One would hope students are being properly advise so they can prepare or start planning their academic schedule as soon as possible. However, remember in the end the student is preparing for the roles and responsibilities of young adults. Translated it is their responsibility to be informed. In recent years the NCAA have revised their standards, which can be found in the chart below. One quick glance and a student or parent will realize to meet the standards, they need to begin preparing at the earliest possible moment. A student that waits to prepare academically will often find they will run out of time and often will lose a year or more of eligibility just to play catch up with the standards.
Division I:
16 Core Courses
Division II:
14 Core Courses (if enrolling prior to August 1, 2013)
16 Core Courses (if enrolling on or after August 1, 2013)
4 years of English
3 years of English
3 years of math (algebra 1 or higher level)
2 years of math (algebra 1 or higher level)
2 years of natural or physical science (including one year of lab science if offered)
2 years of natural or physical science (including one year of lab science if offered)
1 extra year of English, math, or science
2 extra years of English, math or science;
3 extra years if enrolling on or after August 1, 2013
2 years of social science
2 years of social science
4 years of additional core courses (from any category above, or in a foreign language, nondoctrinal religion or philosophy)
3 years of additional core courses (from any category above, or in a foreign language, nondoctrinal religion or philosophy);
4 extra years if enrolling on or after August 1, 2013
In addition, to the above standards a student is required to have a minimum GPA of 2.0 and a combined minimum SAT score of 820 or sum ACT score of 68. Naturally, one will find many colleges will have an even higher standard just to be accepted for enrollment within their institution. So do not go through high school expecting to do the bare minimum standard and still be accepted into any top tier program. More can be found on this subject at:
https://professionals.collegeboard.org/guidance/prepare/athletes/ncaa
If the above link fails to work please copy and paste the address.
The information with this post is for informational purposes only please speak to your academic adviser. and/or college representative. Plus, be aware that non-NCAA institutions may have different standards and students should check with the appropriate websites for more information.