What ACT Score Do You Need to Play College Basketball? How do I Register?

To be able to play college basketball you have to be accepted in to the school. To be accepted into the school you must meet the academic requirements of that particular school. These requirements vary for NCAA D1, D2, D3, NAIA and JUCO. In this article we will take a look at the ACT score requirement for all the different divisions. A lot of prospective student athletes don’t realize how strict schools are with their academic requirements. You need to make sure that you can meet the requirements especially when it comes to your ACT test score.

It is appropriate to start this article mentioning the sliding scale as this really does factor into your ACT score. The sliding scale is only applicable to NCAA D1 and D2 prospects.

It is important to mention that as a student athlete looking to go to college, you can take the ACT as many times as you want (in order to gain the highest test score) before you enroll full time in college. If you decide to take the ACT test more than once, the best sub-score from different tests are used to give you the best possible score.

NOTE: Every time you register for the ACT, use code 9999 to send your scores directly to the NCAA Eligibility Center from the testing agency. Please remember that test scores on transcripts can NOT be used in your academic certification.

What is a Sliding Scale?

Simply put, the purpose of the sliding scale is to balance your test score with your core-course GPA to determine your eligibility.

NCAA D1 Academic Standards:

Division 1 schools require potential student athletes to meet academic standards for NCAA approved core courses, core course GPA and your ACT (or SAT) test scores to be eligible to practice, compete
and receive an athletics scholarship. You need an ACT sum score that matches your core-course GPA (minimum 2.300) on the Division 1 full-qualifier sliding scale. You can use the table below to see what your eligibility status is:

NCAA D2 Academic Standards:

Division 2 schools require potential student athletes to meet academic standards for NCAA approved core courses, core-course GPA and ACT test scores to be eligible to practice, compete and receive an athletics scholarship. Student athletes enrolling at an NCAA school as of Aug 1, 2021 and onward, who do not meet Division 2 qualifier standards will be deemed partial qualifiers. All Division 2 partial qualifiers can receive an athletics scholarship and practice during their first year of full-time enrollment at a Division 2 school, but you CANNOT compete. NCAA Division 2 also uses a sliding scale to match your test score and core-course GPA to determine your eligibility. The sliding scale balances your test score with your core-course GPA. You can use the table below to see what your eligibility status is:

NCAA D3 Academic Standards:

Each NCAA D3 will have it’s own set of academic entry requirements. There is no sliding scale. You need to contact the admissions department to find out exactly what they need from students to be eligible to enter the school academically.

Junior College (JUCO) Academic Standards:

You do not need a ACT score to enter a junior college or community college. Each school will have it’s own set of requirements. You will need to contact the admissions department to find out what you need to do to be eligible to attend that particular school.

NAIA Academic Standards:

The requirements for entering a NAIA school are that you must be a graduate of an accredited high school and, you must meet at least 2 of the 3 following requirements: achieve a minimum of
18 on the ACT, achieve a minimum overall high school GPA of 2.0 on a 4.0 scale and/or have graduated in the top half of your high school class. Student athletes must register with the NAIA Eligibility Center. There is no sliding scale for NAIA. The NAIA only requires that its prospective student athletes meet two of their requirements. If you meet 2 out of 3, you will be cleared.

NOTE: When you register for the ACT include the NAIA Eligibility Center (9876) on the list of places test scores should be sent.

What is an ACT Test Score?

An ACT total score is calculated by adding your English, math, reading and science scores together. Each section is scored on a scale from 1-36. Your ACT score is as a combined score which is the average score of all the sections on a scale 1-36.

The ACT (American College Test) is not an IQ (intelligence) test. It is a national college admissions exam (like the SAT) that consists of subject area tests in: English, Mathematics, Reading and Science. It is a standardized test to determine a high school graduates preparation for college level work. The ACT test includes 215 multiple-choice questions and takes approximately 3 hours 30 minutes to complete. If you choose to take the ACT Plus Writing – this includes four subject area tests plus a 30-minute writing test – it will take just over 4 hours.

What’s included in the ACT Plus Writing Test? It is a 30-minute essay test that measures your writing skills. The test consists of one writing prompt that will define an issue with two points of view on that issue. You will then respond to a question about your position on the issue.

NOTE: Student athletes may choose to take the ACT plus because a good ACT writing score can boost chances of admission. Even if a school doesn’t require the test, a high score on the ACT Writing may give your application a boost, since it indicates strong abilities in writing and analysis.

Why do I need to do the ACT? You need to take the ACT (or SAT) to be eligible to enter and study at a School. Your ACT results will be accepted by all four-year colleges and universities in the US.

How do I register for my ACT?

You can register for your ACT simply by CLICKING HERE. You can find out instantly which locations are closest to you and if they have any spots available for you to take the test. You can print your admission ticket from the website. Make sure you follow this link: register for ACT online, answer the yes or no questions to create an account and complete the form with all your correct information

NOTE: If you need additional help setting up your ACT you can CLICK HERE!

How much does it cost to register for the ACT?

Like most exams, there is a fee for you to take your ACT. This cost varies depending on where you are from. Below you will find the most recent pricing for student athletes to take the ACT exam and remember, all fees are non-refundable:

$63 – Full ACT no writing: Includes reports for you, your high school, and up to four colleges (if codes are provided when you register).

$88 – Full Act with writing: Includes reports for you, your high school, and up to four colleges (if codes are provided when you register)

$25 – Test Option Change: The writing test fee is refundable on written request if you are absent on test day or switch to ACT (no writing) before testing begins.

$36 – Late Registration Fee: Registration or test date change made during the late period for a national test date.

$40 – Change Fee: Includes making a Test Date Change or Test Center Change.

$16 – Additional Score Reports: You can request additional score reports online after registration.

$30 – Test Information Release: During registration.

$40 – Test Information Release: After the test.

Are there any ACT Waivers?

Yes, you can look into getting an ACT Waiver and accessing some additional resources by CLICKING HERE.