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    #16
    Originally posted by Unregistered View Post
    Each program and coach is different but "in general "
    D1 and D2 are more often described as jobs. Practices, workouts, team meetings + school work means little time for anything else. Pre season starts early August, and you don't really have much time off in the spring semester. The spring is lighterbit still omnipresent. The NCAA requires academic support for athletes, but hard core programs often push athletes into majors that are easier to manage (think Communications majors, not STEM). For all of that you may or may not get athletic money to play. On the men's side there aren't as many scholarships to divide (9.9 vs 14 for women) and foreign players take a chunk of that money. Some players will get none or very little but will still be expected to give 110% like everyone else. Your job is always on the line. It isn't for everyone but many thrive in the environment. Depending on the school a few studs the coach really wants may get in with grades and scores that are below average for the school(but not by crazy differences). D1 can run the gambit academically from Stanford to East Butt State U. D2s generally aren't very strong academically but there are some specialized ones that are.



    D3 offers more of a balance because there aren't official games or practices after the fall season That doesn't mean you still won't practice, have 6am work outs or games, but they're not official and there's not really the travel as in season. It's much easier to do internships and study abroad because of the off season, and pre sesson starts just before school starts. D3 athletes don't tend to live with their teammates the way a lot of D1 and 2 players will. D3 programs tend to attract the student-athletes not the other way around. Coaches really don't have much pull with admissions so your grades need to be close to their target. There's no athletic $ but often good merit money if you're a good student. There are very few foreign players, and since keeping players doesn't really cost a coach much you're less likely to lose your spot to a shiny new freshman. There is no athlete specific academic support but most schools will have some academic support for all its students. Some will be small LAC schools in the mide of nowhere but there's also much larger ines like U Chicago, Emory and other top quality schools.

    I would also add that not only does your son need to take all of this into consideration, but you need to meet with his club DOC or coach and determine what level and types of programs are realistic targets for his skills. Being realistic and targeting well will greatly improve his odds of success. Have him start big picture with a large list of schools that are good academic fits, then overlay the soccer piece. If the roster is filled with NT players and he isn't ine? Keep looking.

    The actual recruitment process is a whole other ling topic


    Pretty spot on with my sons experience. He chose an NAIA school who plays a D2 schedule except for conference games. As mentioned above if your in college playing ball your not going Pro and we knew that. My son was able to pick a smaller school with the exact degree he was looking for and the best part, NO restrictions on scholarships! My son was able to receive almost 100% tuition...Yes NAIA is heavily populated with VERY good foreign players but the bond formed with his foreign and domestic teammates will last forever. While he had some other offers he says he absolutely made the right choice and wouldn't change a thing. A quick note on the schedule. Expect to report 30 days prior to school starting for training camp which he says was torture in the Florida heat, two a days plus a meeting session and weight training 5-6 days per week! Settles down to daily practice when school starts for 3 hours at night when its cooler under the lights. Travel for them is a 5 state radius and longest road trip was 4 days. Teachers are very good with athletes about school work and tests but there are no "gimmes' You must do the work when your home or traveling and tutors and study halls are readily available. Offseason starts between Thanksgiving and Christmas depending how far you advance in Regionals, Nationals etc.. Once season is over its strictly weight training until spring season which consists of 2-3 light practices and some local friendlies to keep their touch. Post season has left plenty of time to come home weekends ( Didn't see him for 1st 3 months ), have some on campus fun and even get a part time campus job, so far a very nice balance to the school year. Hope this helps any "younger parents" going thru the process of choosing as it can be a bit looney? Good luck to you all !

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      #17
      Originally posted by Unregistered View Post
      Pretty spot on with my sons experience. He chose an NAIA school who plays a D2 schedule except for conference games. As mentioned above if your in college playing ball your not going Pro and we knew that. My son was able to pick a smaller school with the exact degree he was looking for and the best part, NO restrictions on scholarships! My son was able to receive almost 100% tuition...Yes NAIA is heavily populated with VERY good foreign players but the bond formed with his foreign and domestic teammates will last forever. While he had some other offers he says he absolutely made the right choice and wouldn't change a thing. A quick note on the schedule. Expect to report 30 days prior to school starting for training camp which he says was torture in the Florida heat, two a days plus a meeting session and weight training 5-6 days per week! Settles down to daily practice when school starts for 3 hours at night when its cooler under the lights. Travel for them is a 5 state radius and longest road trip was 4 days. Teachers are very good with athletes about school work and tests but there are no "gimmes' You must do the work when your home or traveling and tutors and study halls are readily available. Offseason starts between Thanksgiving and Christmas depending how far you advance in Regionals, Nationals etc.. Once season is over its strictly weight training until spring season which consists of 2-3 light practices and some local friendlies to keep their touch. Post season has left plenty of time to come home weekends ( Didn't see him for 1st 3 months ), have some on campus fun and even get a part time campus job, so far a very nice balance to the school year. Hope this helps any "younger parents" going thru the process of choosing as it can be a bit looney? Good luck to you all !
      This is pretty consistent with our daughters experience at a D1 private college in the New England area. Bottom line: your kid has to love the sport and every bit of it - practice, games, travel, injuries, rehab, team functions, etc. because it can be all consuming. If they do, it can be an awesome experience!

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