What are some good D3 (or D2) schools where running could greaten the chances of getting in?

"greaten" or increase? Just asking.

Yes. No. Maybe.

It depends on the school and other circumstances.

I know of kids with perfect SAT's who have been rejected from similar schools (D3 and top 40 US News)...

Chances are, your 2:28-5:30 isn't going to earn you much at these places, but it can't hurt. Contact the coach, and if they sniff back, you're in luck.

Out of curiousity though, these schools have very little in common except a high name recognition value... Two liberal arts, one tech, one research...

If you're looking to run, you might want to consider some schools in Colleges that Change Lives to help you broaden your search to some other institutions of like characteristics.

JohnS Hopkins

You're not very likely to get in if you can't spell the name correctly.

Sorry, a little tired right now and couldn't think of the right word (to the 2nd post) :P

To answer your question (the third post), I'm not actually completely sure what I'd like to major in. I have taken a lot of science courses and enjoy science, but I also really liked social sciences (like history). I'm thinking I would prefer a smaller school but academics are a huge priority to me as well (though running is also a big priority). I'm also from California, so I would look at the UCs as well (though of course I don't think I could run at a lot of those, perhaps walk on if my times improve a lot this year).

Thanks, does anyone else have any experience with this? I'm also not completely sure exactly which colleges to apply to so if there are any suggestions to those, that would also be appreciated.

I think you definitely have a chance at, frankly, schools of top academic caliber with lower level but not completely a joke programs.

In case that sounds too obtuse, here is what I mean:

Your grades/SAT are good enough to merit consideration, but don't give you "the edge" that is so crucial to get into these top schools.

So you need something to give you that edge. Running can be one of them.

Your times won't get you much attention at a top notch program, and at a really awful program they won't care enough or have enough pull at the admissions office to get you in.

So, I would suggest you look at decent programs, or programs on the rise (at top schools) and look into them. I don't know what those are, but I am sure some fit your description.

Also, if you want to go to a top school look for schools which like "soft" factors a lot - beyond numbers, such as Haverford or Carleton - that might admit you in over a great essay, or a great interview.

Bottom line, you can get into a top school with those grades/scores/times (assuming you can afford the cost of school - don't expect merit $$), it just might take some effort to find the right fit and get in there.

Don't apply to two great schools and some state schools as backups. Apply to a bunch of top schools and give you all to each app and you really can make it happen.

Good luck!

Check out Tufts University in Medford, MA. Incredible education, amazing location just outside Boston, diverse and international student body, almost every undergraduate academic program you can find (which is rare in a small school), and an excellent track/cross program that won the DIII NE championship indoors last year. this year's XC #1 was a 5:17 miler in HS then ran 4:32 1500 last year as a true freshman.

I feel "wowow" is right on about most stuff.

I do think you're a bit out classed with some of those programs though. Amherst and Williams are two of the strongest programs in the country. Academically, MIT and Hopkins aren't quite for the faint of heart who may not want to do medicine.

As I said, check out the book CTCL, there are a few schools in there that are liberal arts programs but have great pre-med stats. It certainly wouldn't hurt and you'd be surprised what you would find in there. I've had family/friends graduate from a few CTCL schools, they would have never seen themselves there when they started their search but loved the experience.

$50,512 a year

I believe the proper term is "embiggen"

Runner Z wrote:

"greaten" or increase? Just asking.

My advice, stay on the west coast. The northeast has some of the best d3 schools in xc and academics combination. However, it is a huge transition in life style from one coast to the next, and you will not be able to amble home some weekends like many of your classmates. I'm sure California has many great small schools that I have very little knowledge of, so I would suggest you stay out there.

If you want to go to those schools, contact the coaches. There are kids who get into all of the schools you listed with far lower SATs than yours each year. Believe me, I know.

Yes, definitely. I'm a dude, but it worked for me.

Other schools of this caliber worth considering are the UAA schools:

- U Chicago

- Washington U

- NYU

- Brandeis

- Case Western Reserve

- Emory

- Carnegie Mellon

- Rochester

Most of those are East coast (which it looks like you are focusing). UAA is "The Ivy League of D3", so give them a look.

Anybody know what the typical financial aid package is? How similar to the Ivy League schools.

you won't get into MIT......i can tell you that much

Ivy League schools, like many elite private universities, offer 100% of the demonstrated need based on the FAFSA and possibly other institution specific forms. This may be split between work study, loans, and grant(free) money. Pretty much any school with a decently sized endowment gives you 100% no matter if it's D1, D2, or D3.

I think highly of Carleton and Grinnell. Both are great academically and have sound running programs.

if u don't mind going far away... the WIAC in the midwest is an excellent conference. 2:30-5:30 kind of performances prolly won't take you far unles you improve. but the nice thing about most D3 women's programs is that there are no cuts and everyone is on the team.

Question.. wrote:

Hi, I'm a girl in high school. I'm not extremely fast, but I think my times could get onto most D3 schools (5:20-30, mid 2s in the 800).

Some schools I was thinking of were places like MIT, Amherst, Williams, John Hopkins, etc. The thing is, I feel that my grades/SAT aren't completely adequate for these schools (moreso grades). I have a 3.5 unweighted/4.0 weighted (but HUGE upward trend), and a 2210 SAT (out of 2400).

Would running help at all into getting into schools like these? Anyone have any experiences with this? Thanks.

I don't know much about Johns Hopkins but I have experience with athletes applying to MIT, Amherst and Williams. Your times, while certainly good, won't really help you much at either of the three. If you're on the bubble academically, they might push you into the admit pile but there's no guarantees.

MIT puts more weight on test scores, so you might have trouble there. At Williams and Amherst, you'd have a shot if you can make a convincing case for yourself, especially if you're an under-represented minority. Amherst and Williams will often admit students with holes in their resume if they feel the student will improve the school community more than another cookie cutter 2300+ kid from a prep school, so figure out how you're going to sell yourself to the school and go for it. Good luck.

Cooler Ethan wrote:

Yes, definitely. I'm a dude, but it worked for me.

Other schools of this caliber worth considering are the UAA schools:

- U Chicago

- Washington U

- NYU

- Brandeis

- Case Western Reserve

- Emory

- Carnegie Mellon

- Rochester

Most of those are East coast (which it looks like you are focusing). UAA is "The Ivy League of D3", so give them a look.

the NESCAC is definitely "The Ivy Leagye of D3".

Sorry for any confusion Cooler Ethan may have caused.