This is a question for anybody that may know something about division 3 athletics, particularly at liberal arts colleges.
I’m a junior runner on my cross country/track team, with multiple varsity letters, hoping to run low commitment in college.
I’ve looked at colleges I’d like to go to, such as Vassar, Middlebury, Wesleyan, Colgate U, Oberlin, Occidental and others.
My stats are in line or close to what has been accepted to these schools without athletics.
My question is would a successful runner find their chances improved at being accepted? Do these schools typically recruit runners that display interest in the program, and are legitimate contenders for spots? I’d like to go to Vassar but I consider it somewhat of a reach school, but I’d be one of the better runners on their team. Would this get me in? I have no idea how much these schools care about athletics so i’m wondering
The schools you named if they are in accordance with your title are all DIII. As such these schools put very little emphasis financially into their athletics and thus recruiting takes a back seat or is seldom done at all. Sports always help as ECs but unless you’re top in your Section or State recruitment they isn’t going to be any huge influence on your chances.
@SvFalcons74 I have noticed that, but it is not uncommon for runners from our team to get letters of interest from division three schools. Also, on their websites these colleges have page for submitting recruitment forms.
Yes and yes. The Div III schools do recruit and do consider potential athletic contributions as part of their admissions process, and coaches do have input (though it varies) into those decisions. (Source: I ran track at Williams).
@shrimpyshrimper In NESCAC, which is the most competitive D3 conference, anywhere from 30% - 40% of the student body is on a varsity team, of course not all travel or were recruited.
A recruitable athlete has a very different admissions path in D3 starting as soon as Junior year transcripts are official. This is when students should start contacting coaches via each school’s recruiting questionnaire.
D3 does not give athletic scholarships, so coaches have no restriction with regard to visits or communication. You should ask to be “pre-read” this summer to see where you stand with admissions, assuming of course the coach wants you. Many schools have a dedicated person in admissions to assist coaches. Invariably, the process will lead to making a decision to apply ED, particularly NESCAC and Patriot.
NESCAC, Liberty and Centennial is where I would look. Patriot League is technically D1 but I would look there as well. You would have to register with NCAA to be recruited by D1 even if the school does not offer money for that sport.
If you are reasonably qualified for a school, being recruited can help a lot.