Frequently asked questions

Division I (D1) is the highest level of college athletics in the U.S. D1 programmes are the most competitive, have the largest budgets, and offer the most athletic scholarships. Division II (D2) is strongly competitive and also offers athletic scholarships, though typically fewer than D1. Division III (D3) does not offer athletic scholarships but athletes can receive academic financial aid. NAIA is a separate governing body from the NCAA - it has its own rules and scholarship structure and is popular with international athletes. For full details visit ncaa.org and naia.org.

Yes. International athletes are eligible for athletic scholarships at D1, D2, and NAIA programmes. D3 does not offer athletic scholarships to any athlete regardless of nationality. Scholarship amounts vary widely by sport, programme, and division level. For official scholarship rules visit ncaa.org/sports/2013/11/7/scholarships.

The NCAA Eligibility Centre is the official body that certifies whether a student-athlete meets the academic and amateur requirements to compete at D1 or D2 level. All athletes intending to play D1 or D2 college sport must register. Registration should begin in your junior year of high school or equivalent. Register and find full requirements at eligibilitycenter.org.

The NCAA minimum core course GPA for Division I is 2.3. For Division II it is 2.2. These refer to your GPA in approved core courses specifically, not your overall GPA. Most competitive D1 programmes expect significantly higher academic standards than the minimum. The MyDivisionFit tool uses overall GPA as a proxy only - verify your core course GPA at eligibilitycenter.org.

JUCO stands for Junior College - two-year community college programmes that compete at a separate level from four-year universities. JUCO can be a pathway into four-year college programmes for athletes who need to develop academically or athletically before transferring. JUCO programmes are governed by the NJCAA. Visit njcaa.org for more information.

Most international athletes are not discovered - they proactively reach out to coaches. The process typically involves building an athletic profile, creating highlight film, identifying programmes that match your level, and contacting coaches directly by email. Some sports like tennis and swimming have more structured international pipelines. Coaches also attend international showcases and work with recruitment agencies in some sports.

Most recruitment advisers recommend starting 2 to 3 years before your graduation year. For D1 programmes the process often begins earlier, particularly in high-demand sports. The earlier you start building your profile, film, and coach contact list, the more options you will have.

No. Many athletes successfully navigate the process independently. A recruitment agency can help with outreach, profile building, and navigating the process - but it is not a requirement. If you do work with an agency make sure they are transparent about their fees, process, and track record.

UTR stands for Universal Tennis Rating. It is the primary metric college tennis coaches use to evaluate recruits from any country. Unlike national rankings which vary by country, UTR uses a global algorithm based on match results and opponent quality. If you are a tennis player pursuing a U.S. college pathway, establishing a credible UTR is essential. Register and play rated events at utrsports.org.

Track and field (NCAA D1, D2, D3 and NAIA) and swimming (NCAA D1, D2, D3 and NAIA). Tennis, golf and rowing get a wider, indicative range from your UTR, scoring average or erg time. Soccer and basketball get a rough range from your competition level, because there is no public performance benchmark.

MyDivisionFit is a free benchmarking tool that gives international student-athletes an indication of where their profile sits relative to athletes accepted into U.S. college programmes. Built for student-athletes and their parents or guardians. If you are under 18, ask a parent or guardian to help and use their email. It is not a recruiting agency, a placement service, or an official assessment. It is a data tool built on 2026 NCAA and NAIA results lists, published qualifying standards and NCAA participation data.

No. MyDivisionFit is an independent tool and is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or connected to the National Collegiate Athletic Association or any college or university.

Your division range comes from comparing your results with 2026 NCAA and NAIA lists and published qualifying standards. Those lists show top performers, not roster minimums, so a result below them does not rule out a roster spot. For sports without verified benchmarks the range is indicative and wider, and is marked lower confidence. Use the results as a starting point, not a final verdict. Full details are on the methodology page: mydivisionfit.com/methodology

For official and up-to-date information always refer to these sources directly:
NCAA: ncaa.org
NCAA Eligibility Centre: eligibilitycenter.org
NAIA: naia.org
NJCAA: njcaa.org
UTR Sports (tennis): utrsports.org
NCAA scholarships: ncaa.org/sports/2013/11/7/scholarships

MyDivisionFit is a benchmarking tool only. For advice specific to your situation speak with a qualified recruiting consultant or contact college coaching staff directly.