Can someone discuss the benefits of D3 soccer.

[Guest]

We found the number of majors and minors offered by small schools too limiting. If your child knows exactly what they want to study a small school might be right for them. Between 20%-50% of students enroll as undecided and almost 75% will change majors during their time in college. That's an academic decision that is independent of athletics.

[Guest]

We are slowly rolling into the college recruitment age and while I know most players dream of playing D1 I think D3 might be a better fit for my daughter. I would love to hear what families experiences have been with D3 programs. My daughter is very good but she's not playing professionally after college. What are the big differences between the divisions? Does your daughter regret playing D3 and if you have a daughter playing D1 does she wish she had selected D3? Biggest benefits and drawbacks. How does the recruiting process differ? Thank you so much for any insight.

First and foremost it’s about education when you’re thinking D3. The other important area is the social aspect of the college. Most D3’s are small colleges with a few thousand students. If your daughter wants a small college then it will be fine. If she wants a bigger college with larger student population then that is a drawback. The idea of of a high academic college with a very good soccer program was appealing but the smaller college was not.

[Guest]

First and foremost it’s about education when you’re thinking D3. The other important area is the social aspect of the college. Most D3’s are small colleges with a few thousand students. If your daughter wants a small college then it will be fine. If she wants a bigger college with larger student population then that is a drawback. The idea of of a high academic college with a very good soccer program was appealing but the smaller college was not.

Not all D3s are small and/or isolated (my kid practically ran from one in the cornfields of the Midwest). Yes the environment is different than many big D1s but not all D1s are 50K students either.

[Guest]

Another thing -- if a recruit is a d1-level player, they will very likely be an impact player at the d3 level. This is a good thing -- lots of playing time, and, no worries about getting cut. Because many teams do cut recruited players.

Well, technically they can't cut in D1 for "athletic performance", but in reality coaches make it clear if you're not working out. They either encourage quiet quitting or never play you so you quit.

Thst said how much you will play and when should be a careful consideration no matter the level you are looking at.

[Guest]

Why choose? just go Ivy. Checks all your boxes.

the reason not to, is that you/she won't get any money, and she won't play as high a level of soccer, but those are things you already stated she was willing to give up.
Additionally, you are likely local so super convenient for league games.

[Guest]

Why choose? just go Ivy. Checks all your boxes.

the reason not to, is that you/she won't get any money, and she won't play as high a level of soccer, but those are things you already stated she was willing to give up.
Additionally, you are likely local so super convenient for league games.

Maybe the only thing worse than the D1 DB is the Ivy DB.

[Guest]

Maybe the only thing worse than the D1 DB is the Ivy DB.

Why is poster a DB for suggesting Ivy? no mention of his kd, so no brag there
Thread starter said his D is D1 level and has/seeks high academics, why is Ivy not a great option? especially for a MA family

[Guest]

Why is poster a DB for suggesting Ivy? no mention of his kd, so no brag there
Thread starter said his D is D1 level and has/seeks high academics, why is Ivy not a great option? especially for a MA family

[Checks Ivy league schools, sees none in D3]

[Guest]

Checks OP question, sees this "...and if you have a daughter playing D1..."
beyond an affinity for calling people DBs, and a limited capacity for comprehension, is there something you want to contribute to this conversation based on your experience as a D3 or D1 parent?

[Guest]

Checks OP question, sees this "...and if you have a daughter playing D1..."
beyond an affinity for calling people DBs, and a limited capacity for comprehension, is there something you want to contribute to this conversation based on your experience as a D3 or D1 parent?

I already provided it earlier.

Ieeyyyyyyyvvvveeeeee folks like to act like they operate between the lines, not D1 but better than D3. So, you folks make the rules and therefore, you are eliminated from conversation since it doesn't fit.

[Guest]

Huh, just go Ivy. Why didn't I think of that? Sounds pretty simple, I assume they have really high acceptance rates and a low tuition based on it being casually tossed out as a real easy option.

[Guest]

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[Guest]

I already provided it earlier.

Ieeyyyyyyyvvvveeeeee folks like to act like they operate between the lines, not D1 but better than D3. So, you folks make the rules and therefore, you are eliminated from conversation since it doesn't fit.

"between the lines" appears to be exactly the fit that so many MA players/families want. League rules limit out of season engagement, internships and study-abroad remain options, and high academics with "D1" soccer - but it ain't UNC - so playing time more likely.
Seems like exactly the fit OP is seeking. Other than calling me a DB, why shouldn't it be part of their thought process? And why shouldn't we welcome input from parents with that experience?

[Guest]

Huh, just go Ivy. Why didn't I think of that? Sounds pretty simple, I assume they have really high acceptance rates and a low tuition based on it being casually tossed out as a real easy option.

Exactly. Same price as every other high-academic D3 in Northeast, but with much more institutional aid, so for those families that need it, it's more affordable.
Additionally, the local clubs have great pipelines to Ivy. For those with D1 level optipns AND the grades that justify their family's "High Academic" standards, it really is that simple.

[Guest]

"between the lines" appears to be exactly the fit that so many MA players/families want. League rules limit out of season engagement, internships and study-abroad remain options, and high academics with "D1" soccer - but it ain't UNC - so playing time more likely.
Seems like exactly the fit OP is seeking. Other than calling me a DB, why shouldn't it be part of their thought process? And why shouldn't we welcome input from parents with that experience?

OP I mean this is the dream but also trying to live in reality. If Princeton calls she'll be there but in the meantime.....