What must a nonqualifier do before being eligible to practice, compete, or receive financial aid?

To be eligible for practice, competition, or financial aid, a nonqualifier must serve an academic year in residence at the certifying institution. This requirement is in place to ensure that nonqualifiers engage with the academic environment of the institution and meet certain academic standards before they can participate in athletics. Serving an academic year in residence helps foster their academic development and reinforces the importance of education in the collegiate athletics framework.

The other options do not align with the NCAA's regulations for nonqualifiers. For instance, completing one semester at any institution or attending a workshop on eligibility does not fulfill the necessary criteria for becoming eligible to compete. Additionally, passing a standardized test, while potentially relevant in initial qualifications, is not a prerequisite for practice, competition, or financial aid for nonqualifiers specifically within NCAA guidelines. Thus, the requirement to serve an academic year in residence ensures compliance with NCAA standards for academic engagement and seriousness about student-athlete status.