The 16 core courses

This is the heart of it. Division I requires 16 NCAA-approved “core courses” — specific academic classes, not electives, not weight training, not a study hall. They break down across the subjects you’re already taking:

• ●4 years of English
• ●3 years of Math (Algebra I and higher)
• ●2 years of Natural / Physical Science (one with a lab)
• ●2 years of Social Science
• ●1 extra from English, Math, or Science
• ●4 years of additional core (more of the above, or foreign language / comparative religion / philosophy)

Your school has an NCAA “List of Approved Core Courses.” Not every class counts. A class can teach you plenty and still not be on the list — which is exactly how kids get burned. Check the list with your counselor before you pick classes, not after.