Before You Commit...

Try these 9 things before deciding which D3 school to attend

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Today, we lay out a checklist of the things you should do before you commit

In Total, there are 9 suggested actions you should try to take ✅

➕ Factors to consider when you try each item on the list

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With early-application decisions incoming and regular-decision applications due soon at most D3 schools, it’s time to get serious about your commitment.

Whether or not you have a ton of offers or one, the first step is to begin evaluating the schools on your list.

How?

There’s no standard process, but we’ve compiled a list of 9 things we think will help you make a more informed choice when it comes time for you to decide where you’re playing your sport for the next four years.

Note: This is not an exhaustive list and everyone’s recruiting process is unique. If there’s something you’ve found helpful, we’d love to hear about it.

Here are 9 things all recruits should try to do before they commit to a D3 college or university for sports and school.

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Before we start, a podcast plug…

Our founder, Karl Barkley, joined the Inside College Soccer podcast to talk all things D3 with SRUSA’s Don Williams.

If you’re interested in learning more about the D3 level, this is a great place to start.

🎧 Listen on Apple Podcasts

Now, let’s get into it👇

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Before You Commit…Do This

1. Tour Campus

When you commit to a school you are choosing your home for the next four years.

So (please) do not make a decision without seeing that place for yourself.

Factors to consider: What is the weather like during the year? Do most students live on-campus in dorms or off-campus in apartments?

Tips for On-Campus Recruiting Visits

2. Stay Overnight with the Team

Reading about a team’s success on the court or texting with a player is one thing - getting to spend an extended period of time with them is something else entirely.

Reach out well in advance of your campus visit to schedule this with the Coach.

Factors to consider: How do you fit in with the team? Can you see yourself being their teammate?

3. Talk with Financial Aid Office

On most tours, there will usually be a stop by the financial aid office or a scheduled chat with an Admissions Officer.

To maximize what you can get out of this time, come prepared with questions and having thought about what your family can afford in annual tuition costs.

Factors to consider: What can your family afford in annual tuition costs? Have you filled out FAFSA yet? What will your GPA get you in terms of merit aid?

Don’t forget to fill out FAFSA

4. Eat in The Dining Hall

As a college athlete, food matters A LOT.

Before you have to eat the same food for four years, stop by during your visit and sample the school’s cuisine.

Factors to consider: What are the meal plans like? Are there multiple places to get food - and do they stay open late so you can get food after a late game or practice?

We built a ranking of the Top D3 Dining Halls that you might find useful.

The Best D3 Dining Halls

5. Go to an On-Campus Event