Short answer: NCAA Division I and II eligibility does not require SAT or ACT scores. However, a college may still ask for them for admission or scholarships. English proficiency tests like TOEFL are a separate matter.
"Do I need the SAT or ACT to play college soccer in the US?" is one of the most common questions from Japanese players and parents.
The short answer: NCAA eligibility and the SAT/ACT are separated in Divisions I and II. But each college sets its own admissions and scholarship requirements. This guide separates the three tests that often get mixed up.
What You'll Learn
- How the SAT/ACT requirement was removed for NCAA DI and DII
- The difference between eligibility, admissions and English proficiency
- When submitting a score may still help
- A simple order for deciding whether to take the test
1. The Three Tests People Confuse
| Purpose | Who decides | SAT / ACT | English test |
|---|---|---|---|
| ① NCAA eligibility | NCAA Eligibility Center | Not required in DI/DII | Separate (checked by the college) |
| ② College admission | Each college's admissions office | Depends (required, optional or not considered) | Required at many colleges |
| ③ Merit or academic aid | Each college | A score can help at some colleges | May be part of the conditions |
"Does the NCAA require it?" and "Does the college require it?" are two different questions. Separating them clears up most of the confusion.
2. The NCAA Rule (DI and DII)
In January 2023, the NCAA permanently removed the standardized test score requirement from initial eligibility in Divisions I and II. It applies to athletes who first enroll full-time on or after August 1, 2023.
Eligibility is now based mainly on NCAA-approved core courses and grades, not test scores. For students from Japan, the standards are applied by country. For timing and documents, see the NCAA Eligibility Center registration timeline.
Note: Division III, NAIA and NJCAA use different rules from NCAA DI and DII. For a comparison, see NCAA D1, D2, D3, NAIA and JUCO differences.
3. When the SAT/ACT Can Still Matter
Even if eligibility does not require a score, it can come up in these situations.
| Situation | How a score may matter |
|---|---|
| Academically selective schools (e.g., Ivy League) | More schools are asking for test scores again |
| Academic scholarships (merit aid) | At some colleges, scores help set the amount |
| Requirements for a specific major | Conditions vary by department |
| Division III funding | Academic aid carries more weight, so scores can matter more |
If you are considering the Ivy League, read Ivy League soccer: the reality and how to get in. For Division III funding, see NCAA D3 soccer and how to build your tuition.
4. How to Decide Whether to Take the Test
- Make a target list. Even 3 to 5 schools is enough.
- Check each school's policy on its official website. It will say test-required, test-optional or test-blind.
- Find out whether scores affect academic scholarships. Ask the coach or admissions office as a funding question.
- Weigh the time and cost against your training and playing preparation. The later you start, the fewer test dates you will have.
Tip: When in doubt, ask the coach: "Does this score affect admission or scholarships?" The answer differs by school, so asking first is the most reliable route.
FAQ
Q. Can I play NCAA Division I without taking the SAT or ACT? A. For athletes who enroll on or after August 1, 2023, test scores are not required for DI or DII eligibility. You still need to meet other requirements, such as core-course grades.
Q. If I take an English test, can I skip the SAT/ACT? A. They are different tests. For English tests, see the TOEFL, Duolingo and IELTS comparison. For conditional admission, see When your English score falls short.
Q. Does a test score make an offer more likely? A. It depends on the college and department. At colleges that give academic aid, a strong score can help.
Q. Are my Japanese high school grades enough? A. Eligibility is assessed from your Japanese high school courses and grades. Admissions requirements vary by college, so check each one.
Pre-Departure Checklist
- I checked each target school's test policy (required, optional or not considered)
- I asked the coach or admissions office whether scores affect academic aid
- I am tracking English tests and SAT/ACT dates separately
- I know when to register with the NCAA Eligibility Center
For more on how admissions and recruiting run on separate tracks, see The Common App and recruiting are separate tracks.
This article does not guarantee any individual result. NCAA and college rules can change, so please confirm the latest information with official websites and the coach.