SAT/ACT Requirements
SAT and ACT requirements are part of the NCAA eligibility sliding scale, which pairs test scores with core-course GPA. As of recent cycles, many schools are test-optional for admission, but test scores can still matter for NCAA eligibility certification at Division I and II.
Athletes should check both the NCAA sliding scale and each target school's admission policy — they are separate requirements. A school may be test-optional for general admission yet still require a score for athletic eligibility certification, or vice versa.
A higher test score can compensate for a lower core-course GPA on the Division I scale. This is why families with an athlete whose core GPA is borderline sometimes focus on raising the test score — it can be the faster path to clearing the eligibility bar.
The NCAA uses a specific SAT/ACT score combination (the sum of critical reading and math for SAT, or the composite for ACT) mapped against the core GPA on the sliding scale. The writing section is not included in the NCAA calculation.
Test-optional admission policies have expanded in recent years, but they do not automatically remove the test requirement for NCAA eligibility. Athletes should confirm the current rules with the Eligibility Center, as policies can change between recruiting cycles.