The NCAA clearinghouse serves two purposes. First to determine applicant as a qualifier, then to certify qualifications, which cannot be finalized until the applicant graduates!
This process more or less gives the recruit an idea of where he falls and what he has to do if he does not qualify for D1. If there is a question as to qualifying, should be taken care of early.
After we registered, right after his first SAT we waited a month and gave the guidance counselor his info to send unofficial transcripts. His qualification for division status was determined by his junior year. I am not aware if procedures have changed.
I realize they are slow, but I think that getting in the info early, looks very good wneh you reply to those questionaires, "YES", I have registered for the clearinghouse. JMO.