I've been recruited by several of the better DIII programs in the country and great liberal arts colleges, and told at the ivy i got into that i wouldn't have a great chance of walking on.
Can anybody who transitioned from high school to college, either running collegiately or not, give me a recommendation on how important having a team is?
Financial aid?
Ivy
Small liberal arts
Running is ephemeral. Are you a national champ? If not, think long term, go ivy.
Most people on these boards benefited greatly from the opportunity to run track and XC on a team in college or HS. It can be the most important extra-curricular activity you do in college where you have a source of identity with the school, a network of friends, and a great recreational outlet. It's up to you how much you will enjoy being on a team and be committed to the time and work involved. Some people get so much running in HS, that they get "deja vu" with running in college. Many people find that athletics and academics take all their time in college and their social life takes a back seat. Talk to some members of the teams of the schools you are considering (especially if they are in a major you are considering), and find out how they like the coach, team, and experience. On a practical level, D1 (incl ivy league) will have a bigger commitment than DII or DIII
Sacrificing your post-collegiate future by going to a D3 is plain stupid. If you love running enough, try to walk on at the Ivy League but make education the priority at college (which is for education, mind you).
Which Ivy?
What are the schools, if you don't mind? And what are your times?
Personally, I'd go to the ivy - it will pay off much more later than almost any elite DIII school (unless it's U Chicago or MIT or something). There's nothing to stop you from running on your own or in a club if you like. Intercollegiate athletics can be a very positive experience, but college can be pretty great without it, too.
Go Ivy, get in a good summer of training and hope to make the tryouts. Best option imo.
unless it is p'ton or columbia, you have a decent shot at walking on at an ivy - be polite but insistent - one more guy doesn't really matter to a coach - he just wants to keep roster manageable.
and if running doesn't work out, try lightweight crew - easy transition and an awesome sport.