The Role of the SAT and ACT in Recruiting

Up until recently the SAT/ACT was required for every recruit to be eligible to compete in the NCAA. But in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the NCAA made a series of changes for eligibility. Going forward, the class of 2023 incoming recruits will not be required to submit ACT/SAT scores for NCAA eligibility This means that student-athletes will not be required to submit a score for either exam but may still need to submit it to the college for admissions. That said there are still many reasons why you should take the exams. Without it, you will likely have severely limited college options.

Click here to read learn more about the NCAA’s modernized testing rules and how they might affect you.

Why is there a Sliding Scale for SAT/ACT?

For eligibility over the years, the NCAA created a sliding scale to evaluate whether or not a recruit was academically eligible. It certified that you had at least a 2.3/2.2 high school GPA along with a test score to match. With a 2.3 GPA your matching score would be a 980 SAT. But the higher your GPA, the lower your test score could be for certification.

Only good things can come from you being a good student. In fact, many college coaches will not recruit athletes who are below a 3.0 GPA for example, to avoid concerns over the athletes maintaining their eligibility throughout college.

Coach Rob’s Note: The average SAT/ACT score in America is about a 1050 or a 20. So if you are scoring above that you are going to open up more opportunities for college acceptances.

Why you should always take the SAT or ACT

Even with the NCAA removing the testing requirement, perhaps permanently, the exam is highly important. Most colleges in America still require it for admissions, and there is nothing the NCAA can do about that. Even if you are legible for sports, a college can still deny you for not meeting their requirements.

Test scores give you more opportunities to earn scholarship money beyond athletics as well. In fact most colleges determine which students will get academic scholarships by using test scores as a decision making factor. Sharing a score with college coaches will also go a long way in letting them know they should take you seriously. A strong score will erase any doubt that you are capable of handling college level work.

Taking your Exam

Before you can take your exam you will need to register. You can register for either the SAT or ACT almost year round. And test dates are offered every 1 to 2 months. I highlight recommend taking it towards the end of your junior year at the latest for your first time. It allows you time to prepare, but also an opportunity to retake it if need be. Once you do finally take your test you can send your SAT or ACTS scores to the NCAA with the code 9999.

Coach Rob’s Note: Don’t go under-recruited! I put in the hard work for you to know exactly which colleges already want to recruit you, which ones will view you as a top recruit, and how to get their attention. Book a meeting with me, Coach Rob, and see how easy it can be to get the offers you deserve!

Coach Rob is a recruiting expert and the Founder of SCA Recruiting. He is also the author of the book Winning the Ship: How to Win the College Athlete Recruitment Game. Available now on Amazon.