<p>A note of caution and advice. My son was a highly recruited athlete and just received EA admissions to a good quality D3 LAC. He declined D1 and D2 opportunities based on the very low scholarship money offered (low revenue sport). When he decided to look at D3 schools the coaches came out of the woodwork knowing that he could make an immediate impact to their team or program as a freshman. The process of recruiting is pretty clear and precise based on D1 and D2 schools being under NCAA rules. D3 recruiting is alot less clear, do not believe any coach who says that he has the power to get your child into the school, they can offer support only, which in most cases means very little. Admission controls the process at most D3 schools. If the recruit does not qualify or meet the school academic profile their is a slim chance they will be accepted based on the coaches support. My son was on the low end of the academic spectrum for the school he was admitted to and will play for, admissions scrutinized his test scores, course selection, and even senior mid year grades, so tell your kids not to slack off, it can make the difference. Kids and some parents seem to get lost in the get excitment of the recruiting process, do not discount any other school or program until you receive your formal letter of acceptance. Pick a school that matches your academic ability, provides the right social climate, and that you could see yourself attending in case you do not want to play your particular sport anymore. Any questions let me know.</p>
<p>Congratulations, MJP! Must be a relief to know which sweatshirt to buy 
You’re giving very good advice…</p>
<p>Great post with lots of very useful nuggets and recommendations. Congrats on your son’s EA admission.</p>
<p>Amen to that MJP, especially your comment about the importance of a school’s fit, academically and socially. Have your child visit, stay overnight and then ask him,“Even if you no longer play, can you see yourself here for the next 4 years?”</p>
<p>Agree, and read “More D3 Disasters” for more info on the very tricky, poorly defined process…</p>
<p>Who knew when we started this process last spring with our S that it would be so stressful and confusing? Boy, someone should write a book about D3 recruiting. I would recommend CC to any parent going through this journey with their child. Yikes, and I have a sophomore D who’d like to play her sport in college too, maybe it’s not too soon to start planning now!</p>
<p>Good advice here–as some D3 schools are showing interest…as our student could help a program as well…
right now the goal is a D1 and yet I have been told that our student should cast a wide net</p>
<p>My number one piece of advice–wait as long as possible before making a commitment.</p>
<p>Thanks for the advice, MJP. Our D’s journey is just beginning and there’s so much to learn.</p>
<p>EMM1, thanks for that advice. DS is being pressured for a commitment now, and we just can’t make it until we see all the financial aid packages. It amazes me that so many athletes in our state have already committed. I guess we’re just in the weird financial bracket where we’re not wealthy, but we’re not going to get much help. I wish we were either very poor or very rich!</p>
<p>In addition to the financial aid package, you don’t know what might be coming down the line when the dominoes start falling in the spring. Coaches lose out on their higher rated recruits, and something you want more may come your son’s way.</p>