Starting the D3 Recruiting Process

[Kuiper]

The stronger the soccer program, the earlier their recruiting wraps up. Because they want to lock in the best players. I know most know this, but for anyone reading this thread in the future, that's why D1 recruiting finishes earlier (as a rule!!)  than D3. And the top d3 programs finish before lower ranked programs. Which has *nothing* to do with the academic quality of the school, of course.  My son's year Skidmore was still focused on kids in their senior year in January (so, a few months before those kids graduated). It's an excellent school!

I think there is truth to this, but it's only half the story.  There are two drivers on timing.  (1) Competition for spots on the team, and (2) Competition for spots at the school.  The former is driven at least to some extent by how good the soccer program is at the school (although how attractive it is for other reasons can also drive interest in the soccer team), but the latter is driven by the school as a whole and highly ranked top academic schools tend to draw more applicants, have a lower admit rate, and a higher yield rate.  The other factor is what percentage of the class is admitted through Early Decision, which isn't necessarily related to academic rank or prestige.  So, if you think your kid will need the coach's influence to get into a school because it's insanely competitive, your son's stats are a little below the avg, and/or regular decision is much harder to get into than ED, then there will be pressure to decide more quickly to maximize your chances.

[soccerpapa]

My son committed in November of his senior year.  Coach saw him at a Summer D1 camp and basically said "I want you if the Division 1 doesnt work out".  So in reality was a quick commit from the D3 side of things. 

I will defer to others on this board for the process related to high academic schools as I have no understanding of Early decision, slots, etc.   Sounds sort of Varsity Bluesish to me.

[Hillcountryview]

My son is a rising senior and has verbally committed to the admissions process at a top academic school in the E/NE. Another Mom and Kuiper have given you great advice! Read and re-read.  It also helped us know where he fit academically and where it might give him an edge. Although, most times, it felt like ALL boys in the NE were top students AND great players:)

Because we are also "geographically" challenged (living far far away), we mapped his "likes" and "maybes." Then, taking the advice of the experienced parents here, he started with 2 short (college specific!) ID camps the summer between 9th/10th- just to get his feet wet and within driving distance to several of the colleges on his list. It's crazy how many great schools and soccer programs you can pass by and not know are there. Don't pass by them. Seeing the campus and soccer fields gave him something concrete to attach to the name. It also gave him a feel for what it was like to play in the NE, which was extremely motivating. And definitely, be strategic and carefully curate the id camps!

By the time the real recruiting began, he had seen most of his top schools, had a feel for the campus vibe and the academic environment. For him, this made it much easier to have a natural conversation with a coach and ask relevant questions.

[Another Mom]

Congrats @hillcountryview! I PM-ed you on the other board.

[Kuiper]

Congrats @hillcountryview! I PM-ed you on the other board.

Wait . . . there's "another" D3 soccer board?

[Another Mom]

Ha ha, no, College Confidential has an Athletic Recruiting forum.  That's what I was referring to.

[Kuiper]

Ha ha, no, College Confidential has an Athletic Recruiting forum.  That's what I was referring to.

Thanks for clarifying.  I was wondering how there could be enough demand for two old-school message boards in D3 soccer!