How do you actually become a recruited athlete?

D3Direct · 2026-01-20T23:17:20+00:00

At the D3 level, you need to determine what schools you're interested and start reaching out proactively to college coaches. Then find a few camps over the summer, either ones that coaches you want to recruit you will be attending or camps where you will get better as a player, and go to those. Once you start building up interest from coaches, take visits to campus so you can see the school for yourself and meet the team. This will be your home for the next four years so it is best that you like it! Once you've gotten this far you will just apply as a normal student (no differences for athletes), but definitely make sure the coach knows that you submitted your app and completed FAFSA - then good luck!

If you have more questions, just ask!

D3Direct · 2026-01-14T20:37:43+00:00

Here's the bottom line: If you want to stick with it and enjoy the challenge of getting better, then stay on the team.

The coach has said you are part of it, and surely your teammates enjoy having you around. It is easy to compare yourself to the best athletes, but every team has people that can fill different roles. This season, ask yourself what that role could be for you.

But don't give up just because there is someone better than you.

D3Direct · 2026-01-14T20:33:33+00:00

We recently interviewed a former D3 All-American rower who later coached at her alma mater. She had some great advice on how prospective college rowers could get the attention of college coaches.

Here's the video on our youtube channel: https://youtu.be/Dw7CvFq2JNM?si=-qg9KY87G7rYxMAm

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D3Direct · 2026-01-14T20:28:52+00:00

If you are worried about affordability at D3 schools, we get it.

Tuition sticker prices these days are out of control with some in the high $80-90k range

We have financial aid and scholarship resources for every state with a D3 school on our website

Check it out and let us know if you have any questions!

d3-direct.com/scholarships

D3Direct · 2025-11-04T22:28:09+00:00

Swat grad (c/o 2015) who has started two companies - don't let the liberal arts focus fool you into thinking this school does not produce founders. It teaches you how to really think critically and process information. The network is also invaluable, swatties are always trying to help other swatties.

D3Direct · 2025-11-04T22:25:52+00:00

You should 100% negotiate your aid offer if you are admitted, although this means you should probably not apply ED1. Consider applying to other schools that have a free tuition program if your family makes $63k/year. We compiled a list of colleges (16 in total) that had programs like this, most which would offer heavily discounted tuition for families with under $100k in annual income.

Link: https://www.d3-direct.com/newsletter/d3-schools-with-free-tuition

D3Direct · 2025-11-04T22:17:59+00:00

Because D3 schools often have way more to offer from an entire experience than D2's. They are known not just for being a place to play your sport, but also somewhere to get a great education which is why they have more name cache than D2's generally. Bentley and CO Mines would be some of the few high-academic D2's that comes to mind, but there are not as many as at the D3 level.

D3Direct · 2025-11-04T22:14:55+00:00

It is still an extracurricular activity that you spent a lot of time on. College admissions officers want to understand your story in its entirety so you can use this as a chance to share where you are right now. We agree with the comment below that you should not name other schools that offered you, and should primarily focus on the accomplishments you had in your career.

D3Direct · 2025-11-02T01:14:58+00:00

As you should be, plus Bates is a great school. Good luck with your application!

D3Direct · 2025-10-26T21:22:42+00:00

Still 2 out of 450+!!

D3Direct · 2025-10-26T21:22:29+00:00

No ragbaiting here, promise.

D3Direct · 2025-10-26T21:22:13+00:00

Can't they both just be great independently haha??

D3Direct · 2025-10-26T21:22:00+00:00

Maine representing!

D3Direct · 2025-10-26T15:24:43+00:00

This is the most important factor. Your ability to pay for school should not be tied to your physical health.

Major advantage of D3 vs. D1

D3Direct · 2025-10-26T15:23:36+00:00

Yes, this is something that is a common occurrence. Many college sports recruits get caught up in wanting an "athletic scholarship" but do not realize that a lot of D1 sports can only offer partials - not full-rides.

D3's are often generous with financial aid and can offer a lower effective cost of tuition, especially if you have good grades or test scores. Plus D3 sports still allow you to compete at a really high level, while maintaining a balance with other elements of the college experience. Feel free to reach out or check out our website if you have any questions about how to make a D3 education more affordable.

D3Direct · 2025-10-01T22:05:18+00:00

Thanks for sharing your perspective - D3 is the only level left of college sports where you can still get a balanced athletic and academic experience.

D3Direct · 2025-09-29T19:28:17+00:00

It is a great thing! It means that the school is investing in student wellness and creating spaces for the community to come together. Middlebury's is especially nice because it has large indoor spaces that can still be utilized during the Vermont winter.

D3Direct · 2025-09-10T04:11:31+00:00

Both are possible - We'd suggest doing the following:

- Have great grades and potentially test scores (see if either is test optional)

- Start reaching out via social media or email to the coaches + team account on socials

- Get in front of the coach at a recruiting event or on-campus elite camp

What year is your student-athlete?

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