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NCAA Sliding Scale

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NCAA Eligibility Updates

In Janaury 2023, the NCAA eliminated SAT/ACT test score requirements for initial eligibility for student-athletes. This change, recommended by the NCAA Standardized Test Score Task Force, will take effect from the 2023-2024 school year onward.

The NCAA will no longer use a sliding scale to assess academic eligibility.

Keep in mind that this exemption is for eligibility purposes only. Many colleges still require students to take the ACT or SAT for admissions or scholarship purposes, and college coaches may still ask to see your scores to determine if you meet their program’s academic standards.

What is the NCAA sliding scale?

Before the NCAA removed the test scores eligibility requirement, student-athletes who wished to determine their eligibility would refer to the NCAA sliding scale. This scale allowed for some flexibility, meaning if you had a high GPA, you could have lower SAT/ACT scores – and vice versa.

Does the NCAA still use a sliding scale?

No, the NCAA no longer relies on a sliding scale. Student-athletes are not required to take the ACT/SAT for initial eligibility. However, they still need to meet the GPA and core course requirements set by the NCAA for their chosen division.

Are Ivy League or Top-50 colleges on your target list? CollegeAdvisor.com offers 1-on-1 guidance from admissions experts to strengthen your college applications and boost your chances of admission.

Four reasons to take the ACT or SAT

What is a Good SAT and ACT score?

ACT and SAT facts

The most common question that athletes and families ask us about the ACT and SAT tests is regarding what score qualifies as good. The national average on the ACT is a 21 and the national average on the SAT is a 1070.

With that said, these are relative scores and you’ll have to gather more information when applying to colleges. In this video, Tom Ehlers, President and Founder of Method Test Prep, breaks down what you need to know.

ACT registration, SAT registration and test dates

ACT and SAT test dates are offered throughout the year, but the deadlines to register for either test are typically at least a month in advance. Taking some time to complete your ACT registration or SAT registration in advance can save you stress, time and money in late fees! 

ACT Registration and Test Dates

2023-2024 ACT Registration and Test Dates

Test DateRegistration DeadlineLate Registration Deadline (Late Fee Applies)
September 9, 2023August 4, 2023August 18, 2023
October 28, 2023September 22, 2023October 6, 2023
December 9, 2023November 3, 2023November 17, 2023
February 10, 2024January 5, 2024January 19, 2024
April 13, 2024March 8, 2024March 22, 2024
June 8, 2024May 3, 2024May 17, 2024
July 13, 2024*June 7, 2024June 21, 2024

International test dates for student-athletes who reside outside of the US, US territories and Puerto Rico can view international ACT registration and test dates here

For more information about the ACT, including upcoming ACT registration and test dates, visit ACT.org

SAT Registration and Test Dates 

2023-2024 SAT Registration and Test Dates

Test DateRegistration DeadlineLate Registration Deadline (Late Fee Applies)
August 26, 2023July 28, 2023August 15, 2023
October 7, 2023September 7, 2023September 26, 2023
November 4, 2023October 5, 2023October 24, 2023
December 2, 2023November 2, 2023November 21, 2023
Mar 9, 2024 (Digital)**February 23, 2024February 27, 2024
May 4, 2024 (Digital)**April 19, 2024April 23, 2024
June 1, 2024 (Digital)**May 17, 2024May 21, 2024

International test dates for student-athletes who reside outside of the US, US territories and Puerto Rico can view international SAT registration and test dates here

For more information about the SAT, including upcoming SAT registration and test dates, visit the CollegeBoard website here