Athletic Recruiting Advice from Former Columbia University Rowing Coach - Part III

College Rowing Recruiting

For most, the recruiting process can be a harrowing adventure full of ups and downs, and a huge learning curve. The NCAA and its regulations have stumped the best of us. After years of dedicated study I have been able to decipher its cryptic code and today I will share what it all means for the prospective rowing recruit.

If you’re following along with this recruiting series, you’ll have already read Step 1: Starting at the Finish Line, and Step 2: Making Your Plan. If not, go back and check those articles out.

Step 3: Get Eligible and Stay Eligible.

It seems like most of the advice we get from today’s business leaders, artists and tech innovators goes something like this: “ if you want to succeed, first break all the rules! ”
Perhaps this is true, but when it comes to the NCAA and getting yourself recruited, it is actually beneficial to follow the rules. Out of all the NCAA regulations, the most important to the prospective recruit (in our opinion) are those involving Eligibility . Most recruiting rules we generally hear about seem to involve things like when, where and how coaches can contact you. While these rules are certainly good to know, they aren’t something you need to worry much about.

Eligibility, on the other hand, is critical to getting yourself recruited for two reasons. First, it requires a considerable and consistent effort on your part to make sure you become and remain an eligible recruit. Secondly, potential recruits that render themselves ineligible typically get dropped from recruiting rosters faster than you can say “Lori Laughlin” ( too soon? ).

Academic Eligibility Standards

Contrary to popular belief, rowing recruits need more than a good erg score and a pulse to get recruited. The NCAA has minimum academic standards that take into consideration your Grade Point Average (GPA) in 16 NCAA approved Core High School Courses and your SAT/ACT scores (See Covid-19 test score exception ). While these standards represent a pretty low bar, they can be problematic for recruits that don’t start thinking about them before Junior year (I’m talking to you, Canadians!!). Since the NCAA requires that you have taken at least 16 of its approved core courses prior to graduation, the earlier you start planning your high school academic schedule, the better. A good rule of thumb is to get started on this in your freshman year (that’s Grade Nine, eh). The good news is that most educational districts require many of the same high school courses as the NCAA. Keep in mind however, meeting the NCAA’s academic standards only guarantee NCAA eligibility, it does not mean you’ll be admitted to your desired college. Academically competitive colleges (such as the Ivys) will require much higher grades and test scores to be admitted as a recruit.

One helpful resource is the NCAA’s annual publication of its Guide for the College-bound Student-Athlete . The graphic below is from page 12 of the guide. It provides a great timeline for potential recruits to follow in order to get started, plan and maintain their academic eligibility.

NCAA Academic Eligibility Timeline for High School