D3 or D1 for my son?

He should pick the best college he can go to. 9:30 isn't even close to fast enough to pick a college based on running.

Tell him...no force him...to skip college. Not worth the debit. Specialize in a trade like dry wall or some crap.

D1, d2, and d3 schools often run the same meets. So it really doesn't make a difference where a 9:30 guy goes unless he's a national title contender. Otherwise, I just don't see what the difference is between divisions. College is about getting a degree so let that be the focus.

there's the naia too which is about the equivalent of NCAA D2 in terms of competition, but with more scholarships.

1. Stop being that kind of parent.

2. Sounds like your kid is doing alright do what you can so he continues doing so.

3. . . .?

4. Profit.

If he's quite smart, go D3. If he's not, go D1.

This post has me a little worried for the following reasons:

1. Too early to decide, based on running. I find that there is often a huge difference between a 15/16 year old and a 17/18 year old in terms of performance ability. Your kid might be a 4:10 miler by the time he is a senior. Junior times are important for recruitment, but Sophomore times don't mean anything (except to track progression).

2. This seems like a post a kid should have made. Even if your son wants to run D1, it is up to him to get his head in the right place as an athlete, or alternatively as a d3 . You can't make a roadmap for your kid, as far as desire is concerned. I am not saying that you are a helicopter parent, but this seems like a post a helicopter parent might make. Enable your kid, but please don't make his decisions for him.

3. "He is probably not quite talented enough to try for a top program." I hope your kid never hears you say this. My mother told me the same thing once. I proved her wrong. Not that I cared, I realized that there are people in life who will always tell you that you can't do something, and you can't let them drag you down. Talent is largely a myth. If your kid wants it, he can get it. You clearly don't understand what it takes to be the best, or you would be teaching your kid to be more goal-oriented and tough. I ran D1 on a full scholorship, and ran a 3:45 1500. It was slow progress the entire way to get there. Your kid has almost identical PRs to what I had as a Sophomore. You ought to encourage your kid to want to be the best at whatever he does, then he can do whatever he wants.

I like this post. Well said.