Beyond the Buzzer: 5 Tips for College-Bound Athletes

and the differences between NCAA D I, II and III.

With March Madness igniting basketball fever, many high school athletes dream of playing at the next level. While millions participate in high school sports, only a select few earn college roster spots. Understanding the nuances of NCAA Divisions I, II, and III is a great place to start in navigating the recruitment process.

Division Differences:

• Division I (DI): Large institutions with extensive athletic programs and full scholarships. Rigorous training and high-level competition. (e.g., UCLA, Stanford)

• Division II (DII): Smaller institutions with partial scholarships, balancing athletics and academics. (e.g., Colorado School of Mines, Menlo College)

• Division III (DIII): Focus on the student experience, no athletic scholarships, emphasizing participation and sportsmanship. (e.g., Amherst College, University of Chicago)

Each division has specific recruitment rules so be sure to pay attention to the guidelines laid out by each sport.

Now that you understand the differences between each division, here are five essential tips for prospective student-athletes:

1. Coach Consultations:

• Have an honest conversation with your high school and/or club coach.

• Gain their insights on your potential for recruitment at each division level.

• This saves time and focuses your efforts.

2. NCAA Eligibility Center:

• DI and DII athletes must register with the NCAA Eligibility Center (eligibilitycenter.org).

• Create a free profile and understand initial-eligibility requirements.

• DIII athletes do not need to register.

3. Showcase Your Talent:

• Attend college ID camps to play in front of coaches.

• Demonstrate your skills and express interest in a college’s specific programs.

• Camps provide opportunities for feedback and evaluation.

4. Proactive Communication:

• Reach out to head and assistant coaches with personalized emails.

• Include your transcript, athletic resume, and a link to your highlight reel (use YouTube or Vimeo and keep it to under 2 minutes).

• DIII athletes must be very proactive in contacting coaches.

• Complete "prospective student-athlete" forms for each college.

• Take ownership of the recruitment process.

5. Academic Excellence:

• Maintain strong grades and take NCAA-approved core courses.

• Strong academics can open doors for DIII athletes and enhance your attractiveness to an admissions committee.

March Madness showcases the pinnacle of college sports. For aspiring athletes, achieving that level requires disciplined action. These five steps provide a clear roadmap to start to navigate the recruitment process effectively. And for any high school athlete who won’t go on to play in college, you can always become a March Madness super fan like Sister Jean from Loyola Chicago!

Helping you soar sooner,

Carrie