Guide to Playing College Tennis


Visits
You may visit schools at anytime (unofficially). These visits may be necessary to help you narrow down your list. Some of your schools of interest may be in the same city as a tournament you are playing, this would be a great time to take a look at the school while you are there. Note: you may only take five (5) official visits to Division I & II schools.

Commitment time
By now you will have narrowed down your list of schools to those who have also shown a mutual interest. You should be visiting these schools officially or unofficially and meeting with the coaches. When you meet with the coaches and players be prepared with all the questions you want to ask. We recommend using a charting system or making notes after each visit. When it comes to making the final decision ensure you weigh all of your options carefully.

Tennis has two signing dates, November and April. Most conferences use the National Letter of Intent (www.national-letter.org). However, you will need to check with the coach on their procedures. If you are on scholarship, remember scholarships are year-to-year.

Scholarship Opportunities
For helpful tips on finding scholarships to help pay for college, visit our guide to college scholarships. See below for scholarship availability within each athletic association.

Athletic scholarships available (maximum)
NCAA
Division I:? Men – 4.5? Women – 8
Division II:? Men – 4.5? Women – 6
Division III:? Men – 0? Women – 0
Note: Division I Ivy League Conference and Division III do not offer athletic scholarships

NAIA
Division I? Men – 5? Women – 5

NJCAA
Division I? Men -? 8? Women – 8
52 men's and 64 women's programs offer scholarships

Check with your high school counselor, the college financial aid officer, and local and state government agencies to research all avenues of financial aid.

Academic Eligibility Requirements
Visit NCAAclearinghouse.net to view a list of approved core courses. Search by your high school code or high school name to view a list of courses that meet the NCAA criteria for core courses.

Division I: Student-athletes enrolling in a Division I college in 2005-2007 must meet the 14-core course requirement for the Initial-Eligibility Clearinghouse.

Division I: Student-athletes enrolling in a Division I college in 2008 and after must meet a 16-core course requirement for the Initial-Eligibility Clearinghouse.

Division II: For student-athletes enrolling in 2005 and after must meet the 14-core course requirement for the Initial-Eligibility Clearinghouse