NCAA & College Recruiting Glossary
Every term you need to know to navigate the US college sports recruiting process. Essential vocabulary for international student-athletes.
Organizations
NCAA
National Collegiate Athletic Association. The main governing body for college sports in the United States, overseeing athletic programs at over 1,100 schools.
NAIA
National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics. A smaller association governing athletics at about 250 mostly small colleges. Often offers good scholarship opportunities for international athletes.
NJCAA
National Junior College Athletic Association. Governs athletics at two-year community colleges. Can be a pathway to four-year programs.
Divisions
Division I (D1)
The highest level of NCAA athletics with the largest schools, biggest budgets, and most competitive programs. Offers full athletic scholarships in most sports.
Division II (D2)
Mid-level NCAA competition. Schools offer partial athletic scholarships and often provide a good balance between athletics and academics.
Division III (D3)
NCAA division where athletic scholarships are not permitted. Athletes receive only academic and need-based financial aid. Often has strong academic institutions.
JUCO
Junior College. Two-year schools that can serve as a stepping stone to four-year universities. Good option for athletes who need to improve academically or athletically.
Scholarships
Full Ride
A scholarship that covers all college costs: tuition, room, board, books, and fees. The most comprehensive athletic scholarship available.
Partial Scholarship
An athletic scholarship that covers only a portion of college costs. Common in D2, equivalency sports, and some D1 programs.
Head Count Sport
Sports where each scholarship must be a full scholarship (cannot be divided). Includes D1 football, basketball, tennis, gymnastics, and volleyball.
Equivalency Sport
Sports where coaches can divide scholarships among multiple athletes. Most D1 and D2 sports outside of football and basketball.
Walk-On
An athlete who joins a college team without an athletic scholarship. Can sometimes earn a scholarship later through performance.
Preferred Walk-On
An athlete guaranteed a roster spot without a scholarship. Higher status than a regular walk-on, with better chance of earning scholarship later.
Cost of Attendance (COA)
The total cost to attend a school including tuition, room, board, books, transportation, and personal expenses. Top programs now cover full COA.
Recruiting
Commit / Commitment
When an athlete verbally agrees to attend a school. Not legally binding until the National Letter of Intent is signed.
National Letter of Intent (NLI)
A binding agreement between an athlete and a school. Once signed, the athlete commits to attend that school for one academic year.
Official Visit
A campus visit paid for by the college (up to 48 hours). Athletes receive 5 official visits total. Very important in the recruiting process.
Unofficial Visit
A campus visit paid for by the athlete/family. Unlimited unofficial visits are allowed and can happen anytime.
Dead Period
Times when coaches cannot have in-person contact with recruits or their families. Coaches can still call, text, and email.
Quiet Period
Times when coaches can meet with recruits on campus but cannot visit them off-campus.
Contact Period
Times when coaches can have in-person contact with recruits anywhere and can make official home visits.
Evaluation Period
Times when coaches can observe athletes compete but cannot have off-campus contact with them.
Verbal Offer
An unofficial scholarship offer from a coach. Not legally binding and can be withdrawn. Common before official signing periods.
Gray Shirt
When an athlete enrolls in January instead of fall, delaying their scholarship start. Used to manage roster numbers.
Red Shirt
When an athlete practices with the team but does not compete for a season. Preserves a year of eligibility.
Eligibility
NCAA Eligibility Center
The organization that certifies academic and amateur eligibility for athletes who want to compete at D1 or D2 schools. International athletes must register here.
Core Courses
Specific academic courses required by the NCAA. International athletes must have their transcripts evaluated to determine which classes count.
Sliding Scale
NCAA formula that balances GPA and test scores. Higher GPA allows lower test scores and vice versa for D1 eligibility.
Academic Qualifier
An athlete who meets all NCAA academic eligibility requirements and can practice, compete, and receive athletic scholarships immediately.
Non-Qualifier
An athlete who does not meet NCAA academic requirements. Cannot practice, compete, or receive athletic aid during first year at D1 schools.
Transfer Portal
Database where student-athletes enter their name to transfer to another school. Allows coaches to contact them about transferring.
Sit-Out Year
Period when a transfer athlete cannot compete (though recent rule changes have reduced this requirement).
Athletic
Highlight Video / Reel
A short video (2-5 minutes) showcasing an athlete's best plays and skills. Essential for college recruiting.
Athletic Resume
A document listing an athlete's stats, achievements, academic info, and contact details. Sent to coaches with highlight videos.
Showcase / Camp
Events where athletes can display their skills in front of college coaches. Can be sport-specific or multi-sport.
Club Team
A team outside of school that competes year-round. Often plays higher-level competition and is important for recruiting exposure.
International
F-1 Visa
The student visa required for international students to study in the United States. Must be obtained after receiving I-20 from the school.
I-20
Form issued by a US school that allows international students to apply for an F-1 visa. Requires proof of financial support.
SEVIS
Student and Exchange Visitor Information System. Database tracking international students in the US. SEVIS fee must be paid before visa interview.
Credential Evaluation
Process of converting international academic records to US equivalents. Required by NCAA and most colleges.
TOEFL
Test of English as a Foreign Language. English proficiency test often required for international students. Some schools accept alternatives.
SAT / ACT
Standardized tests used for college admissions in the US. SAT and ACT are accepted equally. Many schools now test-optional.
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