What I Need to Know to Play Sports in College

What is the difference between an “official visit” and an “unofficial visit”?

An “official visit” is one in which the school can pay for travel, room and board expenses. An “unofficial visit” is one paid for by the student-athlete and their family.

Frequently Asked Questions

IS PLAYING SPORTS IN COLLEGE REALLY THAT DIFFICULT?
WHY DO I NEED TO REGISTER WITH THE NCAA CLEARINGHOUSE?
I HAVE AN IEP (INDIVIDUALIZED EDUCATIONAL PLAN) AT MY HIGH SCHOOL. CAN I STILL BECOME AN NCAA FULL QUALIFIER?
I HAVE AN IEP (INDIVIDUALIZED EDUCATIONAL PLAN) AT MY HIGH SCHOOL AND RECEIVE EXTENDED TIME FOR STATE TESTING. CAN I RECEIVE ADDITIONAL TIME WHEN I TAKE THE ACT OR SAT?
WHO SHOULD I SPEAK WITH ABOUT GETTING INFORMATION ABOUT THE NCAA REGISTRATION PROCESS?
WHEN SHOULD I BEGIN THE NCAA REGISTRATION PROCESS?
WHEN DO I BEGIN PUTTING FILM TOGETHER?
WHAT IS AN ACADEMIC REDSHIRT?
WHAT IF I CANNOT AFFORD THE $70.00 NCAA CLEARINGHOUSE REGISTRATION FEE?
I struggled academically during my freshman year and now I want to try to retake some classes to earn a higher grade. Is this allowed?
HOW DO I FIND OUT IF MY CLASSES ARE NCAA-APPROVED?
HOW MANY TIMES CAN I TAKE THE SAT/ACT?
WHAT CLASSES ARE CALCULATED INTO MY NCAA CORE GPA?
My student struggles academically. What type of questions should my student ask college coaches about academic services available to student-athletes?
WHAT IS THE NAIA? DO I NEED TO REGISTER WITH THE NAIA AND THE NCAA CLEARINGHOUSE?
WHAT ARE THE NAIA REGISTRATION CRITERIA?
I DON’T THINK THAT I CAN ACADEMICALLY QUALIFY FOR THE NCAA CLEARINGHOUSE. WILL A DIVISION III SCHOOL BE AN OPTION SINCE THE NCAA CLEARINGHOUSE DOES NOT GOVERN THEM?
IF MY SCHOOL HAS MORE THAN ONE DIPLOMA, WHICH ONE SHOULD I PURSUE?
WHEN SHOULD I BEGIN TAKING THE SAT OR ACT?
WHAT IS A PERSONAL STATEMENT AND WHY IS IT IMPORTANT IN THE COLLEGE APPLICATION PROCESS?
WHO SHOULD I HAVE WRITE LETTERS OF RECOMMENDATION FOR ME?
I AM APPLYING FOR A SCHOLARSHIP AND IT REQUESTS AN “ACADEMIC RESUME”. WHAT IS AN “ACADEMIC RESUME” AND WHAT INFORMATION SHOULD I INCLUDE?
How can I earn non-athletic scholarships?
DO NCAA DIVISION II AND III SCHOOLS GIVE FULL ATHLETIC SCHOLARSHIPS?
What if I am homeschooled... can I still register with the NCAA Clearinghouse?
I HAVE COLLEGES WHO ARE INTERESTED IN HAVING ME COME TO THEIR CAMPUS FOR AN “OFFICIAL VISIT” BUT I AM NOT YET REGISTERED IN THE NCAA CLEARINGHOUSE. CAN I WAIT UNTIL I HAVE BEEN GIVEN FORMAL OFFERS TO TAKE CARE OF THIS REGISTRATION?
WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN AN “OFFICIAL VISIT” AND AN “UNOFFICIAL VISIT”?