Get oriented8 min
Grade 9: the academic clock starts
For the NCAA, 3rd of ESO is your Year 9: grades already count. Compete in federated events and protect your transcript from now.
This surprises most Spanish families: the NCAA maps 3rd of ESO = Year 9, the start of core-course and GPA counting. Grades from now on count toward eligibility.
This year: compete in federated (RFEG) events with official scores; keep grades high (they enter the NCAA core GPA); start serious English; keep every official report card in the original language. D1 coaches cannot call you yet (you may email them). No NCAA deadlines yet; you don't register with the Eligibility Center until ~10th grade.
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Last reviewed: June 2026
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