Division III athletics Dispelling the myths, finding your place
By
John Hallr
of
All-Stater Sports
Myth #1: D-III schools are just for rich people. When beginning
your college search, keep costs out of consideration. Too often, students
and families shy away from private colleges with high tuition, assuming
they are only for high-income families. This is a myth. According to the
1999 college issue of U. S. News and World Report, “roughly 72 percent of
students at private colleges and universities receive some financial aid.”
Financial aid does not mean loans exclusively. It often takes the form of
grants, which do not have to be repaid to the college, or work-study. And,
yes, it also includes loans. Also, some D-III colleges are state-funded.
In general, they are less expensive but award less financial aid than
private colleges. Consider applying to at least one private and one
state-funded D-III college that match your interest criteria. The total
costs for each school may turn out to be surprisingly similar.
Myth #2: Athletes can’t get scholarships at D-III schools.
Today, as the competition for talented athletes increases, D-III colleges
are awarding merit scholarships at record levels. A merit scholarship is
not financial aid and does not have to be repaid. So how do you “win” a
merit scholarship? Begin by adding merit scholarships to your list of
important criteria. Look in college guidebooks and on the Internet for
schools that award them to well-rounded or academically-gifted students.
In your research, try to find each college’s mean academic profile, with
GPA, class ranks, and SAT or ACT scores. This will point you to schools
where you have a greater chance to win a merit scholarship. Target
specific colleges that match your criteria and where you will be in the
top 25%, academically. This strategy will increase your chances of winning
a merit scholarship.
Myth #3: Only “brains” can get into D-III schools. You don’t
have to be a straight A student to consider a private D-III college.
Certainly, the better your grades, the greater your opportunities to be
admitted and to win a merit scholarship. However, if you are a solid
student (B or better) and a good athlete, you should not shy away from
D-III schools. They are always looking for well-rounded students. Because
they generally have smaller student bodies, D-III college admissions
committees often look for students who are involved in their high
schools—including participation in athletics—as well as at GPAs and other
test scores. If you are a standout athlete who will bring a specific
talent to the college, that might be your “hook” to getting in. Also, if
you communicate your interest o the coach, he or she might put in a good
word about you with the admissions committee.
