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NCAA Recruitment Information

A. National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA)

What is the NCAA?
The National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) is a voluntary organization through which the American colleges and universities govern their athletics programs. It comprises more than 1,250 institutions, conferences, organizations and individuals.

What do I need to do to compete in the NCAA?
In order to compete in the NCAA you must graduate from high school, write the SAT or ACT, register with the NCAA Clearinghouse, meet NCAA academic standards, remain academically and athletically eligible to compete, and be admitted to an NCAA institution.

How many universities offer hockey programs?
There are 58 Division I, 4 Division II, and 71 Division III hockey programs.

B. Division I, II and III

What is Division I?
Division I is the highest level of athletic competition in the NCAA. Athletic programs at Division I universities can offer financial aid or scholarships based solely on athletic ability.

What is Division II?
Division II universities compete at the Division III level but are permitted to offer financial aid or scholarships based solely on athletic ability.

What is Division III?
Division III universities focus much more on the academic experience than on the athletic experience of the student-athlete. As such Division III universities prohibit financial aid or scholarships based on athletic ability only. Furthermore, rules and regulations governing competition in Division III athletics are less stringent then those that govern competition in Division I.

C. NCAA Clearinghouse

What is the NCAA Clearinghouse?
The NCAA Clearinghouse is an agency which will determine NCAA eligibility of all student-athletes wishing to compete in NCAA Division I or II athletics. The clearinghouse evaluates student courses, grades and test scores to determine whether students meet prescribed minimum academic requirements and will provide the student's initial-eligibility certification results to all universities that request this information. Any prospective student-athlete who will enroll in college and compete in NCAA Division I or Division II athletics must register with the Clearinghouse.

Initial-eligibility certification from the clearinghouse does not guarantee your admission to any Division I or II college. You must apply for college admission separately. The clearinghouse only determines whether you meet NCAA requirements as a freshman student-athlete in a Division I or II college to be able to compete, practice and receive an athletics scholarship.

When should I register for the Clearinghouse?
If you wish to compete in the NCAA in the future you should register with the NCAA Clearinghouse early in grade 12, or as soon as possible thereafter, even if you have not received an offer to attend a university.

How do I register for the Clearinghouse?
1. Go to www.ncaaclearinghouse.net
2. Click on "Prospective Student-Athletes"
3. Click on "Registration Form for Foreign Students" found in the left-hand pane
4. Complete the form
5. Send required documents
Ø Registration Form for Foreign Students
Ø $30.00 payment
Ø High school transcripts
Ø Proof of high school graduation (most likely stated on transcripts)
Ø ACT or SAT score report sent directly to the clearinghouse

How do I send a score report to institutions that request one?
To have SAT, SAT II or ACT score sent directly to the Clearinghouse:
a. Enter code 9999 on the registration form or answer document to have scores sent directly to the NCAA Clearinghouse,
or
b. Contact the test administrator to request a score report be sent to the NCAA

How do I contact the NCAA Clearinghouse?
Ø Mailing Address:
    NCAA Clearinghouse
    301 ACT Drive
    Box 4043
    Iowa City, IA 52243-4043
Ø Phone numbers (international callers):
    Customer Service Line - 319/337-1492
    24-hour voice response - 319/339-3003
Ø Fax Number:
    (319) 337-1556
Ø Customer service hours:
    Monday through Friday
    8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Central Time

D. Athletic Scholarships

What are athletic scholarships?
Athletic scholarships are 1-year contracts called "National Letters of Intent." These contracts are between the university and the student-athlete and are awarded based on athletic ability and academic competence.

What is covered by an athletic scholarship?
Funds for tuition, books, room and board, and sometimes travel expenses to and from the university.

Are scholarships guaranteed for 4-years?
There are no guaranteed 4-year scholarships. All scholarships are renewed on a year-by-year basis. However, it is common for university athletic programs to make longer-term verbal commitments of 4 years. However, it is important to note that verbal commitments are not legally binding.

Who decides if I get a scholarship?
In theory, admissions offices can refuse the admission of any student thereby refusing any athletic scholarship. However, university athletic programs have considerable influence with the admission office which allows coaches to scout and recruit players and offer scholarships to those who they want for their programs.

Does every student-athlete receive a 100% "full-scholarship"?
Typically university hockey teams carry 22-26 players and have 18 "full-scholarships" to distribute at they see fit. Typically these 18 scholarships are usually divided into partial scholarships, or "partial rides." Most teams have student-athletes who receive only a portion of their expenses in scholarship, ranging from 0-100%.

Can athletic scholarships be cancelled if I play bad or the coach doesn't like me?
Although scholarships are only 1 year contracts and longer-term verbal commitments are non-binding, scholarships are very rarely cancelled based on athletic performance. Universities, hockey programs and coaches depend on a reputation of honesty and integrity in recruiting student-athletes. If they become known as a program that cancels scholarships to those whom they have made longer-term verbal commitments, they will have a very difficult time recruiting quality prospects in the future. Safeguarding reputation serves as an incentive to honor commitments made to student-athletes, and makes cancellation of verbal commitments and scholarships very rare in NCAA hockey.

Can my scholarship be cut for non-hockey reasons?
Universities can cancel scholarships and withdraw verbal commitments if you fail to uphold academic standards or break team or university rules.

Can I keep my scholarship if I am not playing on the team?
Because athletic scholarships are awarded for athletic participation, students who either quit the team or are released based on academic or disciplinary grounds will lose their athletic scholarship.

What universities offer athletic scholarships?
Athletes can receive athletic scholarships to Division I and II universities only. However, there are a number of universities within Division I that offer financial aid rather than athletic scholarships.

E. Financial Aid

What is financial aid?
Financial aid is a grant from the university that is based solely on the "financial need" of the student and not on athletic ability or participation on university teams.

What is covered by financial aid?
Typically financial aid can be granted for tuition and fees, room and board, books and transportation.

How do universities determine "financial need"?
Although determining "financial need" varies slightly between universities, it is typically calculated based on the student's savings and expected earnings over the summer, as well as the parents' overall wealth (earnings, savings, equity, investments etc). The university makes an judgment on the amount that the student and parents are able to contribute towards a university education. Any shortfall between expected contribution and university expenses (tuition, room and board, books, and transportation) is covered by financial aid.

Can I keep my financial aid if I am not playing on the team?
Because financial aid is based on financial need and not athletic ability, in most cases you will continue to receive financial aid if you are not on the hockey team. However, if you are released from the team for disciplinary reasons or for failing to meet academic standards the school may cancel financial aid.

What universities offer financial aid?
Financial aid is offered at a variety of universities. Most Division III universities offer financial aid, as do many universities in Division I such as those in the Ivy League.

A. Academic Eligibility

How many years of academic eligibility do I have to compete in NCAA athletics?
In general, student-athletes have 10 semesters (5 years) to complete the academic requirements of a university degree.

What is needed to determine academic eligibility?
In order to compete in the NCAA student-athletes must graduate from high school and write a standardized test such as the SAT or ACT. For Division I and II students must then register with the NCAA Clearinghouse and be "cleared" to compete in university athletics.

How does the NCAA determine overall academic eligibility?
NCCA minimum academic standards are determined based on the following sliding scale. Note that the high school average corresponding to a specific GPA and SAT will vary slightly from province to province.

B. High School

What courses are required to be academically eligible for the NCAA?
Ø A student-athlete's eligibility will be determined based on "core courses." A "core course" is defined by the NCAA based on the following criteria.
Ø A recognized academic course that qualifies for high school graduation credit in one or a combination of the following areas: English, mathematics, natural/physical science, social science, foreign language, computer science or no doctrinal religion/philosophy;
Ø Considered college preparatory by the high school. College preparatory is defined as any course that prepares a student academically to enter a four-year collegiate institution upon graduation from high school;
Ø A course must be taught by a qualified instructor as defined by the appropriate academic authority (e.g., high school, school district or provincial agency with authority of such matters); and
Ø A course must be taught at or above the high school's regular academic level (i.e., remedial, special education or compensatory courses shall not be considered core courses)

What high school average is required to be academically eligible for NCAA?
A Canadian student-athlete will be considered to have satisfied the high school average requirements based on the following criteria for each province.
Ø Alberta - the student has obtained an Alberta High School Diploma with an average of at least 50% (equivalent to U.S. 2.000) to 74.6% (equivalent to U.S. 3.550) or higher in all core-course areas.
Ø British Columbia - the student has obtained one of the following with an average of at least 60% (equivalent to U.S. 2.000) to 75.5% (equivalent to U.S. 3.550) or higher in all core-course areas. Note: A grade of "P" is equivalent to a British Columbia grade of "C-" (50-59%), which is equivalent to a grade of "D" in the United States.
Ø Manitoba - the student presents a transcript indicating graduation from grade 12 with an average of at least 56% (equivalent to U.S. 2.000) to 76.4% (equivalent to U.S. 3.550) or higher in all core-course areas.
Ø Saskatchewan - the student has received a Record of High School Standing-Grade 12 issued by the Saskatchewan Department of Education with an average of at least 60%(equivalent to U.S. 2.000) to 75.5% (equivalent to U.S. 3.550) or higher in all core-course areas.

Do upgraded courses count in determining NCAA academic eligibility?
According to written NCAA regulations, upgraded courses can only be used to determine core-course high school average if they are completed at the school where the student graduated.

However, in practice transcripts from schools in Canada come from the provincial department of education and do not indicate the school at which courses are completed. This means that although the regulation says that upgraded classes must be done at the school from which the student graduated, in practice the NCAA will not be able to make that distinction for Canadian students.

C. SAT I: Reasoning Test

What is the SAT?
The SAT is a three-hour test that measures verbal and mathematical reasoning skills students have developed over time and skills they need to be successful in college. Many colleges and universities use the SAT as one indicator of a student's readiness to do college-level work. SAT scores are compared with the scores of other applicants and the accepted scores at an institution. For more online sample questions and preparation materials, visit the SAT Preparation Center.
What subjects does the SAT cover?
There are two sections on the current version of the SAT.
Ø Verbal Section: focuses on critical reading with more than half of the verbal test devoted to passage-based reading questions. The verbal test also includes analogies and sentence completions, which emphasize logical relationship, vocabulary, and how words relate.
Ø Math Section: measures mathematical problem solving and covers arithmetic, algebra, and geometry using written responses, quantitative comparison questions, and multiple choice questions.

As of the June 2005 SAT the content of the SAT is changing. The new sections will be as follows:
Ø Writing Section: Multiple choice questions and a written essay
Ø Critical Reading: Both short and long reading passages
Ø Math: Expanded to include 3rd year high school material

How is the SAT scored?
The SAT is score out of a total of 1600. Each section of the SAT (math and verbal) is scored on a scale of 200-800. If the SAT is written more than once, the highest math score will be combined with the highest verbal score to create the highest overall score.

What is the average score on the SAT?
For students entering college in 2003, the average verbal score is 508 and the average math score is 518.

When is the SAT offered?
Ø For 2004-05 the SAT is offered Oct. 9, Nov. 6, Dec. 4, Jan. 22, May 7 and June 4.
Ø For 2005-06 the SAT is offered Oct. 8, Nov. 5, Dec. 3, Jan. 28, April 1, and June 3.
It is important to register early as registration deadlines are approximately 5 weeks prior to the testing date.

Where is the SAT offered?
The SAT is offered at a number of locations throughout Canada and in all major cities. Visit www.collegeboard.com to determine the nearest location.

How do I register for the SAT?
Ø Online: go to www.collegeboard.com and follow the directions provided under the SAT tab
Ø Mail: To register by mail, you need a Registration Bulletin which is available at your school counselor's office. The Registration Form and return envelope are included in the Registration Bulletin. Your completed registration form must be returned in the envelope provided with proper payment. The Registration Bulletin contains test dates, registration deadlines, fees, instructions, test center codes, and other registration-related information.

How much does it cost to write the SAT?
For the current version of the SAT the cost is approximately $30.00US to write. For the new SAT starting in June the cost is approximately $42.00US.

How many times can I write the SAT?
There is no limit to the number of times that a student can write the SAT. However, only 6 scores will show up on the SAT score report.

How many times should I write the SAT?
You should write the SAT at least 2 times. Because the SAT is a very unique test, prior experience writing and studying for the test will help you perform better on the next test. Also, because you can combine your highest math score and your highest English score the more tests that you write the more likely it is that you will perform better in one of these areas.

How do I study for the SAT?
The most effective way to prepare for the SAT is to purchase an SAT study guide available at most book stores. These study aids are extremely useful for learning how to write the test and in becoming familiar with the exam format and question types. These books typically raise score by about 100 points.

D. SAT II: Subject Tests (SAT II)

What is the SAT II?
The SAT II's are one-hour, mostly multiple-choice, individual tests that measure how much students know about a particular academic subject and how well they can apply that knowledge. Many colleges require or recommend one or more of the subject tests for admission and student-athletes will be advised as to whether they have to write them or not.

What subjects do SAT II's cover?
The SAT II includes subjects such as:
Ø Writing (final administration January 2005) Ø Literature Ø U.S. History Ø World History Ø Math Level 1 and 2 Ø Biology E/M Ø Chemistry Ø Physics Ø French Ø French with Listening Ø German Ø German with Listening Ø Spanish Ø Spanish with Listening Ø Modern Hebrew Ø Italian Ø Latin

Which SAT II's should I take?
Unless the university specifies which SAT II's you must take, choose the tests based on your subject strengths and the amount of time since you studied that particular topic.

How are SAT II's scored?
SAT II scores are reported on a scale from 200 to 800.

When should you take the SAT II's?
Most students take the SAT II's toward the end of frade 11 or at the beginning of grade 12.
Take tests such as world history, biology, chemistry, or physics as soon as possible after completing the course in the subject, while the material is still fresh in your mind.

When are SAT II's offered?
SAT II's are offered on the same dates as the regular SAT.
Ø For 2004-05 SAT II's are offered on Oct. 9, Nov. 6, Dec. 4, Jan. 22, May 7, and June 4.
Ø For 2005-06 SAT II's are offered on Oct. 8, Nov. 5, Dec. 3, Jan. 28, May 6, and June 3.
As with the regular SAT it is important to register early as the registration deadlines are approximately 5 weeks prior to the testing date.

Where is the SAT II offered?
The SAT II is offered at the same locations as the regular SAT. Visit www.collegeboard.com to determine the nearest location.

How do I register for the SAT II's?
Ø Online: Go to www.collegeboard.com and follow the directions provided under the SAT tab
Ø Mail: To register by mail, you need a Registration Bulletin which is available at your school counselor's office. The Registration Form and return envelope are included in the Registration Bulletin. Your completed registration form must be returned in the envelope provided with proper payment. The Registration Bulletin contains test dates, registration deadlines, fees, instructions, test center codes, and other registration-related information.

How much does it cost to write the SAT II's?
The cost to write the SAT II is a $17.00US registration fee, $17.00US for the Writing Test, $18.00 for the Language Tests with listening, and $8.00 for all other tests.

How do I study for the SAT II's?
Because the SAT II's focus on specific subject areas The most effective way to prepare for specific SAT II subject tests is to study for similar high school courses and purchase SAT II study guides available at some book stores.

What's the difference between the SAT and Subject Tests?
The SAT tests general aptitude in math and English where as the SAT II's test knowledge in specific subject areas. The SAT is required to compete in the NCAA while the SAT II's are required at the discretion of individual universities.

E. ACT

What is the ACT?
The ACT is a set of four multiple-choice tests which cover English, mathematics, reading, and science. Beginning in February 2005, ACT will start offering an optional Writing Test.

What subjects does the ACT cover?
The ACT covers the following subjects:
Ø English, 75 questions, 45 minutes
Ø Math, 60 questions, 60 minutes
Ø Reading, 40 questions, 35 minutes
Ø Science, 40 questions, 35 minutes
Ø Optional Writing Test, 1 question, 30 minutes

How do I register for the ACT?
To register for the ACT got to www.act.org. All Canadian students will have to register by mail so download, complete and return the "registration packet."

How do I study for the ACT?
The best preparation for the ACT is preparation for high school curriculum-courses in English, math, science, and social studies. For practice questions and tests go to www.act.org or purchase a study guides for the ACT from a book store.

How is the ACT scored?
Both the combined score (overall score) and each test score (English, math, reading, science) range from 1 (low) to 36 (high). The combined score is the average of your four test scores, rounded to the nearest whole number.

Which scores are reported if I test more than once?
There is a separate record for each test and only test scores that are requested are released to universities. Unlike the SAT, you may not select test scores from different test dates to construct a new record; you must designate an entire test date record as it stands. ACT does not create new records by averaging scores from different test dates.

What is the difference between the ACT and SAT?
The ACT is an achievement test, measuring what a student has learned in school. The SAT is more of an aptitude test, testing reasoning and verbal abilities. The ACT has up to 5 components: English, Mathematics, Reading, Science, and an optional Writing Test. The SAT has only 3 components: verbal, math, and a writing test. Math makes up 50% of SAT's test score and only 25% of ACT's test score.

Who should take the SAT and who should take the ACT?
Students who have recently graduated or are near graduation may perform better on the ACT as it focuses on specific subject areas studied in high school. Students who have been out of high school for a year or more may perform better on the SAT as it tests for general reasoning and aptitude.

A. Amateurism

What is amateurism?
In order to compete in the NCAA student-athletes must be classified as "amateurs" by the NCAA. To remain an "amateur" you cannot compete or sign a contract with a professional team, accept money or gifts for athletic ability, retain the services of an agent, or receive money for educational expenses based on athletic ability.In order to compete in the NCAA student-athletes must be classified as "amateurs" by the NCAA. To remain an "amateur" you cannot compete or sign a contract with a professional team, accept money or gifts for athletic ability, retain the services of an agent, or receive money for educational expenses based on athletic ability.

How many years of athletic eligibility do I have to compete in NCAA athletics?
You have 4 years of athletic eligibility in the NCAA.

B. Major Junior (WHL, OHL, QMJHL)

Can I play games in major junior and still be eligible to compete in the NCAA?
The NCAA considers major junior hockey to be professional hockey. Therefore student-athletes who compete in Major Junior jeopardize some or all of their NCAA athletic eligibility.

Student-athletes will lose all athletic eligibility to compete in NCAA Division I hockey if they:
Ø compete in any major junior game after their expected date of high school graduation, or
Ø sign a contract ("WHL Player Agreement") with a major junior team

Student athletes will lose some athletic eligibility to compete in NCAA Division I hockey if they:
Ø compete in any major junior game before their expected date of high school graduation, without signing a contract, or
Ø attend a major junior training camp for more than 48 hours while having their expenses covered by the major junior team

The only opportunity that a player has to compete in major junior and still retain NCAA athletic eligibility is to play an exhibition game before graduation without signing a player agreement. Any other competition in major junior will lead to the loss of all NCAA athletic eligibility.

Can I tryout for teams in major junior and still be eligible to compete in the NCAA?
Before enrollment in a NCAA university an athlete can:
Ø Tryout for any length of time, but not compete against outside opponents, with a major junior or other professional hockey team at your own expense
Ø Receive one expense paid tryout with a major junior team as long as it does not exceed 48 hours
Note that during a tryout, an individual may not take part in any outside competition (games or scrimmages) as a representative of that major junior team.

Does the major junior rule apply to Division II and III?
Although the rule varies slightly between divisions, competition at the major junior level jeopardizes eligibility to compete in all NCAA divisions. For more specific information concerning how the rule is applied to Division I and II visit www.ncaa.org.

C. 21-Year Old Rule

What happens if I turn 21 during the junior hockey season?
If you play a junior hockey game after your 21st birthday you will lose 1 year of NCAA athletic eligibility leaving you with 3 years remaining. This rule applies only to Division I.

How can I turn 21, play junior hockey, and still retain NCAA eligibility?
Using the NCAA "transfer rules" you can continue playing junior hockey after your 21st birthday and retain 4 years of athletic eligibility if you enroll full-time at a college institution that does not sponsor a hockey program. Although you will lose some of your 5-year academic eligibility you will not lose any of your 4-year athletic eligibility.

When should enroll full-time if I am going to play junior hockey after my 21st birthday?
In order to avoid the hassle of registration when the hockey season is busy, you should enroll full-time in September. Also, in order to avoid difficulties with the NCAA Clearinghouse, you should register with the Clearinghouse before enrolling full-time. It is important to note that once you enroll in college level courses you can no longer write the SAT.

Does the rule apply to Division II and III?
No. The 21-year old rule applies only to student-athletes wishing to compete in Division I. It does not apply to those student-athletes wishing to compete in Division II and III.

A. Promoting

What do university coaches look for when they recruit student-athletes?
In making decisions on prospective players universities will consider the entire profile of the student-athlete. That profile includes academic qualities such as high school marks, SAT or ACT scores, as well as athletic and personal qualities such as skill, attitude, and work ethic. What qualities are most important depends on the needs of the individual university and hockey program.

How do I best promote myself to NCAA hockey programs?
The most effective way to promote yourself is to develop a well rounded student-athlete profile. Start by taking and performing well in proper high school classes, studying for and achieving a high score on the SAT or ACT and working hard on developing as an athlete.

Can I contact NCAA hockey programs and coaches?
Yes. You can contact university and coaches at any point and there are no restrictions on the time or content of the contact.

Should I send a hockey resume to NCAA hockey programs to help promote myself?
Although sending a resume will not hurt your chances of getting a scholarship, its effectiveness is very limited. University hockey coaches are professional scouts and most programs employ a full-time recruiter. These recruiters spend many hours in arenas watching and interviewing student-athletes and are less inclined to read a student-athlete resume.

However, schools that do not have a lot of resources devoted to actively recruiting prospects, such as Division III and smaller Division I universities, are more open to student-athlete resumes. However, if you decide to send a student-athlete resume make sure that it is no longer than 1 page and includes only relevant information such as SAT, high school average and hockey statistics.

B. Recruiting Guidelines

When can universities start contacting and recruiting?
University hockey coaches can contact you or your parent's once during the month of July after grade 10 and once in grade 11. After July 1 of the summer between grade 11 and grade 12 college coaches may contact you once a week throughout the year.

What is an "official visit" or "fly-down"?
An "official visit" or "fly-down" is a visit to a university campus paid for by the university or hockey program. Fly-downs are used by athletics programs to introduce you to the university and members of the team, give you a flavor for the campus and induce you to attend their university.

How many official visits can I make?
You can receive a maximum of 5 official visits but may only visit each campus once.

What are the rules concerning official visits?
In order to make an official visit you must have started classes in grade 12. Also, before a university can bring you to campus on a visit you must provide high school transcripts and a completed SAT or ACT score.

Each official visit may last no longer than 48 hours and can cover food, entertainment, lodging and transportation.