A high school prospective student-athlete may take a maximum of ____ expense-paid visits to Division I institutions.

The correct answer is five. In NCAA Division I recruiting, a high school prospective student-athlete is allowed to take a maximum of five expense-paid visits to Division I institutions. This rule is designed to give student-athletes the opportunity to visit potential schools and experience campus life, coaching staff, and athletic facilities without the financial burden of travel expenses.

Expense-paid visits are important as they allow recruits to gather information and make informed decisions about their college choices. The limit of five visits ensures that student-athletes have ample opportunity to assess their options while also managing the recruiting process effectively for colleges and universities.

In contrast, the other options do not align with the NCAA regulations surrounding visit limits, making them incorrect. Specifically, three and four visits do not provide adequate opportunities for exploration, while ten visits would be excessive and potentially complicate the recruiting landscape.