http://www.national-letter.org, and look on the right side of the page for “Release and Appeals.” Follow the instructions with the Release Request Form. Contact me directly at rick@informedathlete.com if you have additional questions.
Good luck!
Rick
2012 HS graduate with a 2.7 ACT scores 18 am I eligible to play fall baseball day one? Does class ranking have any affect on my eligibilty? To remain eligible to play in the Spring I would need to maintain a GPA of 2.0 with 12 credit hours correct? Thank you for you help
Austin,
The answer to your questions depends upon a number of things, including whether you are considering NAIA or NCAA Div. I or II, as well as the types of courses that you have taken and (if considering NCAA) whether they satisfy the requirement of “core” courses. I’m going to follow up with a private e-mail to you.
Rick
Hi Rick
i realized that the NCAA doesnt take SAT Subject tests because that was the last test for my scores but what should i do if i dont qualify?
if your not signing a NLI do you need to complete the NCAA qualifications?
and if i go to a JUCO for one year can i get recruited from there on ?
Franck,
If you are not an NCAA Qualifier for Div. I, you would have to graduate from a JUCO in order to be eligible upon transfer to a Div. I school. For Div. II, you would not have to graduate from a JUCO, but you would probably have to stay there at least 3 semesters and earn the required number of academic credits to be immediately eligible upon transfer. I’m going to follow up with a private e-mail to you.
Rick
My son was a non qualifier coming out of HS. He then went to a juco but didn’t play or practice with the team. He attended juco school for 3 semesters and he doesn’t have enough credits to graduate he’s about 12 credits short. He wanted to know can he go to a D1 school and walk-on?
Hi Levon,
Your son can go to a Div. I school and walk on, but as a non-qualifier who has not graduated, he would not be eligible for competition in his first year of enrollment at the Div. I school. It is possible, however, that he could be immediately eligible if he meets the requirements for a “Two-Year Nonparticipation Exception.” I’m going to follow up with a private e-mail to you.
Rick
Hey Rick,
My goal is to play D1 football at the current school that I am attending.I am going into my fifth year, however I was never involved in any sports. Since I am a double major, I will still have a couple years to finish my degrees, but I was wondering if I am still eligible. In the fall of 2008 I enrolled for 14 credits, however I dropped 1 course after the add/drop date and became part time. Furthermore, due to financial reasons I have never went back to being a full-time student, so it was only my first semester that I was intially full-time, but eventually part-time. My question is: will i still be eligibile to play D1 football, considering that I techniqually was never a full-time student?
Thanks again
Hi Ronald,
It is possible that you can be eligible if you’ve only had one full-time semester of enrollment (per NCAA rules), but the compliance office at your school will need to evaluate your academic status. As you stated, this will be your last year possible under the Div. I “five-year clock.” However, you may want to consider switching to a Div. II school if you desire more football eligibility. This is because Div. II doesn’t count part-time semesters of enrollment against their 10-semester limit, which gives you more flexibility than the “five-year clock.”
If you have additional questions, contact me directly at rick@informedathlete.com.
Good luck!
Rick
Hey Rick,
I graduated High School in 2011 and i have been registered with NCAA eligibility center since then. I graduated with a 2.95 and it meets the sat score requirement. My transcripts and Sat score have been sent in as well during high school. it is going to be my second year at a JC now (redshirted my first year). but why has the final decision if i’m a qualifier or not been made yet? am I a qualifier?
Thanks.
Jonathan,
I can’t tell you if you’re a Qualifier without knowing how many core courses you had, and whether the Eligibility Center has any questions about any of those core courses. It is possible that your status as a Qualifier has not been confirmed if no school has put you on their Institutional Request List (IRL). NCAA Div. I and II schools place the names of prospects on their IRL to indicate to the Eligibility Center that they want your status confirmed because they are recruiting you. The Eligibility Center may have your file in a “holding pattern” if no school has placed you on their IRL yet.
One other thing that could be a factor – if you attended more than one high school, you need to make sure and have an official transcript sent in from each high school that you have attended.
Rick
Yeah I passed all my core classes and have taken all the right classes in high school. I also only went to one high school. I also heard that its cause no schools have recruited me so I don’t know my status but if a school wanted to recruit me and ask for my NCAA id number is it too late to find out if I’m a qualifier?
Jonathan,
It’s not too late to find out if you are a Qualifier. As I indicated earlier, your file is in a “holding pattern” until a Div. I or II school adds you to their IRL, then the school – and you – will be able to confirm if you are a Qualifier.
Good luck!
Rick
Hi Rick,
I just left a 4 year D1 school after having played only one year of baseball. I attended the 4 year school for two years, freshman and sophomore years. Due to academics I was not eligible to play baseball my sophomore year. I just transferred to a Juco and intend to be there one year, graduate from there, play one year of baseball there and then transfer back to a 4 year D1school. At that time I believe I will have two years of eligibility left at the D1 school. Recently I was told by my past D1 coach that there are additional requirements required to be accepted at the D1 school; having completed six semesters of courses I will be required to have 60% of my total credits transferred( 72 credits ) to the new D1 school. The problem here is that these schools typically only accept 60 total credits.
Can you help me better understand this?
Thank you.
Hi Jordan,
I’m going to follow up with a private e-mail to you as these 4-2-4 transfer situations can become a bit complicated.
Rick
Hi,I just graduated high school this year and I am planning on going to a JUCO for 1 year then transfer to a university. But in order for that to happen I have to raise my SAT scores. So my question is if i go part time at a JUCO can i still play football?
AJ,
You can’t be eligible to play football at a JUCO if you are not enrolled as a full-time student.
Rick
Hi Rick,
My son was recruited by several D1 football schools. He was a D1 non-qualifier because he only had 14.5 core credits. His core GPA was a 2.2 and he had and 88 ACT composite score. He signed a NLI to play at a D2. Can he eventually transfer to a D1? Would he have to sit out for a year? Thanks.
Hi Mike,
Your son can certainly transfer to a Div. I program after a year or two at the Div. II school, but because he was recruited by the Div. II program and will be on athletic scholarship, he would not be eligible in his first year at Div. I. He could practice with the team, and could take it as a redshirt year (assuming he doesn’t use his redshirt year at the Div. II school), but would not be eligible for competition.
Good luck to your son!
Rick
Can u transfer to a d1 college only after 1 semester at a juco. My son didn’t get recruited to any d1 schools out of high school becuz of injury. He is going to a juco and hopes to have a great season and transfer to a d1 school with a scholarship. I read somewhere u had to have 2 english and 1 math credit to transfer to d1. Is that true because u can’t take English 1 and 2 in the same semester.
Hi Patti,
If your son has been certified by the NCAA Eligibility Center as a Div. I Qualifier, he can transfer after only one semester at a JUCO, but may not be able to be immediately eligible. If he was not a Qualifier, he will have to graduate from JUCO. In both cases, there are other requirements as well. If you have additional questions or concerns, you can contact me directly at rick@informedathlete.com.
Good luck to your son!
Rick
I attended Potomac State College which is a Juco in WV for the past two years and have played baseball. I was redshirted my freshman year which gives me an option to go back. In order to transfer to a D1 school after this year how many credits would I need to have? My coach said something about having to have 60% of my major completed to transfer is this true?
Hi Jake,
Your coach is correct that you will need to have 60% of your degree requirements completed by Fall 2013, if you choose to stay at the JUCO another year before transferring to an NCAA Div. I school. The requirements for a Div. I athlete are 40% by the start of the 3rd year of college enrollment, 60% by the start of the 4th year of college enrollment, and 80% by the start of the 5th year. There will also be additional academic requirements. If you have additional questions, contact me directly at rick@informedathlete.com.
Good luck!
Rick
I have played 2 years at JUCO but haven’t kept up with the school work as well as i shouldve. I have 42 credit hours Am I able to transfer to NAIA and play baseball?
Hi Tim,
It appears that you would not be eligible in your first term at an NAIA school because you don’t have 48 credit hours (12 hours per term of full-time attendance). It may be possible for you to transfer to NAIA this Fall and become eligible by the spring semester depending upon how many hours you earned during the Fall. If you have additional questions, contact me directly at rick@informedathlete.com.
Good luck!
Rick
Hi Rick,
I’ve been attending a community college for the past few years. During my first few semesters I would sign up for full-time credit hours and then withdraw from a course or two, placing me under the 12 credit hour line. The community college that I’ve been attending has never offered Football, which is my sport of choice. Last semester (Spring 2012) is the first semester that I finished with over 12 credit hours. How will the withdraws effect my NCAA eligibility when looking to transfer to a college that offers Football?
Hi Brett,
If you withdrew from a course or two BEFORE the first day of classes for a particular term in order to be below 12 hours, then the NCAA would consider you to be a part-time student for that term. However, if you were enrolled for a full-time course load at any time during the semester after you attended classes for that term, you would be considered a full-time student for that term.
For NCAA Div. I rules, your “five-year clock” started the first semester in which you would have been considered a full-time student. If you want additional information, you can contact me directly at rick@informedathlete.com.
Rick
hi rick,
if my kid attends a pac-12 school this coming fall as a walk on trying to earn a football scholarship but then see’s it’s not going to happen. can he then leave the 4 year school at the semesters end and go to a juco for that same years spring semester and the following fall semester at that juco playing football? and lets say he does well enough to earn a scholarship to a 4 year school , as long as he’s a qualifier can he then transfer back to a 4 year school and be eligible to play football there immediately??
Rick,
Yes, that would be possible, depending upon how he does academically at the JUCO, and whether he would then be transferring to a Div. I or II school. For more information on his options, and what he would need to do in each case, you’re welcome to contact me directly at rick@informedathlete.com.
Good luck to your son!
Rick
Hey rick, I am at a junior college I will have 13 credits by end second week of august. What do I need to transfer from this JC to a divison 2 or 3 school as a NON qualifyer out of high school. Thanks
Hi DJ,
For the most complete answer to your question, you may be interested in our “Informed Athlete’s Guide to Transfers” which consolidates all the transfer rules and requirements for Div. I, II, and III. We will be selling it for $12.95, but it is not posted in the “Store” of our website yet. If that is of interest to you, contact me directly at rick@informedathlete.com.
Rick
I was a qualifier out of high school ,but went to a d3 for one semester last year taking 13 credit hours , I’m now at a jc . When you go from d3 to jc do you lose qualifier status and have to get an AA . Also how much years of eligibility would I have left to play football..
Thanks..
Hi djj,
If you played last year at the Div. III school, you have four years left in which to use your 3 remaining seasons of eligibility. You will have to earn an AA degree if you plan to transfer to a Div. I school, but Div. II does not require that you earn your AA.
Good luck!
Rick
I had a preferred walk on offer from a D1 but did not get admitted. (didn’t apply early enough, missed it by 10 SAT pts, I was holding out for a full offer.) They told me to go get my 17 credit hours and transfer in January to join their spring program. I have not requested my amateur status from NCAA because prelim says core English less than required 4 for DI. I took 4 years HS English so I’m trying to resolve that issue now. I do qualify for D2. I took 6 hrs this summer, and I’m taking 14 this fall while playing football for a juco as a walk on. Will I be able to transfer in Jan. without a degree and 6 eng & 4 math credits etc? I have not signed anything but could qualify for an athletic scholarship within a few weeks. Thanks!
Hi Logan,
You will be able to transfer in January to a Div. II school and be immediately eligible. If your English issue is not resolved for Div. I Qualifier status, you will have to graduate from the JUCO in order to transfer to Div. I and be immediately eligible.
Good luck!
Rick
I went to a D1, than transferred to a juco. I signed to play d2 basketball and wanted to know when would I be allowed to play if I didn’t graduate? Would it be the semester or whole year?
Hi Mike,
You are not required to graduate in order to be immediately eligible upon transfer to Div. II. You do have another option. If you don’t satisfy one of those options, you would be required to serve a year in residence at the Div. II before you could be eligible for competition. If you would like an explanation of those options, contact me directly at rick@informedathlete.com.
Rick
Hi Rick, I want to CRY right now, because I don’t know what to do. My son is “wanted” on a D1 football team, however, he failed his Algebra and his SAT’s are shaky-he’s just not a good test taker-anyway, I’ve been told if he steps foot on the Community College Campus (they have no sports, but are part of the D1 school) that his clock will start ticking and he won’t be able to transfer until he has his AA degree. #1 I don’t know where he can get an Algebra 2 credit (DOE here is useless) and #2 should he go CC part-time?
Thank You
Hi Christina,
What you’ve been told is correct. If your son starts out at a JUCO as a Div. I Nonqualifier, he’ll have to graduate with his AA degree. Also, NCAA Div. I follows a “five-year clock” during which an athlete can use four years of eligibility. The “clock” begins when an athlete begins college enrollment as a full-time student. If he is only enrolled part-time, and does not trigger full-time enrollment, his “clock” won’t start.
If you’d like to discuss your son’s situation and his options, contact me directly at rick@informedathlete.com.
Rick
Hi Rick, enjoy reading your site… My son is a 2012 graduate and one core class “A” from being a D1 qualifier based on hi ACT. Is it acceptable to take couple extra HS classes instead of enrolling full time in JUCO to ensure “qualifier” status. Not sure how many post grad HS classes he can take. Otherwise, he will just need to raise ACT literally half point to make the scale. Your thoughts?
Hi Bernard,
Your son may take one core course prior to enrolling full-time in a collegiate institution in an effort to become a Qualifier. He can also take the test again to try to improve his score as long as it is taken prior to his initial college full-time enrollment. If you have additional questions, contact me directly at rick@informedathlete.com.
Good luck to your son!
Rick
Rick, hey how are you I played at Erie Cc juco in buffalo new York in 08 full time student and played 8 games threw for 1100 yards and 11tds a top juco standout. Well me and the coach fell out and I went home in 09 didn’t play went to local cc in Cleveland in 10 and enrolled to Toledo U in 11. I have 51 credits and never check to qualify with NCAA I might have 2seasons left will miss this one so 1 season left I’m 6’4 run a 4.5 and 38vertical I can throw 80yards and 50 on one knee I’m 215lbs what should I do ????
Ps I have been mis guided my whole college career
Michigan had coaching problems
Unc on my visit had problems
And Toledo went thru a coaching change I need Help aka advice I’m diying to know what should I do ???? I’m 22 yrs of age
Hi David,
You won’t have any eligibility remaining for NCAA Div. I, so you should contact NCAA Div. II or NAIA schools in your area. They have a 10 semester limit on eligibility, so you may have a few semesters left depending upon your enrollment history as a full-time student. Contact me directly for a private consultation at rick@informedathlete.com if you want more detailed information.
Rick
Hi Rick,
My son is a 2012 graduate, and need a higher score to qualify for a school. The school is d2 and says on web sight he needs a 2.0 and a 20 on act. he has a 2.3 gpa and will take act again in september. He plans to take the act and apply for the spring. can he do that.
Hi Jay,
For the purposes of the NCAA Eligibility Center and your son’s status as a Div. II Qualifier, he can take the ACT again and as long as he achieves the required score before his initial full-time enrollment at a college, he can start college as a Qualifier, and should satisfy the school’s admission requirements.
Good luck to your son!
Rick
Is it the same rule for d1, and I was also told he can take classes at a junior college but shouldn’t go full time. Is that try also
Jay,
The requirements to be a Qualifier are different for Div. I, but the things he can do to try to improve his status are the same. He definitely does not want to attend any college as a full-time student until he achieves Qualifier status if at all possible.
Rick
Hi Rick,
I currently attend a community college that does not provide football, I was wondering what is the transferring process to a DII or DIII? What would my elgibility be? This is my 4th semester coming now. Thanks in advance
Hi Alex,
If you transfer to Div. II or III at the end of this semester, you’ll have 6 semesters remaining for eligibility. You should be able to be immediately eligible under the Nonsponsored Sport Exception since your JUCO doesn’t sponsor football.
Good luck!
Rick
hi mr. rick my name is adrian i am going to attend san jose state next semester and i have benefits that can pay for school everything except for books and a mandatory fee,i want to know since i got cut a couple of schools is it possible that since i know how hard it is to play at the next level division 1 at sjsu would be hard and damn near impossible without tape but if i enroll at a junior college in the area full time while i go to sjsu and do my academics for my degree would i still be elgible to play at the junior college. im going to take classes to get an aa certificate for graphic design while at the university i take classes for business. i will be fulltime at both. my plan is to go for sjsu because that they have walk on try outs TWO WEEKS after the school year start and the coach said we already have our roster in mind i want to be enrolled at another school and walk on their they are already willing to let me play at the jc and everythinng if i make sjsu i will redshirt and play next year and drop out of school at west valley if i dont make it i plan to play ball at west valley and still go to sjsu aND build my name and reputation up and experience that way i can go out for the squad again with a name already and hype in the area.
Hi Adrian,
Since your goal is to play baseball for SJSU, I suggest you go see their Compliance Coordinator and explain what you plan to do, so that he or she can give you proper guidance on concurrent enrollment at two schools, and how that will affect you and your eligibility. For example, if you play at the JUCO this year, even if you are also enrolled full-time at SJSU, you will be considered a JUCO transfer and will have to meet the academic requirements that apply to a 2-4 transfer (two-year school to four-year school).
Good luck!
Rick
Hey rick, I have a question regarding eligibility for college football.
If i spend 2 semesters at a juco and then take the following semester off, will I still have 3yrs to play collegiate football?
Hi Jordan,
Yes, you have either 5 years or 10 semesters (depending upon what level of football you are playing) in which to use up to four seasons of eligibility.
Good luck!
Rick
Hello i just graduated from high school and i am enrolled at a community college I wasnt able to take my SAT or ACT because of personal reasons and my GPA wasnt so good but im enrolling as a full time student at this community college but this college dosent have a football team and i want to transfer in the spring to a school that has a football team is that possible to do if a juco schools coach would sign me if i transfer?
Hi Jarron,
Transferring between JUCOs, especially if your current school doesn’t sponsor football, should be no problem.
Good luck!
Rick
Hi Rick,
If an athlete is transfering from a Community College to D I, what is the minimum GPA they will admit. The student in question is indigent and has low SATS, but the Div I school is committed. Just wondering what the cutoff number would be.
Regards,
Don
Don
Hi Don,
The minimum GPA to be admitted to a Div. I school as a JUCO transfer will depend upon the policies of the specific school you are interested in. If you are asking about the minimum GPA for transfer eligibility, that will depend upon the athlete’s status as a Qualifier or Nonqualifier, as well as when they began (or will begin) full-time college enrollment. For more specific information, you can contact me directly at rick@informedathlete.com.
Rick
Hi,
I graduated from an NAIA college and ran for only one season of track. I am thinking of going back to a junior college to get my grades up for grad school. I wanted to know if I am still eligible to run on their track team?
Hi Matt,
You’ve stumped me with that question. I don’t know if there are JUCO limitations for eligibility if you’ve already received a four-year degree. I suggest you check with the junior college you will be attending, or with the National Junior College Athletic Association (www.njcaa.org).
Rick
Hey I am a non quailfer and I plan on going to a d1 school and sitting out a year and then playing the next year can I do that?
Hi James,
Yes you can, as long as you satisfy the academic requirements during your first year to be eligible the following year.
Good luck!
Rick
I am a non qualifier and If I went to a juco just pull up my grades and take the test again will the recuiting process start all over and will I go in as a freshman?
James,
You can take the ACT or SAT test again as long as you don’t enroll in JUCO as a full-time student. Once you enroll in any college as a full-time student it is too late to try to improve your test score for initial eligibility purposes. You can’t, however, use courses and grades from the JUCO to try to become a Qualifier. You must use high school or high school-equivalent courses.
Rick
If you are a non-qualifier, go to a juco for two years and don’t graduate, what are your options?
Hi Rohn,
If you are transferring to Div. I but don’t graduate from JUCO, you would have to sit out your first year at the Div. I school. It would be possible to transfer to NCAA Div. II, III, or NAIA without graduating from JUCO and still be immediately eligible, if you satisfied other academic requirements. If you want more detailed info, contact me directly at rick@informedathlete.com.
Rick
I went to a jucco for the last 8week session last spring and I am transferring to another jucco, can I use my highschool transcript
Garron,
That will depend upon the admission policy of the JUCO you are transferring to, although if you only attended the last JUCO for one 8 week session, I would presume that your high school transcript will be more meaningful to them than a transcript for an 8-week session.
Rick
I went to a community college for 4 days on a basketball scholarship and transferred to a juco.. Am I eligible to play?
Hi Connor,
Since you were on a basketball scholarship at the community college, you’ll have to get a release to be eligible to play at the JUCO.
Good luck,
Rick
hi, I am interested in playing D1 college tennis. I am almost interested in joining a business that promotes a product so i would be making money for that. If i join that, will that affect my eligibility to play college tennis?
Karim,
If you are working at the business as an office worker or delivery person, for example, that won’t affect your eligibility. However, if the company is going to use you to promote the product based on your ability or performance in the sport of tennis, that will definitely affect your eligibility.
Rick
Rick,
My son is playing baseball at the JUCO. He was a qualifer out of H.S. He redshirted the first year because of surgery. He played last year and will be playing again this year. He will end up with 2 AA’s. He has taken at least 12 units each of the last 4 semesters. What requirements does he have to fulfill to transfer to a D1 school next year?
Hi Rhonda,
Since your son will be entering his 7th semester of enrollment next Fall, he’ll have to have at least 60% of the degree requirements completed for whatever major he is going to choose at the Div. I school. If you’d like further details on those requirements, contact me directly at rick@informedathlete.com.
Rick
Hey Rick,
My name is Tanner and I graduated back in 09. I have wanted to tryout for football since then but haven’t. I was a full time student for a semester at Weber State University but ended up failing a class. I know your “clock” supposedly starts when you are a full time student. So I was wondering what would be the best route for me to go, I want to still play football, but I dont know if I am elgible to do so. What Divisions can I still have a chance of playing in without having elgibility issues?
Hi Tanner,
As you know, NCAA Div. I has a “five-year clock” during which athletes can use their four seasons of eligibility. Your “clock” started when you were you a full-time student during that semester at Weber State.
You should consider an NCAA Div. II, III, or NAIA school, because they use a “10-semester rule” and only count the semesters during which you are enrolled as a full-time student. Contact me directly at Rick@informedathlete.com if you have additional questions.
Rick
my son is a non qualifier.is it possible for him to attend a d3 school this year then transfer to a d2 school next year, if yes what would he need to do academically.
Hi Bob,
Yes, it is possible. He would need to be academically eligible at the Div. III school, so that they can certify on a transfer info form that he would be eligible if he were returning to their school rather than transferring.
Rick
Hey Rick,
WHat if a student was qualifier out of high school but isnt out a community college after he spent a year and a half there? Is he still a qualifier?
Thanks
Hi Ben,
If you were certified as a Qualifier by the NCAA Eligibility Center, your status won’t change based on what you’ve done in college.
Rick
hi so i go to a juco i went for my first year didnt play sports i have 15 credits in all. I couldnt go to school this semester because of family problems. if i seat for this year and come back next year and transfer to a d2 would i be able to play. and would i be considered i sophmore or a junior?
oh yea and i wasnt qualifier out of high school
Hi Kenny,
To be able to transfer to a Div. II school and be eligible in your first year there, you will either have to graduate from JUCO with your AA degree, or be able to earn an average of at least 12 hours of transferable degree credit that will transfer to the Div. II school. If you want more details on these requirements, contact me directly at rick@informedathlete.com.
Rick
Hi Rick,
I’m a transfer sophmore at a Juco and will be just short of reaching my AA degree, could i still play at a 4 year school after this year or should I just sit the year out but continue to go to school and not waste a year of eligibilty?
Hi Ty,
Are you a transfer from another JUCO or a 4-year school? You could still play at a 4-year school next year depending upon your Qualifier status, upon whether you’re going to Div. I or II, and if you have the required number of transferable course credits. Contact me directly at rick@informedathlete.com if you want more detailed info.
Rick
I played soccer at a JUCO college but could not transfer right after my second year into a 4 year. It took me an extra year and a half to get to the 4 year and it was during spring so i could not play soccer at that school. The season started already and i just want to know if i can still play at the 4 year university next season?
Hi Omar,
If the school is an NCAA Div. I school, you have a five-year limit from your first full-time college enrollment to use your 4 seasons of eligibility. If the school is an NCAA Div. II, III, or an NAIA school, you have 10 semesters of full-time enrollment in which to use your four seasons. If you’re at one of those schools, you may want to consider only attending part-time next spring to have another season remaining. But be sure you meet the academic requirements in order to do so.
Rick
Mr. Allen, I have a question about my eligibility… Let me give you my situation first:
I graduated high school in spring of 2011 with a 3.0 GPA
I then attended the University of Missouri, Columbia (as a full time student), and did NOT participate in any sports for two semesters (Fall 2011 and Spring 2012)
I then left after bad academics (I ended up with a 2.2 GPA at Mizzou)
I am now attending Community College to obtain my Associates which will be done in two years, during this time I am not participating in any college athletics.
I was wondering, what will my eligibility be to play in D1, or any other division, college athletics after I receive my associates from community college in the spring of 2014.
Thank you for you time
Hi Matt,
From your first enrollment at Mizzou in Fall 2011, you have either 5 years (if NCAA Div. I) or 10 semesters of full-time enrollment (if NCAA Div. II, III, or NAIA) in which to play four seasons in your sport. So, if you attend CC as a full-time student for two more years, you’ll have either 2 years or 4 semesters remaining to compete. If you want more information on the academic requirements you will have to achieve as a 4-2-4 transfer, contact me directly at rick@informedathlete.com.
Rick
I am a 4-2-4 and am currently at a Juco where I signed a LOI in May to play football. Sadly, I was injured in a scrimmage game and now require surgery. Before the injury I was one 1st team and doing well. I have a lot of film from Fall practice as well as the scrimmage. On the NJCAA site I now see released by my name. What does that mean? Also, I only have 9 credits left to receive me AA. I redshirted my freshman year; so how will my injury affect my eligibility in the future? By the way, I ordered your book and can’t wait to receive it!! Thanks
Hi Jamal,
I’m not sure what “released” means on the NJCAA website. Also, I didn’t see your name on that list. Are you sure you were looking at the proper line?
Regarding your eligibility, if you redshirted last year, and will not be able to play this year, you have 3 years of eligibility remaining.
Thanks for ordering our book, and contact me directly at rick@informedathlete.com if you have additional questions about your eligibility as a 4-2-4 transfer.
Good luck!
Rick
I graduated June 2011 I attended a D2 for football I was redshirted I got poor grades there below a 2.0 and didn’t earn 24 credits I was told if I transfer to a JuCo that my previous grades do not matter because I didn’t participate in games I wanted to know if this was true or not
Hi Brandon,
Your past grades may not matter from the standpoint of being admitted to another University under their admission policies, but they definitely do matter in terms of the NCAA academic requirements for a 4-2-4 transfer when you move on to an NCAA Div. I or II school. If you want more information on the academic requirements you will have to achieve, contact me directly at rick@informedathlete.com.
Rick
Hi Allen
I was supposed to graduate HS in 2012 and was one credit short May 2012. I walked with my class and completed my course September this year. I missed the deadline based on a full time job and poor time management.
My GPA was 2.5 and my SAT was around 800. I believe I can take the SAT again before junior college but will my status with NCAA div 1 take one or two years of Joco
Thanks for your response
andrew
Hi Andrew,
If you are determined by the NCAA Eligibility Center to be a Div. I NonQualifier, you will be required to attend JUCO for at least 3 semesters, graduate from the JUCO, and earn the required GPA and number of transferable degree credit hours. If you want further details on the requirements, you can contact me directly at rick@informedathlete.com.
Good luck!
Rick
Hi Rick,
I am currently attending a JUCO and was not eligible to play due to me being out of state(Im from alabama)and i wanted to know, if im a full time student but do not participate in football does that affect my elegibility years? and also can a JUCO(mississippi) have more than the allowable 8 out of state players if the rest are redshirted?
thank you for your time and i await your response
Hi Miguel,
I think it would be best for you to check with the NJCAA offices in Colorado, as I think the rule you’re referring to may be a rule of the conference that your school belongs to.
Rick
Hello,
If you were not qualified out of high school to go to a D1 school and decided to play basketball this winter for a Juco is it possible to redshirt at a D1 school next fall and not graduate from the Juco you attended?
Hi Gabriel,
If you don’t graduate from the JUCO and transfer to a Div. I school, you would be required to redshirt in your first year there. In addition, depending upon which conference you go to, there may also be other requirements besides the standard NCAA rules. I recently learned of such a rule in the Big 12, for example.
Rick
Rick-
I have a son who is in his first year at a JUCO, he is currently enrolled in 13.75 units we are only into our second game..He currently became injured and is not able to make it the rest of the season..He still has time to withdrawl his classes with just a “W” on his transcript.. Should he do so, so he does not waste his Freshman eligibilty?
Thank you you and your book has been a great reference
Brian Adair
Hi Brian,
Since your son has been attending classes as a full-time student, he should NOT withdraw from his classes. If he does so, he will be at a big disadvantage when it comes time to transfer to a four-year college, because he will be held accountable for earning at least 12 hours of academic credit for this term.
His five-year clock (if transferring to Div. I), or his 10-semester clock (for Div. II, III, and NAIA), has already started with his full-time enrollment at this JUCO. Withdrawing from classes may save you some money now, but could put him behind in the future when it comes to his academic eligibility. Only you and he can make a decision as to what’s more important at this time.
Rick
Hello Rick. I spent 5 years in a 4 year Div 1 school. I did not play a sport. It is my understanding that your ‘eligibility clock’ starts with enrollment and does not matter whether or not you are playing a sport. Is this correct? I would like to go back to a school (any school, any division, even juco or naia or whatever else is out there) and play a sport. Is there any school I could attend where I would still have eligibility? Thank you!
Hi Jordan,
You are correct, the NCAA Div. I “5-year clock” starts with your first semester of full-time college enrollment and applies whether or not you have competed in an intercollegiate sport. NCAA Div. II, III, and NAIA follow a “10-semester rule” and count the semesters in which you were enrolled as a full-time student.
You might check with the NAIA, as they may have an exception since you didn’t participate in a sport. You may also want to check with the National Christian College Athletic Association about their rules.
Rick
Rick,
I’m a student athlete in the class of 2012 I fell into a hardship affecting my senior year I received some attention as a junior I am currently graduated but with class of ’13 my transcripts suffered what do I need to do in order to get the ball rolling to apply for a juco?
Hi Ira,
You need help getting the ball rolling with applying for a JUCO and for getting recruited by coaches. Contact your HS guidance counselor for help with the application process, and one of your coaches (pick one who is supportive of you, it might even be a coach in another sport, or a private instructor) who will contact JUCOs on your behalf to help with your recruitment.
Good luck!
Rick
Hi Rick, I plan to walk on to a JUCO or community college to play basketball and play at that school for 2 years, then transfer to a Division I or Division II school to finish school there and finish my college basketball career.
Is that path possible and is that a good path to follow??
Hi Jordan,
Yes, that path is possible, and is a good plan if you haven’t been recruited by any NCAA Div. I or II schools while in high school. You’ll still want to be sure to register with the NCAA Eligibility Center and submit your official ACT or SAT scores, and your high school transcript(s), so you can learn if you are an NCAA Qualifier. Then you’ll know what you need to achieve academically at the JUCO before transferring to Div. I or II.
Good luck!
Rick
Hey Rick.
I spent four years at a NCCAA school that did not have a baseball team. I did not play any of the other sports they offered. I am wondering if I would be eligible to play juco baseball (or NCAA) since my school did not even have the sport? I did graduate and that may rule out NCAA from what I hear but someone threw out the idea of juco to me so I was wondering if I would be eligible since my school did not have a team. Thanks!
Hi Spencer,
You may have a year of eligibility remaining at an NCAA Div. II school, as they have a 10-semester rule that allows you to have 4 years of eligibility within your first 10 semesters of full-time enrollment. You may want to check with a Div. II school, or a JUCO in your area.
Rick
Hey Rick.
I am a Juco athlete in california and have a d1 offer. I am taking 24 credits right now to get my AA by December. I was wondering if the 2.5 gpa requirement effects me now or only athletes starting next year.
Thanks
Hi Gus,
Since you will be able to earn your AA degree in December, I’m assuming that you started at the JUCO last year. So the 2.5 GPA requirement won’t effect you. However, you’ll also want to know what the admission requirements are for that school (separate from NCAA requirements).
Good luck!
Rick
Hi Rick,
My son is considering attending a juco school to play baseball while he studies and i am wondering if you could tell me the difference between div.1,div.2 and div.3 ball.
thanks,
Jim
Hi Jim,
I’m not sure whether you mean academic differences, scholarship differences, or roster differences. It might be best if you contact me directly with your specific questions.
Rick
Hi , i’m from Serbia, I finished my high school in serbia but i too late decided to come to America and i didnt finish SAT or ATC , and i enter the junior college, i have many offers from d1 and i want to go after one year, i will have 30 credits, and i will have more than 2.5….and i will do ATC is it enough to be able to go to d1 after 1 year?
Mhm i read here that i if u start juco u cant do atc any more, so can i be Qualifier after 1 year, if i have 30 transferable credits and good grades?
Gogec,
Once you start college anywhere as a full-time student, it’s too late to take the ACT test to be certified as a Qualifier. See my answer to your earlier question for more information.
Rick
Hi Gogec,
You will have to graduate from the junior college in order to be eligible when you transfer to an NCAA Div. I school.
Good luck!
Rick
Hi Rick,
My son is considering attending a junior college. The course of study he wishes to take is a non transfer course. He is playing baseball as well.
When he finishes his Juco studies can he attend a Naia school and get a four year degree and play ball all four years?
thanks
Hi Jim,
NAIA follows a 10-semester rule that counts the first 10 semesters of an athlete’s full-time enrollment at any college during which they can use their four seasons of eligibility. So, if your son finishes JUCO in four semesters and plays both years there, he would have 6 semesters at the NAIA school to use his other two years of eligibility.
Rick
hi Rick,
my son signed a NLI to play at Div 1 school and played there 1 year, moved onto a JUCO this year and looks to commit to another Div 1 program after he graduates in May. Will he be considered a junior or a Redshirt Sophomore when he arrived at 2nd Div 1 school. Does the 1 yr in JUCO count against NCAA eligibility. He of course did not want to sit out a year that is why he went JUCO in 2nd year. Thank you, Jim
Hi Jim,
You stated that your son played at a Div. I for one year, and then moved on to a JUCO this year. Why would he be considered a Redshirt Sophomore? Did he redshirt his freshman year at the Div. I??
Yes, the one year at JUCO counts against NCAA eligibility. As you may know, Div. I athletes have a “five-year clock” during which they can use four seasons of eligibility. That includes eligibility used at a JUCO. If you want more details on the 4-2-4 transfer process, contact me directly at rick@informedathlete.com.
Rick
Hey how you doing . My GPA is a 1.2 what should I do I have a few d2 schools looking at me for basketball n I graduate this year. What should I do if I’m trying to play college ball for a big school/d1 school?
Hi Arsene,
I suggest you do the following:
1. Find a teacher who will help you focus on your schoolwork.
2. Find a tutor who can work with you to improve your study habits and help you with specific classes.
3. Look for junior colleges with strong academic support programs that can help you prepare for transfer to a Div. II program after you earn your Associates degree.
Rick
Hey Rick, I am currently inrolled into a D1 college and trying to walk on a basketball team, I have a 16 on my ACT but my clearing House want accept me in the system. It says I have a 64 overall score but I need a 68 to be accepted. I was wondering if I can still tryout for the team and workout with the team untill next year?
Hi Josh,
If the NCAA Eligibility Center does not certify you as a Qualifier, you won’t be eligible to practice with the team this year. You will have to attend the school for one academic year before you can become eligible.
Good luck!
Rick
Hi Rick,
I went to community college and was a full-time student one semester (during the fall) but only received credit for 6 units and didn’t play any sports, then the next semester I went to another community college and joined the football team but didn’t become a full-time student until the fall (start of season) but I only played one game before I quit and after I quit I dropped my classes so that I only received credit for 5 units that semester. If I plan to play at another community college after a year (because i was told I had to sit out a year) and then want to transfer how many years of eligibility would I have if I transfer (or receive a scholarship) after that one year to a four year and play there? I really hope I didn’t confuse you and that you can help me out. Thank you.
Hi Paul,
The answer to your question depends upon what level of four-year school you’ll be transferring to. NCAA Div. I athletes have a “five-year clock” during which they can use four seasons of eligibility. The clock started with your first full-time semester and includes eligibility used at a JUCO.
NCAA Div. II, III, and NAIA follow a 10-semester rule that only counts the semesters that you were enrolled as a full-time student. If you want more details on the 2-4 transfer process, contact me directly at rick@informedathlete.com.
Rick
I am currently in my first semester at a JUCO and was wondering, I am on a track scholarship as of now but many things are happening back home. Am i able to transfer back home to a D III school and compete this sprimg or will I be forced to sit out until my sophmore year?
Hi Isaiah,
It would be possible for you to transfer to a Div. III school near home and be eligible in the spring.
Rick
Hey rick, I went to a 4 year school last year but did not play any sports. I have 26 credit hours and am planning on going to a JUCO in the spring to play football. Would I only be able to play for a year there before having to transfer?
Hi David,
You could play for 2 years at the JUCO, but it would mean one less year of eligibility at a four-year school after you earn your AA degree.
Rick
Hey Rick I’ve been at community college for 2 years and have not played any sports. Ive been looking to go play at a JUCO, would I be eligible to play there 2 years and then transfer to a 4-year university?
Hi Mike,
Yes, but you would possibly only have one year of eligibility remaining at the 4-year school.
Rick
Hey Rick,
I am currently a part time student at a community college within my town. I’m almost done completing the necessary credits to transfer onto a 4-year university. Al though realizing relatively late, I want to play football again. I’ve been working real hard, getting myself as athletic as I could possibly be. Once I transfer to my 4 year university. With decisions to walk onto the program’s football team, is there anything I’m going to need in order to have a walk on tryout? Thanks.
Brian
Brian,
You are currently part-time at a community college, but have you been a full-time student at any point? That will mean the difference between whether you are considered a transfer or a freshman when you move to a four-year school. The academic requirements are much different. You may want to contact me directly for more detailed information at rick@informedathlete.com.
Rick
Rick, I currently am going thru my ‘gap year’. I’d like to go to either a NJCAA school or NAIA school next year. I want to play baseball. So, juco vs NAIA, which would be easier to be a walk on for a team? Which is considered the higher level regarding athletics? Which will give me a better chance to eventually transfer to a Div. 1 or 2 school? And which gets more scouting from MLB scouts/ a better chance at pro ball?
Hi JD,
JUCO will give you a better chance to transfer to NCAA Div. I or II, and gives you more opportunity to be drafted.
Rick
Hi Rick I’m currently a basketball player at a JC in California called RCC. I’m grey shirting this year so I’m not a full time student and my clock hasn’t started yet but I don’t want to be there more than 2 years. Next year when I’m a full time student and freshman can I still transfer to a 4 year university even if I don’t get a scholarship to a D1 or D2? I am also a qualifier.
Hi Drake,
Yes, you can do that.
Rick
Hi Rick,
My son was a redshirt his 1st year (last year) at a D-II school. He had academic issues so he transferred to a JUCO this year and kept his eligibility to play. So far the coach has not played him and wants to redshirt him again this year. He wants him to be short credit hours so he can return next fall and play for him. He needs 24 credits this year for his associates degree. He is currently taking 12 hours. Would he still be eligible to play 3 years plus spring ball at a D-I or D-II? Also, if he received partial football scholarships the past 2 years, will he still be eligible for scholarships another 4 years?
Thanks,
Cindy
p.s. he has a 2.875 gpa with 36 credit hours towards his associates degree.
Hi Cindy,
The answer to one of your questions depends upon what level of four-year school he’ll be transferring to. NCAA Div. I athletes have a “five-year clock” during which they can use four seasons of eligibility. The clock started with his first full-time semester and includes eligibility used at a JUCO or a four-year school.
NCAA Div. II, III, and NAIA follow a 10-semester rule that only counts the semesters that an athlete is enrolled as a full-time student. This may benefit your son. If you want more details on the 4-2-4 transfer process, contact me directly at rick@informedathlete.com.
Rick
Dear Rick,
I am currently a JUCO player that transferred from a D2 school. My original plan was for me to stay one full year and then transfer out after the spring semester. But due to the roster being fairly set at my school, I have received no play time whatsoever; making my coach wanting me to stay for another semester after the spring to get a season in before I transfer. I would rather stick to the original plan and transfer either to my first D2 school or elsewhere after this year.
So here are my questions for you:
1. Would it be beneficial for me to stay an extra semester at the JUCO?
2. Am I able to contact 4 year schools right now/do I need my head coach’s approval to contact other schools?
Thank you,
Derek
Hi Derek,
Since you didn’t tell me what your sport is, I can’t give my opinion on whether you should stay an extra semester. Regardless of your sport, the rules don’t require you to get your coach’s permission since you’re at a JUCO.
Rick
I just started my freshman year at a JUCO and am running track. I am qualified through NCAA so I was wondering if I’m able to be recruited by a D1 after my first year and transfer there.
Yes, that is possible.
Rick
Hi Rick,
I am currently a sophomore playing baseball at a Division 3 college in St. Louis. I want to transfer to a JUCO for the next semester and then transfer to a division 2 for the next fall. Would I have to sit out at all if i go this route?
Hi Mark,
You shouldn’t have to as long as you are in good academic standing when you leave each school, and satisfy the 4-2-4 transfer requirements when you transfer from the JUCO to the Div. II school. For details on those 4-2-4 transfer rules, contact me directly at rick@informedathlete.com.
Rick
i was wondering ; im gone play football at Nassau college in NY next season a Commu ity college i was weondering iF i was to finish two years of football there would i be able to get scholerships to other schools or would i have to do a transfer ?
Hi Gregory,
Have you registered with the NCAA Eligibility Center and submitted your HS transcript and ACT or SAT test scores to the Center? Even if you’re planning to play two years of JUCO ball before transferring, knowing whether you have been certified as an NCAA Qualifier or NonQualifier will allow you to know what you need to achieve academically at the JUCO to be able to transfer to an NCAA Div. I or II school.
Rick
Hey I graduated high school in 2007 and started community college in NJ fall 2008. I spent two years at that juco and didn’t graduate, but transfer to a division 1 in fall 2010. I didn’t play any sports and now I am planning on trying out for the basketball team as a walk-on. I’m on my fifth year in college and wanted to know if there are any restrictions for me to play if I made the basketball team? or am I not allowed to play college sports because I transferred and didn’t graduate? I’m 23 and never played college sports.
Hi Calerbe,
If you’re in your 5th year of college at a Div. I school, you’ll need to have at least 80% of your chosen degree completed in order to be eligible for competition. You’ll also have to have completed 6 credit hours during the previous semester, and 24 credit hours during the previous academic year (summer classes can be included).
Good luck!
Rick
Thanks Mr. Allen!
One more question: I have close to 70% completed as of this fall 2012 semester, how many years would I be eligible to play if I make the basketball team?
Calerbe,
If this is your 5th year of college since you began full-time college enrollment (9th full-time semester right now), and you have not already completed at least 80% of your degree requirements at this point, you will have no eligibility remaining.
Rick
Ok I figured so, but thanks for the advice Mr. Allen. Have a good one!
HE QULIFED FROM DAY 1!!
MY SON IS A REDSHIRT FRESHMEN THIS FALL AND PLANS ON TRANSFERRING TO A JUCO FOOTBALL NEXT SPRING AND HE HAS A TOTAL OF 24 HOURS AND WILL HAVE 36 AT THE END OF THE FALL. DOES HE HAVE TO GRADUATE FROM THE JUCO BEFORE GOING BACK TO A DIV 1 OR DIV 2 COLLEGE. WILL HE BE ELIGIBLE. HIS HOPES ARE TO GO TO JUCO FOR THE SPRING AND PLAY THERE THE NEXT FALL AND RETURN TO DIV 1 FOR THE NEXT SPRING. I AM A VERY CONCERN PARENT.
Hi Howard,
As a 4-2-4 transfer, your son will have to graduate from the JUCO if he plans to go to a Div. I school. However, he has a second option if going to a Div. II school. You may want to contact me directly for a consultation about your concerns at rick@informedathlete.com.
Rick
Help! Daughter verbally committed to major DI program early in the year as a junior. I gave them copies of transcript and SAT info before visit, offer, and commitment. She’s now a senior. The program recently made headlines for academic issues among athletes, and stated publically three days ago that even thought the NCAA may increase minimum requirements by 2016, the university may make that switch sooner, specifically, by Spring. Without counting online courses that are NCAA approved, her Core GPA is 2.065 and combined SAT reading and math is 860. However, recent ADHD diagnosis increased grades to straight As and is allowing her accommodations on November SATs, which we believe will improve scores tremendously. Now, core GPA is well above 3.0. Coach coach called two weeks ago and said he can’t wait to have her on team. He called two days ago and said she better have backup colleges due to academic questions from admissions. Today, admissions called and said she would not be accepted. Ever heard of this happening? Options? Had many offers, with money in her sport being long gone, at this point, for her class. Please advise! We are devastated. This was her dream program since childhood, and her commitment made headlines.
SoccerMom,
I suggest her club coach help out by getting on the phone and contacting other schools that had shown interest in her to see what opportunities might still be available. If you want to schedule a consultation to discuss this, contact me directly at rick@informedathlete.com.
Rick
Hi Rick,
im currently enrolled in a JUCO as a freshman and not playing football this year. i had a few offers coming out of high school but was not content and then decided i would take a year off because i was feeling worn out. i currently have 14 units for this semester does that burn this year of eligibility and leave me with three? Or do i have to take 12 units both semesters in order to burn this year? is there any way that still allows me to play 4
Hi Kody,
NCAA Div. I athletes have a “five-year clock” during which they can use their four seasons of eligibility. NCAA Div. II, III, and NAIA allow 10 semesters of full-time enrollment to use your four seasons of eligibility. You haven’t burned a year of eligibility simply by attending school this year.
Rick
hello rick,
I played for a juco in 2009-2010 season that was my first year i sit out two years after that and im back this year trying to play i have 63 credits i did 4 full time semesters and 1 other semester i was full time but i dropped a class. how many seasons do i have left to play on any level????????????????//
Hi John,
NCAA Div. I athletes have a “five-year clock” during which they can use their four seasons of eligibility. NCAA Div. II, III, and NAIA allow 10 semesters of full-time enrollment to use your four seasons of eligibility.
Rick
So how about juco/njcaa?
John,
Two years of eligibility to play at that level.
Rick
I know its two years to play at the juco level but is there a certain amount of semesters you have to complete the 2 years in?
No, but obviously the longer you spend at a JUCO, the less time you have available at a four-year school.
Rick
Hey Rick,
I’m a red shirt freshmen(red shirting this year) at a division 2 school. I want to go play for a JUCO for two years after this year instead of staying here. I signed a NLI to the division 2 school and was wondering how I should go about this? How long does the NLI last? Your help will be greatly appreciated! Thank you very much!
Hi Chris,
Your NLI commitment is for one full academic year. After you complete one year at the Div. II school, your requirement under the NLI will be satisfied.
Rick
Thank you!
And since I red shirted this year, I would be able to play two years at a JUCO and still be eligible to play two years at a higher university correct?
Chris,
That’s correct!
Rick
Rick my son is attending Junior College. He did not qualify for Division 1 out of high school. And my question for you is it possible for him to transfer to a division 1 school after 1 year of juco?
Derrick,
Your son can transfer to Div. I after one year at JUCO, but since he is a NonQualifier, he would not be able to be eligible in his first year at Div. I. To do that, he would have to earn his AA degree from the JUCO and pass the required number of math, English, and science courses.
Rick
Hey Rick,
I’m currently a freshman JUCO basketball player with goals of tranferring to a 4 year school after next season. Obviously I am a full time student at my JUCO but, I have never taken the SAT or ACT. Will this be a problem trying to transfer to a 4 year school? If so, what do I do?
Thank you,
Josh
Hi Josh,
That means that you are considered a NonQualifier, and will need to satisfy the academic requirements for a NonQualifier in order to be eligible in your first year of transfer to a four-year school. For example, if you’re hoping to transfer to an NCAA Div. I school with eligibility in your first year, that means that you will need to earn your AA degree from the JUCO. You would not have that requirement if you were a Qualifier.
Good luck!
Rick
Hey Rick im currently.a sohpmore in a community college this year igot red shiryed on my secound year but coach said icnt play ican practoce with the team bit not play idk wht to do iwant to jus practice on my own and go back hard next year only problem is on both my two years in juco ive been full time and ihave to.stay another year becuase im short in credits can istill play on juco even on my third year ? your help will be great thank you Rick
Hi Anthony,
Yes, you should be able to play since you redshirted your second year. You didn’t mention what your sport is, so it depends somewhat upon when you complete your AA degree compared to your season, but you should have another year at JUCO.
Rick
my situation is a bit complex well first my first year of juco football was 2011 season i found that i needed more credits/and or degree from form juco first so now im taking classing to go toward the degree to become eligible.can i still be recruited after i get the degree or do i need more credits based on the school? does the degree certify eligible right away when i get to the d1 school?
Hi Johnell,
The AA degree alone does not certify you as eligible when you get to the Div. I school. There will also be other requirements regarding the number of credits you have that are transferable to the Div. I school, and the number of credits you have toward your chosen four-year degree.
Rick
My son was barely a non-qualifier out of HS.(1.9 core gpa – ACT was fine) He attended and played football for a D3 program for 1 semester. He wants to transfer to a D1 program for his second semester, knowing he will still have to sit out his academic year in residence. What are the requirements to consider him a qualifier, so that he can participate in spring ball (even though he will be sitting for his first year)? Can he still take credit recovery classes to increase his GPA to be considered as a qualifier for D1 – to participate in spring ball and practice with team next year?
Hi Victor,
The required ACT or SAT score must be achieved prior to full-time college enrollment, so it is too late for your son to become a Qualifier.
Good luck to your son for his transfer!
Rick
My son graduated with College prep but didnt have a high enough GPA and was not elegible for D1 out of High School, he signed with a juco in Florida. he transfered to a juco in Georgia and alot of his credits didnt transfer. He has alot of D1 schools interested in him after this year, but is concerned with what he needs to be elegible since some of his classes didnt transfer
Hi Paula,
Since your son wasn’t a Div. I Qualifier out of high school, he’ll have to earn his AA degree and complete the required number of transferable degree credits in order to be eligible in his first year upon transfer to a Div. I school. He should be asking those Div. I schools that are interested what he needs to do to be eligible upon transfer.
Rick
Hi Rick, My son has signed a letter of intent for a JUCO. He was given a full scholarship to play baseball, and just started taking courses last week. We just found out he has a tear in his labrum, and maybe out for the season. Should he quit the college and come back next year? or should he so get a medical redshirt, and still have his four years of eligibility? If he does this since Junior Colleges are normally two years, can he stay a third year and take extra courses so he can play his two years at the JUCO. Please let me know, Thanks!
Hi Gil,
At the very least, your son should focus on his academics, complete this semester or quarter at the JUCO, and earn as many credit hours as he can with the best GPA that he can, so that he will have those hours for his academic progress. As far as whether he should sit out from school next semester or attend school and take this as a redshirt year, we may want to have a discussion about that to discuss the pros and cons. Contact me directly at rick@informedathlete.com if you want to discuss his options.
Rick
Hello Rick.
I want to know if I’m able to compete in Indoor Track at my University using my 2 unused years of eligibility.
I competed at NJCAA JUCO for 2 years in XC & outdoor track Fall 2006-Spring 2008. They did not have indoor track so I was left with 2 years of eligibility in that sport. I transferred to an NCAA D3 university in Fall 2008-Spring 2010 where I competed in XC (2 yrs), indoor track (2yrs), & outdoor track (2yrs). In total: xc=4, indoor=2, outdoor=4, 2 yrs community college with AS Degree, 2 yrs at the University full time.
I was a part time student Fall 2010 (XC assistant coach at my University & paid as a student), part time Spring 2011 & Fall 2011, & took Spring 2012 semester off. This Fall I’m in Junior Practicum (1 credit) & next Spring (2013) I am in Student teaching (15 credits+, full time), then comes graduation. In total I have been in school full time for 4 years & part time for an additional 4 semesters including this fall.
Will I be able to use my eligibility this winter for the indoor track season in the NCAA DIII at my University?
Hi Lisa,
If you’re only enrolled in one credit this Fall, I don’t think you could be eligible this term, but you should be able to participate in Spring 2013.
Good luck!
Rick
Rick
If I enroll fulltime at JC, how many years of egilibilty will I have after 2 years of JC? my dream is to make the NFL, I want to play at the U of Washington, during my two years at JC will I get any offers for football from D1 schools, if I play good? Please explain this to me
Hi AJ,
You will get offers if you are a standout player AND if the school (or schools) that you are interested in needs a player at your position. If you use two years of eligibility at the JUCO, you’ll have two years remaining at a four-year school.
Rick
Hi Rick,
Last year my son attended a D2 school and pitched 7 innings as a freshman. He injured his knee during the season and was granted a medical hardship by the MIAA conference. He has since transferred to a JUCO and is expected to graduate with a degree in May 2013. Currently he’s being recruited by several D-1′s and I would like to confirm that the NCAA has received and granted his medical hardship and restored the year of eligibility. Who or how do I confirm it with the NCAA?
Thank you,
Doug
Hi Doug,
I suggest contacting the compliance administrator at the MIAA conference office or his former school for a copy of the decision letter. The NCAA may not even be aware of the waiver if it was reviewed and granted by the conference office.
Rick
Hey Rick,
I am currently a freshman student at a D1 school but do not play any sports here. I just finished halfway through my first semester and was wondering if there was still a possibility of me being able to play College basketball at a Division 3 program. Before choosing to attend the D1 school I had already planned on playing basketball at the D3 school, but ended up going to the D1 school for academics. Ended up not liking the school very well, and really missed playing basketball. Please email me or reply and help me with this situation I am in.
Thank you!
Hi Dustin,
As a transfer from a Div. I school to a Div. III school, you should be able to be eligible at the Div. III school if the Div. I school can say that you were in good academic standing when you left there. If that’s not the case, you may need to serve one academic year (two semesters) at the Div. III school before you will be eligible for competition, but you should still be able to practice with them.
Rick
Hello,
I have played 2 years at a Juco and now I’m ready to transfer. My question is can I play for a D1 program even if I haven’t been in school (taken classes) sense the fall of 2011? I played my final year of Juco in the Fall of 2011. I tried to find a school to play at in spring of 2012 but couldn’t find one, that has left me with no school classes starting with the spring of 2012. It is Fall 2012 and I haven’t taken classes either this semester…. I finally got accepted into a D1 football program school. I have 1 year of athletic eligibility left for D1 football, could I still play for that D1 football program in the fall of 2013 even if I haven’t been in class for the past 2 semesters (spring and fall of 2012)??? I will be taking winter, spring, and summer classes at my new D1 football school.
Hi Ben,
The answer to your question will depend upon a number of things. Some of them are:
1. Did you register with the NCAA Eligibility Center, and if so, were you classified as a Qualifier or NonQualifier?
2. Did you earn you Associates Degree at the JUCO?
3. Will you meet the Div. I progress towards degree requirements, of which there are 3 or 4 different ones.
I suggest you contact the athletic compliance office at the Div. I school that you’ve been accepted to, and have them evaluate your JUCO transcript.
Good luck!
Rick
Thanks Rick. To answer your questions… Yes to the first 2 questions. I was a Non-qualifier and I DID receive my AA degree from my Juco. When I registered for the clearing house I am able to play D1 football. Your final question I’m not sure about. But I do have my AA degree and registered with the clearing house. Thank you again!!
Hi again,
Since I have attended a 4 year school, and will be attending a JUCO next year, I will have the credits from my first year. I will have 24 credits after my first year. Will I still be able to play football at a JUCO for two years, then be able to play at a D1 for two years?
Chris,
Yes, you have a “five-year clock” in which to use your four years of eligibility.
Rick
I just recently got injured which in the fall season of my freshman year at a JUCO. I am leaving my JUCO in cali at the end of the semester to return to Las Vegas to have surgery and rehab. If I do not redshirt and i take classes at a different JC, will I lose a year of eligibility?
Hi Josh,
If you compete (and or have competed) this year, either at your current JUCO or the next, and you don’t redshirt, you’ll use one of your four years of college eligibility and have three remaining.
Rick
Hi Rick,
I’m currently a senior in high school. My goal is to get a scholarship into a D1 school. The path I’ve chosen is to go to a JUCO and receive my AA degree. In order to receive a scholarship to the D1 school, do I have to play on the tennis team at the JUCO?
It would be a good idea to play tennis at the JUCO, unless you will be in an area where you can get quality practice and competition through local clubs and amateur competition. Bottom line, a Div. I school isn’t going to give you a scholarship unless they know you can play at their level of competition.
Rick
Hello Rick,
If I play baseball and red shirt my first year and then play two seasons which means I have 3 years in juco. Could I transfer to a D1 school?
Thanks
Hi Ernesto,
If you do that, you’ll have two years of eligibility remaining at an NCAA Div. I or II school.
Good luck!
Rick
Hi Rick,
My son is graduating this 2013. He is a 3.0 sdnt.. Looks like he should be qualifier status. Taking ACT in December. Classes met and finishing. He is verbally commited to a full juco baseball scholarship. Will or Can a D1/D2 school still recruit him? Is he able to verbal or sign with D1/ D2? If he does sign NLI and attends juco, does he need to graduate to later transfer to a D1? Does he need to have any required courses/classes met to later transfer to a D1?
Thank you so very much,
Chris
Hi Chris,
The answer to all of your questions is “Yes”, with the exception that if he is released from his NLI commitment by the school he signs with, he would not need to graduate from JUCO in order to transfer to Div. I (as long as he is a Qualifier).
Good luck to your son!
Rick
Thank you Rick,
I just need to clarify…once he signs NLI with juco he needs a release for future transfers? (whether by choice or recruit?)or needs to graduate? (whether after 1 yr or 2?)
Chris,
Yes, you can learn more by visiting http://www.national-letter.org, and reviewing the “NLI Provisions” tab.
Rick
Hi Rick Allen,
I need your advice. I’m 21 yrs old and I want to start playing soccer at my JUCO but I have no experience. I haven’t played any sports since I was 16 yrs old. I’ve been here for a yr now and I feel like now is my last opportunity to play. I plan on gaining as much knowledge I can here, become the best athlete I can be here and transfer to another school and hopefully play professionally. What should I do?
Hi Chenae,
You should start by asking the soccer coach at your college for an opportunity to tryout for the team. If you are invited to join the team, you then need to talk to the coach to find out if you are eligible academically to play for your college.
Good luck!
Rick
I am a non recruited qualifier attending a Division 1 school, am I able to go to a juco spring semester and transfer to Div 1 next fall without losing any eligibility or do I have to get my AA? The sport is baseball. Thanks
Hi Chase,
You would have to earn your AA degree.
Good luck!
Rick
Can I transfer directly to the Div. 1 beens I non recruited. Thanks
Chase,
Yes, as long as you’re sure your current school’s interaction with you didn’t trigger the definition of “recruited”, and as long as your school will release you to attend another Div. I school, and you satisfy the academic requirements for the One-Time Transfer Exception.
Rick
what would the differences be as a “partial-qualifier” vs “non-qualifier” if you want to enroll at a DI school and be a “walk-on” on the football team? when could you begin practicing & how does it affect eligibility?
Terry,
NCAA Div. I doesn’t recognize the “Partial Qualifier” designation, that is only at the Div. II level. As a Div. I NonQualifier, the athlete is basically not allowed to be a member of the team – no practices, team meetings, workout sessions, anything – during their freshman year. The rationale is that they should be focusing on their academic work. They could then join the team in their 2nd year of enrollment.
Rick
Hiya,
I am attending JUCO in January, am I able to play lacrosse in the same year or do I need to wait til the following year..
Thanks
Greg,
Come on, you gotta give me more info than that!! When you say “in the same year,” in the same year as what? Have you commpeted at a four-year school this Fall?
Rick
Haha sorry Rick, early morning start and wasnt thinking to much.. and I am talking about in the spring and no I did not compete at a four-year school in the fall I am coming from Canada actually but am not starting Juco until January rather then september start. And in JUCO can you compete in multiple sports in the same school year such as hockey in fall and winter and then lacrosse in the spring.
Thanks
Greg,
That’s more like it!! I know of no reason why you can’t also compete in lacrosse during the spring, unless you are receiving a scholarship for hockey and your coach tells you that you can’t participate in another sport.
Rick
Quick question
I graduated in 2011. I recieved a full ride Football schlorship to a D1 school. I didnt go i sat out of school for a year. Now I atted a D3 JUCO playing football and I’m a Freshman. I didnt recieve a scholorship. I played the full season and i did kinda good. Now I want to transfer to a D1 university or a D1 JUCO that gives schlorships. But ive heard you have to have like 40 credits to transfer to a University. And for me to transfer to a D1 juco i heard different things, “i do need a release to transfer and i will have to sit out a year to play even if i leave at the end of this semester” and then i heard ” you dont need a release but there is a possibility i will have to sit out a for a year if i leave at the end of this semester or next”. WHAT IS TRUE BEACAUSE I WOULD LIKE TO TRANSFER AT THE END OF THIS SEMESTER OR CAN YOU GUIDE ME IN WHAT I NEED TO DO??
Hi JP,
Since you aren’t receiving a scholarship at your current JUCO, you should be able to be eligible at another JUCO as long as you have passed 12 hours for each semester of full-time enrollment with a GPA of at least 2.00.
Your ability to transfer to an NCAA Div. I university will depend upon whether you were a Qualifier for NCAA when you graduated HS. If you weren’t a Qualifier, then you’ll need to graduate from a JUCO with your Associates Degree in order to be transfer and be eligible in your first year at a Div. I university.
Rick
I graduated with my Ged and im at a juco and was wondering do i need a A.A inorder to transfer to a D1 school after two years
Hi Terrence,
If you didn’t register with the NCAA Eligibility Center and weren’t certified as a Qualifier, then, Yes, you will need your Associate’s Degree (as well as meet other academic requirements) in order to transfer to a Div. I school.
Rick
I looked at my ncaa clearing house and it says Final certified for Dl and Dll track and football and Amateurism Decision final but it say that my Academic Certification Decision not yet available so that does that mean im a qualifier?
Hi Terrence,
I want to make sure that we’re talking about the same thing, especially since we’re talking about two different classifications for two different divisions. Contact me directly at rick@informedathlete.com.
Rick
Hi, i currently attend a JUCO and am apart of the NJCAA program here. However, I want to go D1 after either this season or next season. What steps should i take on making sure im eligible academically (how many credits required, and gpa required)? As well as what steps should i follow to in the recruitment process?
-Marcus
Hi Marcus,
The answers to your questions will depend on a few different factors. It’s probably best if you contact me directly at rick@informedathlete.com.
Rick
Hello Rick
I am 22 years of age and have never participated in any college sport. Played 4 years of varsity basketball at a 6A high school..went to a few exposure practices, camps and games but never really got a great look,I went to a community college from 08-11 (was full time for 1 year) and graduated with my AA and transferred to D1 school to continue my studies. I started going to a D1 school in 2011 and only have 2 full time semester. I plan on graduating fall or spring of 2013. I’ve recently gotten back into basketball and fell in love with it all over again..and the fact that there were a few players who walked on, who i felt like i was better than, now have a chance. I guess what i’m trying to ask is, can i still play college basketball? I don’t have a problem going to grad school if that makes a difference. thanks for your help
David
Hi David,
If you haven’t had 10 semesters of full-time enrollment, it would be possible for you to compete as a grad student at an NCAA Div. II school.
Good luck!
Rick
I live in London I want to go to a Community College however my original class was 2013 but I had to re-sit and now it’s 2014 (I’ll be 19 by then). If I do go to JUCO will I be able to transfer to a NCAA D1 College afterward without recievign any eligibility problems? What does Qualifier and Non-Qualifier mean? Also do Community College offer scholarships to Student Athletes from Out of America? Regards, TD
Hi London,
I suggest you start by “Googling” the NCAA’s “Guide for the College-Bound Student-Athlete.” It will describe a Qualifier and Non-Qualifier, and the importance of the NCAA Eligibility Center. Your status as a Qualifier or Non-Qualifier will make a big difference in transferring from a JUCO to an NCAA Div. I or II college.
You may also want to review http://www.ncaaeligibilitycenter.org, or .com.
Good luck!
Rick
Hello Rick
I have been in a community college for a year and a half and by the end of this semester i will have around 18 credit hours, which i’m still considered a freshman. The reason i don’t have many credit hours is because i took some EAP classes the first semerter which are not transferable. To transfer to another college i know i need 30 credit hours or more. I will have between 30-35 credit hours by the end of my second year in college.I have not played college football at at all so if i do transfer to another college with 30 credit hours or more how many years of football will i be able to play in a division 1 or division 2 college even though i will be done with 2 years of college but only 30 credit hours?
Hi Carlos,
For Div. I football, you have a 5-year limit from when you first enrolled as a full-time college student, but you won’t be able to be eligible at Div. I with only 30 credit hours. You also won’t be eligible at a Div. II school, but would have a few more options to become eligible after you get there. You would probably have 2 years available to you at an NCAA Div. II school or an NAIA school.
Rick
Hello Rick
I was a freshman and I played D3 basketball last year until being ruled academically ineligible half way through the season (Christmas Break). I did not attend that school the following (Spring) semester. If I were to transfer to a D2 or to a different D3 school when will I be eligible? I really look forward to hearing from you!
Rell
Hi Rell,
Since you were not eligible at the time you left the Div. III school, you will have to attend a Div. II or III school for one academic year before you can be eligible for competition. You should be allowed to practice with the team during that time, however.
Rick
I graduated from a community college in 2007 and transferred to Rutgers University Div 1 school and played only for one semester and stopped during the second so i still used that whole year of eligibility I believe. I was a walk on so I didn’t really get in the game that much. I still have 1 more year left I didn’t use and I was wondering if I would still be eligible? I still continued school there for 2 more years and graduated. Could I still play my last year at any level D1, D2, or D3?
Hi Thomas,
If you were enrolled as a full-time student for 10 semesters of attendance, (10 semesters total) then you have no eligibility remaining for college sports. NCAA Div. I has a five-year limit from your first full-time college enrollment, and NCAA Div. II, III, and NAIA have a 10-semester limit that counts the semesters of full-time enrollment, regardless of whether you were participating in sports.
Rick
If you enroll the first semester as a juco (part time) and the. The second semester enroll full time (12 credit hours) are you still eligible for 5 years of football since football season is in the fall? Thanks,
Nick
Hi Nick,
Yes, your “five-year clock” begins with your first semester of full-time college enrollment.
Rick
Hi Rick,
My son has played football at a Junior College for 3 years. How long would he be eligible to play if he transferred to another college playing DII Football?? Only one year??
Hi Susan,
If one of those years at the JUCO was considered a medical hardship year, then he may have two years of eligibility available at a Div. II school. Otherwise, you are correct, he only has one year left.
Rick
Can I still transfer to a university off a basketball scholarship if I start playing at my juco next year ( California)? I’m currently a full time student and will have completed half of my credits required to transfer by next fall.
Hi Luke,
Yes, you can do that.
Rick
Hey rick. I am a 22 year old soldier in the Army and wanted to play for a junior college when I get in in a year and I have college credits and have been keeping my skills fresh. Would I be able to attend a JUCO I have # years of eligibility left in college. I previously attended CCSU a Div 1 FCS school. Any feedback would be great, but i did want to play at a JUCO and hopefully go on and play for another college after I reprove myself.
Hi Derek,
NCAA Div. I uses a “five-year clock” rule that limits your participation in four seasons of eligibility for competition to a five-year period starting when you first enroll at any college as a full-time student. Be aware that the “five-year clock” stops “ticking” during time that you have been in active military status.
NCAA Div. II, III, and NAIA schools follow a “10-semester rule.” For that rule, they only count the semesters that you are enrolled as a full-time student.
I hope this is helpful.
Rick
My Son is in his Junior Year of High School and has been offer a Letter of intent to a local JUCCO for Baseball. His is on track to be a Div. I Qualifier however has not completed requirements as of yet.Is it a good idea to sign the Letter of Intent to the JUCCO?
Hi Ron,
I find it hard to believe that your son has been offered a JUCO letter of intent during his junior year of high school. The NJCAA Letter of Intent can’t be issued in the sport of baseball until January 15.
Rick
I’m currently 22 years old and am classified as a sophomore at a 4 year university. I graduated HS in 2008 and started at a 4 year university full time, but then left after Spring of 2009. I went to a tech school part-time from Fall of 2010 until Spring of 2012. Fall of 2012 I’m back at a 4 year and transferring next Fall to another 4 year that has a DivII football team. Would I be eligible to play, even as a walk on?
Hi Zach,
If you’re currently participating on the football team at your four-year school, and/or did participate at your first four-year school, then you will likely have to sit out from competition next season before you can be eligible.
Rick
Hi Rick,
my son graduated this past June, ACT score is a little shy of qualifier status, grey shirted at JUCO this season while enrolled part time to continue taking ACT. Question, on the NCAA sliding scale, do they round up or down if the GPA falls within two levels? He has a 2.641 GPA but the required GPA for his ACT score is 2.650. The next GPA level below is 2.625. My logic says his 2.641 GPA is closer to the required 2.650 than the lower 2.625. Your thoughts? Thanks for the great information!
Hi Bernard,
In your son’s situation as you described it, he will need a 2.650 GPA in the minimum required 16 core courses.
Good luck to your son!
Rick
I have a question. I’m a senior in high school aspiring to play football in college but don’t have the grades. If I were to attend a Junior College or a Prep School would that start my five year clock before I enroll at a 4-year University?
Hi Austin,
Your five-year clock would start with full-time enrollment at a JUCO. Attendance at a prep school doesn’t start your clock regardless of whether full-time or part-time enrolled.
Rick
I am a student athlete at Moorpark College in California. I am looking to transfer possibly to Oregon State but I am confused because their website is telling me that you only need 24 units to transfer. Does this mean all I need is 24 units to transfer and can still play football or do I need my AA to transfer?
Hi Alex,
The number of units you will need to transfer to be eligible at Oregon State will depend upon whether you were certifed as an NCAA Qualifier when you graduated from HS. The 24 units they refer to on their website probably is referring to their Admission requirements, which are different than the NCAA requirements to be eligible for competition.
Rick
Rick,
What requirements must a JUCO student athlete meet, to be a ‘qualifier’ (eligible for participation) and transfer to an NCAA D2 program, if he/she were not to graduate from the JUCO college?
Any help on the matter would be much appreciated.
Thanks
Nick
Nick,
Contact me directly at rick@informedathlete.com if you’re interested in purchasing our Informed Athlete’s Guide to Transfers which includes the transfer rules for 2-4, 4-4, and 4-2-4 transfer rules.
Rick
hello my name is christian caviness and im having trouble. just with the college system can you explain this. To me i plan on attending a juco school and playing football. But the paper work and money are the issue and what will i need to show i am a Qualifier.
Hi Christian,
I suggest that you do a search for the NCAA publication “Guide for the College-Bound Student-Athlete.” I believe that it will answer many of your questions regarding Qualifier status.
Rick
I wanted to know my son is classified as LD but meets all course requirements for NCAA , but can’t meet the standards on act/sat tests. He has taken three tests and still falls below the requirement. Is there any type of waiver that will allow a LD student who just can’t meet that part of the requirement. He has everything else.
Thank you
Hi Michele,
I suggest that you do a search for the NCAA publication “Guide for the College-Bound Student-Athlete.” I believe that it may answer some of your questions about accomodations for LD students.
Rick
Hello Rick,
I wanted to know if its possible to join a community college basketball team and play for them. the thing is, i don’t have a diploma or G.E.D, but im taking 13 units this semester. and i believe you need at least 12. I also remember reading that you cant join because something that has to do with a scholarship? is there anyway i could just play, for the team, without a scholarship being involved.
Hi Angel,
Plenty of athletes play without having a scholarship. Since you’re enrolled at the community college as a full-time student, you should be able to least practice with the team if the coach believes you have the talent and the work ethic to do so.
Rick
just a quick question i’m 19 years old and currently thinking of attending a post grad basketball program for a year knowing my grades arent good enough but trying to get into a juco program after im done with the post grad would it affect me going to juco and later trying to get into a ncaa d1 or d2 school??
Hi KJ,
Going to a postgraduate program can help you get into an NCAA Div. I or II program if you can improve your overall GPA, core course grades, and ACT or SAT test scores to make you a Qualifier.
Good luck!
Rick
well the post grad program will only be a half a year so i’m pretty sure my gpa wont increase high enough to get into ncaa div 1 or 2 so im just curious is it a good idea to go for exposure to get into a juco??
KJ,
That will depend alot upon the cost to attend the postgrad program. You’ll have to decide if you think that the increased exposure will be worth the cost. You might consult your former HS coach or JUCO coaches in your area.
Rick
I’m in a JUCO in California and I was planning to play football but suffered a season ending injury before our first game so instead of taking a medical redshirt my coaches told me I dont have to because I didn’t play in a game so I won’t lose any year of eligibility or a red shirt or med red year. But I failed a course in the fall semester does that mean I am not eligible to play next season or can I make that up next semester and over the summer?
Hawaiian,
You should be able to make up that course next semester or next summer. Be sure to check with your coaches to be sure you know what the eligibility requirements are in your conference.
Rick
Do I need to make it up with the college I am at or can I make it up with the community college back home?
If you plan to make it up at the community college back home, be sure to check with the Registrar’s Office at the college you’re attending to make sure the course will transfer back to your current college and be placed on your transcript there. This is another question you should confirm with your coach or athletic director in case the conference has rules that are specific only to that conference.
Rick
Hey Rick, i currently have a 1.9 GPA but most likely end the year with a 2.0-2.1, but i’m getting recruited by a couple Division 1,2 and 3 schools for football. I think at this point id be better off spending two years at a JUCO somewhere. If i spend 1 year at a JUCO college to improve my core GPA then transfer to a division 1 school will i still be eligible for 4 years at that division 1 program ? Or do i have to spend 2 years at the JUCO to have four years of eligibility at the D1 school ?
Thanks
Jordan,
If you are certified by the NCAA Eligibility Center as a Qualifier, you will only have to spend one year at a JUCO before moving on. If, however, you are certified as a NonQualifier, you’ll have to spend at least 3 semesters at a JUCO. You’ll have a five-year window of time to use your eligibility for NCAA Div. I, and ten full-time semesters to use your four years of eligibility for Div. II, III, or NAIA (that includes the time you spend at a JUCO).
Rick
If I played basketball half a season at a D3 college would I be eligible to go to a junior college for a year?
Hi Rell,
You would be eligible to do that from the standpoint of NCAA or NAIA rules, but you’ll need to check with the Admissions Office of the JUCO you’re interested in to see what their policies are.
Rick
If a player has taken classes at 4 different schools and be ruled ineligible for the following fall for football? The NCAA told him he has 2 seasons of football left. Also, does the AA degree ensure eligibility.
Johnell,
To answer your question, I’ll need more info, so you should contact me directly for a consultation at rick@informedathlete.com.
Rick
Hi Rick, I hope you can help me. My daughter recently decided to sign a letter of intent to a Iowa JUCO school with a deadline of Tuesday Dec 18th. Just yesterday a small D1 school from Ill, contacted my daughter and would like to take a closer look at her. We don’t want to lose out of the scholarship to the JUCO but at the same time don’t want to miss out at a chance to play at the D1 level. If we send in the Letter of Intent to the JUCO – Go to the D1 school and they offer her a scholarship and a NLI, can she legally get out of the JUCO letter without punishment?? Can we even speak to the D1 school. Thanks Lynnette
Hi Lynnette,
Yes, it would be possible to do that.
Rick
Hello rick
I currently attend a Junior College however I’m going to be receiving an athletic scholarship to play division 2 football and plan to sign dec.19. I’m not registered with the eligibility center can I still sign? Another question I have is that it says that I need to have an average of 12 units each full time semester however this past semester I completed 9 units with 3.6 GPA and have a W in another class. is that considered full time enrollment for that semester are part time? Hoping the W didn’t affect me Really worried
Thank you
ED,
You won’t be signing with an NCAA Div. II school on Dec. 19 if you don’t register with the NCAA Eligibility Center, because the school isn’t permitted to offer you an athletic scholarship until you are registered with the EC.
Regarding this past semester, if you were enrolled as a full-time student and attended classes as a full-time student prior to withdrawing from the one class, this will be considered a semester of full-time enrollment.
Rick
Hi Rick,
I played NJCAA soccer this past season. Do I have to ask my coach for a release if I want to go for tryouts on ncaa DII schools?
Thank you mate,
James from Australia
Hi James,
It’s not required that you have a release from your JUCO coach to have a tryout for a Div. II school, but the Div. II school may send your JUCO coach an information form to get background info on you, for such info as how many seasons you’ve played, whether you were on scholarship, are you in good academic standing, etc.
Rick
Hi ,Rick Allen
Can you please give me a list of prep schools thats in philly,NY..
Im in the 12th grade I need info ASAP..
Only if Its a male and female school with a football team …
Thanks
Michael,
I don’t provide that type of information.
Rick
Hey Rick,
My Son Has a very complicated situation he came back from a division 1 which he took two classes at during the summer and got A’s in both classes and right before the actual school year was going to start he left 3 days before school was going to start at the University. He didnt go back didn’t take any classes during the regular year and then left but played 1 year in Junior College he got a 2.60 transferred to a junior college closer to home and then got hurt at that junior college during the summer before the season started and decided to medical redshirt for the whole year and just take classes. He took a full load while he was at the Junior college when he came back and has took summer school since he has got out of high school. Would they be elligible to return to division 1 without going back to the JC because he never played because what ive been hearing from coaches is that he is a qualifier thats what he was when he came back from the University Apparently. Or would he have to stay at the junior college for another year even know hes recovered from the injury and is playing at full capacity almost but needs a couple months before hes bumping into defenders.
Hi Cicily,
Given the complexity of this situation, it would be best if you contact me directly at rick@informedathlete.com to schedule a consultation.
Rick
Hey Rick,
I am 19 and I just got my GED.
I believe I have the talent to play college baseball.
My best start would be a walk on at a Junior college Dv I or II.
since tryouts have already passed will there be any trouble if I go to a junior college an take some classes (not full time) and then in august I will tryout for a Dv I or II school will there be any trouble in doing that? or will their be any problems just because I have my GED. Also I am 19 I will be training till August.
Hi Ryan,
I suggest you do a search for the NCAA publication “The NCAA Guide for the College-Bound Student-Athlete” and review what it says about being an NCAA Qualifier for Div. I or II. You should also do some research at http://www.ncaaeligibilitycenter.com or .org, register with that website, and have your GED, HS transcript(s), and ACT or SAT test score submitted to the Eligibility Center to get a certification as a Qualifier, Partial Qualifier, or NonQualifier.
Rick
Hey rick this is travaughn gordon I just completed two seasons of junior college basketball but im wanting to play football and now I am a transfer at division 1 college with 55 credit hour that transferred out of 67 but I didn’t graduate I wanted to know was I was my clock ticking with me not playing this year, am I eligible yet and I still have a red shirt year let out side of my two years of eligibility
Hi Travaughn,
For NCAA Div. I, you have a “five-year clock” during which you can use your four seasons of eligibility (this includes any time and eligibility used at the JUCO). Once five years from your first full-time college enrollment has expired, you will no longer be eligible at Div. I.
Rick
If I play a JUCO for 1 year and transfer to a Div. I school will I be able to play 4 more years?
Hi Jacob,
If you play at a JUCO for one year, you’ll have 3 years left to compete at any four-year school.
Rick
Hi, Rick!
My son will graduated in 2013 and we have registered with the NCAA clearing house. His GPA is 2.5 and ACT of 23. He was recently offered a baseball scholarship to a JUCO about 3 hours away from our home. He really did like the school/coaches/baseball program but the Coach wants him to make a decision now to accept or not. Here is my question: if he signs with the JUCO what if a D1/D2 school makes an offer later on?? Can he sign with the D1/D2 without complications or will the JUCO have to release him first? I am very confused about all of this so any help you can provide will be greatly appreciated. Thank you for your time! Amy
Hi Amy,
It is possible to sign with a Div. I or II school later on if your son has already signed with a JUCO. There is no requirement that he be released from his signing with the JUCO.
However, it is best to be up front with the Div. I or II schools that might be interested. This is because they may have a recruiting relationship with that JUCO and may not want to damage that relationship by taking a player that has already signed at that particular JUCO. Also, the Div. I or II school may actually want your son to be at the JUCO for a year to get plenty of playing time and then perhaps transfer after one year.
Rick
Thank you so much Rick!! Your information is really helpful!
I’m 19 (a awesome WR) and my love for football is enormous, I want to play at the college level but I have dropped out of high school and missed my senior year. But I live in Ohio where there aren’t many JUCO teams. How would I go about getting my GED and enrolling in a D1 or D2 JUCO school to transfer to a four-year University?
Hi Trevell,
I would contact a guidance counselor at your former high school to inquire about obtaining your GED. I would also suggest you do an online search for the NCAA publication “NCAA Guide for the College-Bound Student-Athlete.”
Good luck!
Rick
Rick,
I currently serve in the US Special Force (USSOCOM). I signed for 6 years and I’m 4 years in. Im thinking i might get out in 2 years. I’ll be 27 y/o. I want to attend a university and try to play football.
I currently have a 2 year associates degree from a community college outside of Pittsburgh. The school did not have a football team.
Also while in the military I was sent to the University of New Mexico. I went there for a excelerated program for 6 months. I received a 2 year paramedic certificate. I have no Formal credits from University. I can do a credit conversion and recovery something like 40 ems credits
If I get out in 2 years and make it onto a University will I have problems with eligibility, because of my Community College or the 2 year certificate from the University of New Mexico?
Hi Philip,
First of all, thanks for your service to our country. It might be best to answer your questions in a private consultation given all of the details, but here is some basic info to keep in mind.
1. Were you enrolled as a full-time student at New Mexico? I assume not, but if you were, that will be a factor in your eligibility.
2. Have you registered with the NCAA Eligibility Center? It will be necessary to have your eligibility status (based on your HS record) determined for academic and amateurism qualification.
If you want more detailed info, contact me directly at rick@informedathlete.com.
Rick
Rick,
I am a senior at a DIII. I played baseball at a juco for 2 years, then transferred and played last year at the dIII that I am currently at. My grades at the D3 are under 2.0, but my juco grades bump my gpa up over 2.0. Will my juco grades count for my eligibility for my senior season?
Hi Kevin,
For NCAA Div. III, you’ll need to see how your school treats JUCO grades for the general student body. There is no national eligibility standard for Div. III, it is determined by each school based on their standards for “good academic standing” and what they require students to have for participation in any extracurricular activity.
Rick
Hey Rick,
I am currently a freshman at a community college in Nebraska. Iowa western was recurring me to play football last year but I didn’t know if I wanted to play in college. Is there any other way to go there for my sophomore year? Maybe redshirt my sophomore year and play as a jr?
Hi Evan,
It would be possible to redshirt your sophomore year and play as a junior. That will affect your transfer options to then move on to a four-year school for your remaining eligibility.
Rick
Hello,
My kid left his D1 school with a .81 and only passed one class(3 hours). He now wants to go to a JUCO. How long does he have to stay at the JUCO before he can go back to another D1 school? Can he stay a year then transfer?
Thanks
For your son to be eligible when he transfers to another Div. I school, he’ll have to stay at the JUCO at least 3 semesters, and graduate from there with his Associates degree.
Rick
Can you help me out, I need to know is there anyway I can get back into football. In high school I had an injury my senior year, so I decided to give sports a break for a year.Now instead of not going to college and taking a year off I decided to go ahead and go. Is there any way I can go back.
Felix,
If you have film, tape, or a DVD of your HS games, send that to JUCOS in your area. That, and having one of your HS coaches contact area colleges on your behalf are the best way for you to get back into football.
Rick
Can you explain the walk-on process because I heard to walk-on you have to go to the school
Felix,
Some walk-ons try out for a college team after they have enrolled at the college and started classes. That is a traditional “walk-on.” However, walk-ons can sometimes also find a team through a tryout process. NCAA Div. II and NAIA schools, as well as JUCOS, are allowed to offer tryouts to prospects, but NCAA Div. I and III can’t. I suggest you have a former HS coach help you find a tryout, if they will do that for you.
Rick
Hello I am a class of 2013 football player and have recently started looking ino juco football teams. I got interest from a few D 1 colleges but I still haven’t been offered. So do you think it would be a good idea to go to a juco and then earn a scholarship.? If so how would tht interfere with my D 1 eligibility because I heard you cannot get 4 years at a D1 after JUCO.
Hi Matt,
If your goal is to compete at the Div. I level, whether it is directly out of HS, or after first attending a JUCO, keep the following in mind:
1. Div. I has a “five-year clock” during which you have five years (from your first full-time enrollment at any college) to use four years of eligibility.
2. If you compete at the JUCO for two years, you would have two years left to compete at Div. I.
I do think it would be a good idea to go to JUCO with a goal of then getting recruited to a Div. I school. Bottom line – go where you are wanted! The coaches will give you more opportunities for success if they have shown that they truly want you in their program.
Good luck!
Rick
Hello, I was red shirted baseball player at a Div II last year. I did not compete at all. I just completed my second fall practice. I have been in school for three full time semesters. I was notified by the coach on 3 January that I was being released. I have another DII school wanting me to play there but they dont offer my major. Should I transfer to a JUCO? or, should I stay at my current school as a part time student until next fall and then transfer? Or, transfer to the DII school?
Hi Tyler,
In my opinion, it is important for you to try to get on the field this Spring since you were redshirted last year. For that reason, I recommend that you try to find a JUCO where you can get some playing time this Spring.
You should discuss with your parents if that is the best thing for you to do from an academic standpoint, but I believe it is from an athletic standpoint.
Good luck!
Rick
Hi Rick,
My nephew plays basketball at a prep school. He chose not to graduate from his original high school because the Prep School coach informed him that he could improve his grades and become a qualifier at the Prep level. Now it is January, high-major D1 schools across the country are calling, and we learn that the academic portion of the Prep school is not recognized by the NCAA Eligibility Center. What are his options so that he may accepts an offer to play basketball at the D1 level next year?
Thanks
Hi David,
One important factor to be considered is how close your nephew was to graduating from his original high school. I suggest you contact me directly at rick@informedathlete.com.
Rick
Rick,
My son is a junior in high school (basketball). He has been contacted by a JUCO and promised a starting position and Div 1 after 2 years. This should be illegal, correct?
Hi Joe,
This may be unethical, and a “sell job” by the JUCO coach, but it’s not illegal. I agree that it should be, but it’s not.
Rick
Rick,
Thanks for the reply. I was under the assumption they couldnt contact him until july of his junior year….or does JUCO fall under different recruitmemt rules?
Joe,
JUCO coaches do not have the same recruiting rules, they can basically make contact at any time.
Rick
Hi I played at a JUCO college for one semester and did not play the next semester due to a family emergency but still took classes through the school. The next semester I took off. I am looking at playing at a D2 school and the coach seems to think I qualify & am eligible for a scholarship that covers books and tuition. I am eligible for a 2750 pell grant. According to NCAA am I eligible for a scholarship after taking a complete year off tennis?
Hi Maci,
It will depend upon whether you were an NCAA Qualifier when you graduated HS, and if you have satisfied the 2-4 transfer requirements that the NCAA has in place. If you do, you will be eligible for a scholarship.
Rick
Hi, my son went to community college for 5 semesters, his 5 semester completed winter 2012, to graduate with AA, per counselor, told him the classes he needed to take and completed, transferred to Boise State, was awaiting his AA and found out last night he his short by one class, in american history, now he is in limbo, can he still be qualified to with NCAA Div 1, with one class short?
Cindee,
If your son wasn’t a Div. I Qualifier coming out of HS, and if he has already started classes at Boise State before completing his AA requirements, he’ll have to attend Boise for one year before he can be eligible to play. If he has not yet started classes for this term at Boise, he should consider returning to the JUCO as a part-time student this Spring to complete his AA degree.
Rick
Hey Rick,
My friend graduated high school in 2004. After graduation he she attended community college and played on the basketball team for only one year due some family hardships. What are some available options for her to go back and play college basketball? I notice you listed the 10 semester rule above, can this apply in her case, and can you elaborate the details of that rule, just for clarification? Also I don’t think grades are an issue because she has a 3.3 gpa.
Thanks
Hi Prince,
Any semester in which your friend was enrolled as a full-time student, even if only for the first few days of the semester and she later dropped a class or two during the semester, would count against the 10 semester limit that is used by NCAA Div. II, III, and NAIA schools.
Rick
hey if I have taken all the coarses in highschool to clear the ncaa clearing house except for algebra 2 (one coarse) what will I have to do at the ju co I go to? what do I need to do to meet the clearing house now that I am signed with a ju co?
Luke,
I suggest you review information on the NCAA Eligibility Center website (www.ncaaeligibilitycenter.org or .com), or go to the NCAA website (www.ncaa.org) and search for their publication “NCAA Guide for the College-Bound Student-Athlete.”
Rick
Hey, I had a 2.7 GPA and a 16 act coming out of high school, and is previously enrolled in a Jr. college,what are my requirements to be able to go D1?
Terrell,
That depends upon how many core courses you had in HS, whether you registered with the NCAA Eligibility Center, and whether you were determined to be a Qualifier. If not, you’ll need to graduate from the JUCO with your AA degree and satisfy other course requirements.
Rick
Hey if u was a qualifier out of high school, and sign with a D1 school..and then u then end up playing at a jc the nexts year but didn’t get a AA degree so u had to go NAIA so u end up playing there for a year, so and they go back d1 the next year with out a AA degree even tho the naia school was a four year school the person would be a 4-2-4. Can they go back D1
They can go back to Div. I, but would have to sit out a year because they have transferred multiple times between four-year schools.
Rick
Hi Rick,
My Son is an out of country but NCAA qualifier 2013 football player who is signing to a Juco primarily to get 1st season play time and in country US exposure.
If he is lucky enough to get a 2014 Div 1 scholarship offer between now and end of fall 2013 season, can he transfer in Fall 2014 or even mid-year (end of 2013) and in either scenario under what conditions ?
Hi Peter,
If your son is an NCAA Div. I Qualifier, he will be able to transfer from JUCO to a Div. I program after as little as one semester if he does the following:
1. Earns a minimum GPA at the JUCO of at least 2.50
2. Completes an average of at least 12 transferable credit hours (credits that will be acceptable upon transfer to the Div. I school) for each semester of full-time enrollment at the JUCO.
Rick
Hey rick, I’m currently a part time student at the juco I’m attending,this is my second semester. Out of high school I had offers to d1 programs but grades were to low. I know I’m a nonqualifier but I have not gone through the clearinghouse to be deemed a D1nonqualifier. Can I take the act now and send in the info to the clearinghouse to become a D1 qualifier
Hi David,
As long as you haven’t triggered full-time enrollment status while attending the JUCO (or at any other college you might have attended), you can still take the ACT and submit your score to the NCAA Eligibility Center in an effort to be classified as a Qualifier.
Rick
Rick
My son graduated HS in 2011. He finished at an alternative type HS which has not and will not fill out paperwork to NCAA Elgibility Center which will make him a non-qualifier. He wants to play football. He has a good GPA and 21 on ACT. What would he have to do as far as attending a JUCO and becoming elgible to walk on or maybe earn scholarship to D1 school. He has not attended any college or taken any college classes.
Hi Pete,
For your son to be eligible for competition in his first year at a Div. I school as a 2-4 transfer, he’ll need to graduate from a JUCO with his Associates Degree and a GPA of at least 2.50. He’ll also need at least 48-semester credit hours that will be acceptable for transfer to the Div. I school (including 6-semester hours of English, 3 of Math, and 3 of natural/physical science).
Rick
Hi this question is for a student athlete who was is a ncaa qualifier out of high school. The student athlete is presently at a junior college that recruited her to play due to the many firing of coaches. The athlete had 3 schools where the coaches were terminated. We know that promises are always made but. This athlete is not being played at all my question is to find out if there there is anyway this athlete can get her year back depending on games they played in it is a shame some coaches don’t care about the future of these kids . Don’t ask a kid to come play for you if you are intending to ruin a whole year of a recruitable academically eligible student.Any help would be greatly appreciated. Also how do you prove the amount of games played are false.
Hi Coach,
About the only way for the athlete to get her year back is if she has not been able to complete a season due to an injury or illness that was serious enough to prevent her from being able to play for the remainder of that season. In almost all situations, an athlete uses a season of eligibility if they participate in just one regular season contest.
As stated above, even getting into just one regular season game usually counts as a full season of eligibility used. So trying to prove the number of games played is false will probably only help if the athlete is pursuring a medical hardship waiver.
Rick
Do you think it’s possible if a walk on for a community college basketball team can have an opportunity to play for a high major d1 school ?
Hi Bill,
I certainly think it’s possible with a combination of natural ability, a strong work ethic, and a burning desire to succeed.
Good luck!
Rick
Hey Rick, My son is currently a stdudent athlete at a D1 AA school for football on a full ride. He made all the qualifiers in D1. But he was wanting to transfer to a JUCO or community college to play baseball next year. What requirements would he have to do to make this change, and would he lose a year of eligibility. Or would he be able to play his first year down there
Hi Patricia,
As a transfer from NCAA Div. I to a JUCO, he should be able to play in his first year there as long as his academics are in good order in terms of GPA and academic credit hours earned (generally, at least a 2.00 GPA with at least 12 credit hours earned per semester or quarter).
Rick
Sorry to bother you agin but i read in one of the other comments about the National letter of Intent what would he have to do about that since he signed one last year
Hi Patricia,
As long as your son completes one full academic year at the school with which he signed the NLI, he will have satisfied his NLI commitment and it will no longer be a factor.
Rick
my son is gonna attend a juco in the fall of 2013, he is a baseball player, but we want to wait until his 2nd or 3rd yr, because he wants to be a nurse, general ed alone will take him about 6 semesters plus 4 semesters in the nursing program at the school, if he plays his last 2yrs and then tranfers to a dII school, how much time will he have left, he really wants a mstrs degree. we were thinking of maybe transferring to a dI,school to play after dII…. is that possiable?
Chris,
Keep the following in mind. NCAA Div. I student-athletes have a “five-year clock” in which to use their four seasons of eligibility. The “clock” starts when an athlete begins full-time enrollment at any college institution, even if that college doesn’t sponsor a varsity sports program.
NCAA Div. II, III, and NAIA have a “10-semester rule” that only counts the semesters of full-time enrollment for a student-athlete. So, their rule is slightly different than the Div. I rule, in that the Div. I clock doesn’t “stop” once it is started, unless the athlete serves in the military or goes on an official religious mission. For both of these rules, time at a JUCO is included.
Rick
My son is a qualifier and was recruited by a few div 2 schools but didnt get any scholorship offers to help pay for school. We do not have juco football in Washington State but we have a juco leauge he can play for (Northwest Junior College Football League)as long as hes enrolled part time in an accredited college (juco). How will this effect him next year trying to get scholorship for div I or II? Will he lose a year of eligibility playing in this league while going to juco part time or full time?
Thanks
Larry
Hi Larry,
Since your son is a Qualifier, such participation shouldn’t effect him trying to get a scholarship next year. However, I do think that he would use a year of eligibility by participating in that league. You may want to contact the compliance administrator for the GNAC (the Div. II conference in your region) and ask his/her opinion of that scenario.
Rick
My son is currently a senior in high school set tp graduate May 2013. He will be a non-qualifier for D1 schools. He could not handle all the courses given to him this year to clear NCAA. He will be missing about 3 or 4 core courses (per NCAA guidelines) but will have enough credits to graduate. He will be retaking the ACT this April as he did not do to well last year. My question is, will he be able to attend a JUCO or Prep School and be eligible to play D1 next year if he is able to score a decent number on the ACT? Would prep school benefit him in any way or would it be better for him to attend a JUCO if he wants to go D1 next year?
Hi Stephanie,
Prep school has it’s benefits in that athletes can improve their eligibility status and their academic preparation for college, while preserving all of their potential college eligibility. It can be quite expensive, however.
If your son starts off at a JUCO as a NonQualifier, he will need to stay at the JUCO until he graduates with his Associates Degree in order to be eligible in his first year of enrollment at an NCAA Div. I school.
Rick
Hi Rick Im currently attending school at a local community college. The last time i played organized football was in my senior year in high school.Im going to earn my AA Degree in the summer. I was wondering how can I walk on to a SEC school in the fall and how many years can i play there? Thank you for your time.
Sean,
If your goal is to walk on at an SEC school, keep in mind that you have a “five-year clock” from when you first enrolled at any college as a full-time student in which to finish your eligibility. In addition to earning your AA degree, you’ll also need to meet other academic requirements to be eligible at any Div. I program.
Rick
So, this probably covered in multiple questions, but I am not finding it…
Bottomline, my son has been an idiot in high school and will graduate (hopefully) with a GPA around 2.0. ACT score of 20. Obviously not ready to move on. Assuming he can get his act together, what is the best course of action to get himself to a Qualifier status and maximize the number of years he could compete athletically (track and cross country) at a DI or DII school?
Would attending less than full time and focusing on getting good grades/improving his ACT be his best option?
Hi Rob,
Yes, that’s probably his best option. He can take one core-course after HS graduation in an effort to slightly improve his GPA, and can continue to take the ACT test to improve his score. Any test score prior to full-time college enrollment is acceptable for NCAA eligibility purposes.
Rick
Just to clarify:
He can take one core-course after HS graduation in an effort to slightly improve his GPA, and can continue to take the ACT test to improve his score.
What would one core-course after HS graduation mean? Retake a HS course to try to improve his grade for that course (and his GPA)?
Hi Rob,
He could either retake a specific course to improve his grade, or take an additional course within the same subject area (Math, English, etc.) to replace a lower grade – as long as it’s within that same subject area. The important thing is to replace a “D” grade with a “B” or an “A.” (Granted, improving a grade in one course isn’t going to change his GPA much, but anything will help, especially if he can combine it with an improved test score.)
Also, make sure that he’s got the required number of core courses in each subject area, in addition to the improved GPA.
Rick
Can my son play football at a junior college while attending a State University? He wants to attend our local state school and live on campus but play football for a junior college team. He believes that he needs to have enough units at both campuses to do this. I cannot find this info anywhere. We have a friend who goes to State and then plays on the golf team at a local junior college. Can you help with this?
Hi Janice,
You will have to check with the junior college where your son wants to play football to see what their rules are in this situation.
Rick
Hello Rick,
My daughters boyfriend just completed two years of football at a JUCO here in California. He surpassed the necessary units to transfer to a D1 school, accepted a mid year scholarship offer and has transfered.
He was notified about three weeks ago that although he had completed more than enough appropriate units to transfer he had not received a AA degree and is thus no longer elegible for his scholarship or to play on the team.
At no time was he ever made aware by any compliance coaches that he needed to complete a AA degree when his BA is the ultimate goal. The “ball” has been fumbled by those that are suppose to be doing their jobs and the student is paying the price.
What are our options?
Hi Lance,
In my opinion, the school should not have offered him a scholarship for midyear enrollment, unless they were assured that he was on track to earn his AA degree after the Fall term. If they didn’t do that, then I believe they dropped the ball.
However, if he failed a final exam or otherwise did not earn a required final grade that was necessary for the AA degree requirements, then that’s his responsibility.
If indeed the school is at fault for not giving him the proper information, it would be possible to seek a waiver of NCAA requirements for “misadvisement.” However, the school itself would need to submit the waiver, which they may be reluctant to do for obvious reasons. If that’s the case, he may need to seek help from outside the athletic department.
Rick
Hello Rick
My son is currently playing baseball at a Jr collage but he is being told he is not D1 eligible because he took to many units in his freshmen year and basically took to many semesters to graduate. He had to take an extra year bacause he did not complete his math requirmenst in two years, is this true and is it possible for he to become re-eligible for D1? He will be transfering to a four yr for fall of 2013?
Hi Nat,
Based on your information, it appears that your son may not meet the Div. I requirement that in order to be eligible next Fall, he will need to have completed 60% of his chosen degree program. This is known as the Div. I “40/60/80″ rule. 40% of degree requirements to be completed prior to the start of the 3rd year of college, 60% prior to the start of the 4th year, and 80% prior to the start of the 5th year.
If you want to discuss this situation and possible options, contact me directly at rick@informedathlete.com.
Rick
hey Rick! This is my sutuation. I’m on soccer scholarship playing JUCO. I was wondering if I was able to transfer to another community college and play soccer in the same region. What would be the steps I would have to take to transfer succesfully and still be able to play. The reason why I would like to transfer is because of transportation and it is closer to home.
Hi Eric,
You will need to get an NJCAA Transfer Waiver Form signed by the administrators at your current school, and will need to have earned 12 credit hours per term with at least a 2.00 GPA.
Rick
Okay, thanks! One more question though. I signed one year contract last spring in my current college. If I terminate my contract, so I can commit to the other college, would I have to pay the raminder of the somester of what my soccer scholarship covers?
Eric,
That would depend upon the policies of the college.
Rick
First time visitor to your site, and glad I found it.
My son graduated from HS spring 2012. He had applied & been accepted to a couple of D2 schools, so we went thru the NCAA eligibility center and he qualified.
We changed plans and he is attending a community college & is playing baseball. When we changed plans, I did not realize there was a final task on the NCAA checklist – “Request Final Amateurism Certification.” He has preliminary certification for D1 & D2. He plans to transfer to a 4-yr college after finishing 60 req’d units at the JC & I know he will have to have his JC transcripts sent to NCAA, but should we finalize his eligibility from high school by requesting final certification now, or should we just wait until he is done with his JC units?
Also a question about red shirting – once a player is on a team roster in baseball, and plays a few innings during pre-conference games, is that player ineligible to change his status to red shirt for that same season if he does not play in any conference games?
thanks, Elyse
Hi Elyse,
First off, your son will not have to have his JC transcripts sent to the NCAA. The Eligibility Center does not deal with academic certification for college transfers. That is determined by the school he will be transferring to.
He will have to have his amateurism status certified when he makes a move from JUCO to Div. I or II, so he might as well wait to finalize that process.
Regarding redshirt status, once a player has played in just one inning of a game that is on the regular season schedule, it’s no longer possible to redshirt. There is an exception for participation in no more than 2 JUCO scrimmages with another team if there was no score kept, no admission charged, and the scrimmage took place before the start of the regular season.
If you desire more info on the transfer process, contact me directly at rick@informedathlete.com.
Rick
Thank you very much for the reply. I will follow up with you on the transfer process at a later time.
Elyse
Hi Rick,
My student is a qualifier with the NCAA Eligibility Center, but his ACT score is too low for admissions for incoming freshmans. My student is an Prospective Student Athlete(PSA) & have signed a National Letter of Intent(NLI) to attend a Division I University. The NLI states the contract can be null/void if the admissions department do not accept my student. The admissions department asked that my student attempt the ACT test one more time. What are your thoughts? What if the score decreases or stay the same. Do you think the University will pull the scholarship? Please advise, thanks.
Hi Catherine,
There is no downside to your student taking the ACT test again in an attempt to improve their score. Have you spoken to the coach(es) that have recruited your student? At some schools, athletes who are NCAA Qualifiers are admitted to their school through an alternative admissions process. You should inquire about that possibility.
If your student is still not admissible to the school, then the NLI is null and void and your student can seek application to other schools if he or she chooses to do so.
Rick
Hi Rick,
Thank you for the response. If you will, what is the alternative admissions process?
Catherine,
For this info, please contact me directly at rick@informedathlete.com.
Rick
Hi Rick,
I Currently play soccer for Northern Virginia Community College(Nova), I finish my first season with Nova my second season is about to start soon, but as you know you I can only play for a Community college for 2 years. My plan is to hopfully transfer to a four year university with soccer. My question is if you had any advice on how I can apporach a coach about recuiting me or if theres anyway they can come see me. Thanks again,
Brandon
Hi Brandon,
Our expertise is educating people about the NCAA rules to make sure you can be eligible when you transfer from a JUCO to a four-year school. We are not a recruiting service, so we don’t provide detailed advice on how to get recruited.
With that said, however, you need to do all you can to market yourself. You need to have video that you can send to coaches at four-year schools. You also need to ask your current coach if he will help promote you to four-year schools. And, you need to e-mail coaches to let them know of your interest in their program.
Good luck!
Rick
Ok Thanks again sir.
Hey rick i am a student currently thinking about attending a juco to play football in my area. I was a qualifier out of highschool but i have been out of school for 2 years(class of 2011).i currently have zero units in junior college but i registered to go to school full time during this spring semester..how many years would i have left of eligibilty at the division 1 and division 2/3 levels
Michael,
From whenever you have enrolled, or will enroll, as a full-time student at any college, you have a five year window of time for Div. I. For Div. II and III, and NAIA, you have up to ten semesters of full-time enrollment. For these divisions, part-time enrollment, or terms when you are not enrolled at all don’t count against the ten semester limit.
Rick
Hello Rick,
I got injured in Oct my junior college (NJCAA) coach made me play on my injured knee until I could go no longer, they got me artho surgery in Dec. Right before we left for xmas break. My family decided I shouldn’t go back so I can get the proper treatment to get my knee back right. I been seeing my ortho and we finally got physical therapy april 11th. What does his noyes need to say for a MEDICal redshirt im trying to recieve. How do i get that? Right now I have a d1 wanting me to attend this Coming year. Can I talk to them? Do I have to be released or get permission? Monday I will be Getting my high school counselor to enter my info for eligibility center! IM a qualifier it looks like it. I scored 1300 on sat. Can I do visits. Please help me asap
Hi Adrienne,
Your school will need to submit NJCAA Hardship Form #1 to seek a medical hardship for you. They will probably also need to submit your medical records from your diagnosis, surgery, and rehab. They will probably want the notes from the actual time of the procedures, not a doctor’s note that is written four months after a procedure. You must not have participated in more than 20% of your team’s games this season, and not past the first half of the season.
You don’t need any type of release or permission to be recruited by a Div. I school, or to talk with them.
Good luck!
Rick
I am a high school senior, I have a 2.14 and 15. Im thinking about going to a JUCO. Would I be able to transfer to a D1 school after a year?
No, in order to be eligible as a transfer from JUCO to Div. I, you will need to stay at the JUCO long enough to graduate with your Associates Degree, and also meet other academic requirements for transferable courses to a Div. I school.
Rick
Does the time spent at the JUCO count against the five year window of time for Div. I?
Yes. The “five-year clock” begins to count down when an athlete first attends any college as a full-time student (even if that school doesn’t have an athletic program). The clock only “stops” for time spent in the military or on an official religious mission.
Rick
I am a junior female golfer at a divison 1 college. I am a walk on and have only played as an individual in one tournament per year (three tournaments as of junior status). I have never signed any form of contract or letter. I am on book scholarship only. Does this change my 5 year clock?
Hi Nicole,
The amount that you participate does not change your five-year clock. It is based on when you first enrolled in any college as a full-time student.
Rick
If I sign a NLI to a JUCO but get a offer from a NAIA school. Can I go to NAIA school?
Jarred,
You can go to the NAIA school if you are certified eligible to do so. Be sure to register with the NAIA Eligibility Center if you haven’t already done so.
Rick
Hi Rick,
My cousin is enrolled in a Tech junior college and will earn his associates degree after being enrolled in 4 semesters in Junior College. He wants to go to a DII but they said he is ineligible. My question is how can a juco kid be ineligible if they have earned there associates degree in two years?
Hi Sasha,
It is probably because he didn’t have enough courses from the Tech school that were transferable credits to the Div. II school. In general terms, your cousin is required to earn an average of 12 hours of academic credit that would transfer to the Div. II school for each semester of full-time attendance at the Tech school.
Rick
Hi Rick, my question is I am a non-qualifier out of high school but I attend a juco for 2 years and got accepted I the a division one school and going to play there. Here is my question I am one class away from getting my AA to graduate to play at the d1 school, can I get my AA and graduate from the juco in the summer of 2013 and be qualified to play at the d1 school in fall 2013? I know graduating makes me a qualifier but does it still count I it’s so close to transferring?
Hi Colton,
It will be possible to graduate with your AA this summer and be eligible this Fall at a Div. I school. There are other academic requirements you will have to meet, however, so you will want to make sure to discuss those with the school(s) that are recruiting you.
Rick
Thank you! I have already been admitted into te school and the extra class is transferable so I think it is fine. I will double check with the coach as you suggested. Thank you again.
Hi Rick,
First i wanna let you know that i appriciate that you are helping us to understand the NCAA process.At the moment my eligibility is still under review because the Ncaa is still waiting for my international transcripts,my gpa was an 2.5 and my SAT score was 790(i did my highschool here in america and currently attending a JC.have 15 units as of right now going into my sophomore year. I play football)my question were if i still get my missing transcripts in can i still be a qualifier and do i need to continue to work towards my AA degree?my overseas grades were good and i am only short of couple of points!how much math hours do you need to transfer?
Hi Felix,
If your transcript helps you become a Qualifier, then you won’t need your AA degree. If you don’t become a Qualifier, you will need to have 3 semester hours of math, 3 of science, and 6 of English.
Rick
Hi Rick,
I’m so pleased to find this website. Our daughter is currently a junior in high school. She has a diagnosed learning disability which affects her reading comprehension (dyslexia). She is currently under the direction of an IEP and takes separate but equal classes as her peers. Some accommodations she receives are smaller class size, small group testing, and a reader for test questions. Cutting to the chase here, she is very intelligent, but struggles with testing. She is also very gifted in basketball, and JC, DI, DII, DIII have all expressed interest in her. Is there a way around the NCAA ACT score requirement for students such as her? Also, am I correct in understanding that if she attends and graduates from a JC, she can then transfer to a DI college without being considered qualified? Thanks so much.
Hi GG,
To become eligible for NCAA Div. I or II, your daughter will need to take either the ACT or SAT test, no way around that. However, she should be able to use accomodations as you mentioned for the ACT or SAT, just like she does for her “regular” tests for her classes, such as somebody to read the test to her, or to be able to take an untimed test. You may want to do a search for the NCAA publication, “NCAA Guide for the College-Bound Student-Athlete” or look for http://www.ncaaeligibilitycenter.com or .org.
Also, you are correct, it is possible to attend and graduate from a JC and then transfer to an NCAA Div. I or II school without being certified as a Qualifier. Contact me directly at rick@informedathlete.com if you have further questions.
Rick
My son attened JUCO on a baseball scholarship and will be graduating this summer. He has passed all his required English and Math. He also has some Science credit as well. He has offers from some D1 schools to play baseball. His GPA is just below a 2.5. Will he be elgible to play next baseball season?
Hi Andre,
As long as he enrolled in the JUCO before August 1, 2012, which I certainly assume he did, he only needs a 2.000 GPA rather than a 2.500. He will also need to make sure that he has completed at least 40% of the specific degree requirements for his chosen degree before classses begin this Fall.
Rick
Hello My daughter has a 1.9 in a JUCO she did fine her first semester but slipped the second. She is trying to go to a NAIA to play soccer. Or would her best bet would be to come back home and go to a local JUCO and get her grades up for one year and try to go to the NAIA school or could she possibly go into a DIV 1 or 2 school?
Hi Karis,
It seems to me that she should ask the NAIA school what she needs to do to be eligible there, and if the coaches want her to transfer to their school next Fall, or whether they want her to stay at JUCO another year to improve her skills.
Rick
Hey Rick,
I’ve contacted you before and yoy have been a lot of hekp so thank you! But I got new questions….. I’m in the military now and going to a community college now taking 2 classes each semester and summer…. I’ve got two years left before I’m out but I plan on staying down here the fall semester after I’m out to graduate….. that fall 2015 semester can I play football for this school then transfer after I grad in december 2015 to a division II school?
Hi Colton,
Yes, it would be possible to do that.
Rick
Thanks for your previous answer. My son will graduating from JUCO this summer. What info does he needs to submit to the NCAA Clearinghouse?
Andre,
Go to the website ncaaeligibilitycenter.com or .org (either should get you there), and you should find all the info you need about the Eligibility Center.
Rick
Andre,
You mentioned in your follow-up e-mail that his Amateurism was certified when he came out of HS. If that’s the case, there should be no need to send any academic info to the Eligibility Center. He will simply need to answer the Amateurism questions again regarding what he has done for competition during his time at the JUCO.
Rick
If your Amateurism has been certified when you came out of high school do you need to get re-certified once you graduate JUCO?
Yes.
Hi. My son has been offered a D1 scholarship for baseball this fall. He is completing his second yr at a JUCO this summer. We registered him for NCAA in high school but never followed up. The NCAA states he has a “preliminary amateurism” and no “academic status approved” as he never submitted sat/act score. Does he still need to request a “final amateurism”? If so, should we do that ASAP? Does he still need to submit sat/act score or does his JUCO transcripts replace this? Also, is there any other way he can qualify for NCAA other than graduating from the JUCO? Sorry for all the questions and thanks for your time.
Nicole,
Your son will need to complete the amateurism status, and will also need to update it for the time period since he finished HS. He can do this after he gets his AA degree.
If your son qualifies to be eligible as a “Non-qualifier” 2-4 transfer, then there is no need to submit his ACT or SAT scores. If he won’t meet those standards, or can avoid summer school by meeting the “Qualifier” standards, then it would be good for him to submit his test scores and see if he might be classified as a Div. I “Qualifier.”
Rick
Hi my son received a baseball scholarship with a D1 JUCO. He is a sophmore and will not be receiving his associates after all due to a specific course only offered at that school. He registered for NCAA eligibility out of high school and would like to walk on at the school he was accepted academically. Or if at all possible attend another school if an offer comes about. He has all the core courses and i believe a 2.7 gpa. Would he be eligible to play for a four year program without an associates?
Hi Reuben,
That will depend upon whether he’s planning to transfer to an NCAA Div. I or II school, and whether he was determined a Qualifier for Div. I or II.
Rick
Hi Rick. This is his second year at the same JUCO. The school that he was accepted academically out of high school is NCAA Div 1 which is where he wants to walk on. He has other AP classes that he is planning on adding from HS to college transcript, but worried that he may have too many credits without an Associates. He is also exploring other NCAA D1 opportunities. D2 & NAIA only as a last resort. We would like to know what the definition of a qualifier is?
Reuben,
Unless your son is classified as a Qualifier by the NCAA Eligibility Center, he will need to graduate from JUCO with his Associates Degree to be eligible when he transfers to an NCAA Div. I or II school. For the definition of a Qualifier, go to http://www.ncaaeligibilitycenter.org or .com, or do a search for the NCAA publication “NCAA Guide for the College-Bound Student-Athlete.”
Rick
Hi Rick,
I think we made a boo-boo. My son signed a NLI with scholarship to play D1 baseball this fall. He needs to graduate from his JUCO this summer in order to qualify for NCAA. However, we already requested “final amateurism” before his graduation. It reads, final athletic amateurism pending review. I believe I was suppose to wait until after graduation to do this? We didn’t add any of his college course work to his profile. How can I fix this?
Thanks so much for your info. You are a life saver!
Nicole,
I would contact the athletic compliance office of the school he signed with and alert them to this situation.
Rick
hello rick,
im an african student athlete who is already a freshman here in nigeria,i hope to transfer for a juco year and increase my chances of getting recruited to a division 1 or 2 school,how possible is this.thank you
Hi John,
This is certainly possible. You’ll need to plan to graduate from the JUCO with your Associates Degree, and make sure that you have earned sufficient credit hours in English and math courses (and also possibly science) to be eligible when you transfer from the JUCO.
Rick
Hi Rick,
So i am going to run at a Community College this fall, my current GPA is a 2.4 and ACT of 20, I want to transfer to a D1 school after doing one year at the Community College, is that possible?
James,
It will be possible if you are classified as a Qualifier by the NCAA Eligibility Center. If not, you’ll need to graduate from a two-year college with your Associates Degree in order to be eligible when you enroll at a Div. I school. If you haven’t registered with the Eligibility Center already, go to http://www.ncaaeligibilitycenter.org, or .com, to learn more.
Rick
Rick