What is a core GPA?

A core GPA is a calculation of your core classes. A core class is an English, math, science, social science or foreign language class. These courses are used to determine your core GPA. Elective courses such as PE, Art, and other courses like that are not used in the core GPA calculation. A core GPA is what makes a student-athlete eligible to compete at the next level in college. The NCAA will recalculate your GPA based these core courses. Just because your overall GPA is a 3.3 does not mean your core GPA will be the same. Remember this GPA is recalculated based on certain courses removing the unnecessary courses. From 9th grade to 12th grade you should be taking all of your core classes seriously. Too many times students wait until senior year to take their classes seriously. By then it is too late because not many corrections can be made to your core GPA. Also at that point you’re deep into the recruiting process and schools are making preliminary determinations if you will meet NCAA qualifications. Knowing your core GPA shows the schools that are recruiting that you are taking the initiative to know your own status. You can report to colleges both your core and overall GPA. When I speak to college recruiters about my students I am able to report the core GPA. This lets the recruiters know where the student stands. Some recruiters will even pull back from a potential recruit due to their core GPA being too low. Do not let this be you, allow yourself to have options. Remember core GPA is THE important piece in the recruiting process. No matter how good of an athlete you are, if you can’t qualify then can’t be recruited. The most important thing to remember is that you are a STUDENT-athlete.