1. The "Cut Time": The times listed below are the minimum standards. Hitting this time does not guarantee a spot; it simply earns you the right to be submitted for consideration.
2. The Rankings: Throughout the season, schools submit their swimmers invitational times to the AIA for statewide ranking. These rankings are available on maxpreps.com.
3. The Entries: At the end of the season, coaches select the two best events for each swimmer and submit these for State entry.
4. The Top 40: The AIA takes every submission who met the cut time and ranks them from fastest to slowest. Only the top 40 fastest swimmers in each individual event are officially selected to compete at State.