University in the USNWR 80-100ish-range or LAC in the 30s

[Anonymous]

My DD is trying to chose between these two types of schools as a recruited athlete. Solid larger university or well-regarded (if you know it) LAC. She has offers from both. She feels she would be happy at either for different reasons. As a parent, I am trying to help her think through all the options. The admission standards are higher for the LAC ranked by USNWR in the 30s but she is having a hard time deciding which way to jump. So kicking this out to DCUM to get the usual varying perspectives to mull over. The larger university is one with name recognition even if not terribly competitive to get into but the LAC (with higher admission standards) is one maybe no one has heard of outside of its local region.

[Anonymous]

Are we taking Haverford vs Penn state type situation?

[Anonymous]

This is so dependent on her preferences--whether she wants a university or LAC. They are just very different. I wouldn't go by rankings.

[Anonymous]

Can she spend a night at both? It would come down to the experience for me (class sizes, coach/team dynamics, location, feel). Both sound fine, but the specifics for her are what matter.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:My DD is trying to chose between these two types of schools as a recruited athlete. Solid larger university or well-regarded (if you know it) LAC. She has offers from both. She feels she would be happy at either for different reasons. As a parent, I am trying to help her think through all the options. The admission standards are higher for the LAC ranked by USNWR in the 30s but she is having a hard time deciding which way to jump. So kicking this out to DCUM to get the usual varying perspectives to mull over. The larger university is one with name recognition even if not terribly competitive to get into but the LAC (with higher admission standards) is one maybe no one has heard of outside of its local region.

You mentioning things like name recognition and admission standards, personally those would be way down on my list of considerations. I would be more concerned about strength of academic program, cost and playing time.

[Anonymous]

Is the university D1 and the LAC D3? Seems like this makes a big difference in terms of the sports angle.

[Anonymous]

Op here. Yes, D1 vs. D3 (but that part she does not care about as much). I am not going to name the actual schools but I think of it as something like Drexel vs. Denison. Both solid in their own ways.

[Anonymous]

I agree with others above that it should depend on how she feels about the school experience (academics, social vibe, location) and about the team experience (coach, teammates, playing time, time commitment, D1 v D3) and I'd add that she should consider also about how she would be able to balance academics, social, team at each of the schools in a way that matches her preferences.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Can she spend a night at both? It would come down to the experience for me (class sizes, coach/team dynamics, location, feel). Both sound fine, but the specifics for her are what matter.

+1 They will just be very different life experiences. Extended visits will likely help. I have one kid doing the big state U and another at a LAC (not top 30) and they both would hate the other's school but chose the right thing for them.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Op here. Yes, D1 vs. D3 (but that part she does not care about as much). I am not going to name the actual schools but I think of it as something like Drexel vs. Denison. Both solid in their own ways.

But won't D1 commitment be much larger? It seems like this matters - or should be something she is paying attention to.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I agree with others above that it should depend on how she feels about the school experience (academics, social vibe, location) and about the team experience (coach, teammates, playing time, time commitment, D1 v D3) and I'd add that she should consider also about how she would be able to balance academics, social, team at each of the schools in a way that matches her preferences.

PP. Good point. From my understanding with D1, you are an athlete first.

[Anonymous]

I would dive deep into the coach and playing philosophy at both schools.
This will be a big part of her college experience and she needs to feel like it is a great fit for style.

[Anonymous]

I would take name recognition/prestige out of the equation. I don’t think it matters here—it’s not like you are looking at Yale vs Unknown U.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I agree with others above that it should depend on how she feels about the school experience (academics, social vibe, location) and about the team experience (coach, teammates, playing time, time commitment, D1 v D3) and I'd add that she should consider also about how she would be able to balance academics, social, team at each of the schools in a way that matches her preferences.

PP. Good point. From my understanding with D1, you are an athlete first.

This. I'd think the most important thing is understanding the D1 vs. D3 requirements. Especially in the context of what major she is planning to pursue. Some more demanding majors really may not be compatible with D1 sports.

[Anonymous]

If she doesn’t care about the difference between D1 and D3, she needs to go D3. That shows a lack of understanding that is critically important. She will not be happy in a D1 environment.