D1 or D2

Academics are better at the D1 school as well but the D2 is FREE. Do walk ons get neglected by coaching staff? I don’t care if I’m not super important to coach as long as there is some effort and I don’t get completely ignored

You have the opportunity to get a full ride, graduate with zero debt, and you are seriously wondering what to do? Brother, the 60 grand of debt you will not have after graduation is well worth passing up D1.

Obviously the D2 is the way to go.

1) Just cause you go D2 doesn't mean you can't improve as much or more than at D1.

2) FREE COLLEGE!!

thats it

You are fast enough for full ride D2 and you are worried about being neglected at d1? You must have run 9:10.

Just to be clear this D2 is no way a major distance program. I would be a top 3 runner on their team this year and likely top runner next. And no not 9:10 like high 9:20s. I’m not saying D1 will be cheap but compared to schools that meet full EFC it will still be cheaper.

The full at D2 was academic and athletic combined. I think people also overestimate the times needed to walk on at top programs

D1 is a bit more glamorous but you will probably get lost if only that fast. Most D2 schools are not good at running or academically other than a handful.

I personally would just go wherever you feel like the you would be the best runner that also has the academics your looking for. I’m a high school senioer, and for me Me personally i chose a d2 school over Iowa state, michigan state and Iona which are all top programs in d1. But i chose GVSU because i fit in with the team best and i feel more confident in the coaches there than the other places.

DO NOT just go to a d1 program because they’re D1. Cross country is probably one of the only collegiate sports where divisions do not matter at all. You get the same competition (if the school has the funding for the program) except at national meets which are still insanely competitive, and just as much competitive t the top of it there is just less depth. D2 high schoolers don’t line up next to d1 high schoolers and go “oh s***, this guys better than me cause he runs for a bigger school that’s i do” but in college for some reason some people change their mindset.

Yes, we can tell that you are a high schooler. Ncaa divisions are not based on school size like they are in HS. They are based on scholarships which is why D3 guys are scared of D1 guys; the D1 guys are faster. You should have researched that before committing. GVSU has big name recognition in D2 distance running but ask your neighbors if they have ever heard of it. At least Iowa State or Michigan State would have some name recognition.

Future collegiate runner wrote:

Should I walk on at top 20 XC program with 2/3 academic scholarship or go full ride to medium D2?

When I was in HS a decade plus ago, I was fixating on what the "biggest" school was that was giving me attention for football. I blew off a very respectable D2 program within my region, and didn't even give them the time to explain their interest in me, and how I fit into their program. I ended up going to a D1AA school, and within a handful of days after entering camp, I realized, this place was not for me.

I ended up only playing a year, and training for football and the love of the sport defined my identity up to that point. 12 years later, I don't regret my decision as I met life long friends, but it was a tremendous life lesson. I was only fixated on the prestige of committing to a bigger school, while in reality, I was at the bottom of their priority list. Just because you walk onto a D1 program, doesn't mean it's going to take you to the next level, as some suggested, non scholarship athletes are far from a priority. Just the cold hard truth.

Student debt is a very real thing, and 4-5 years from now, walking out of University with a clean slate, and a degree you'll have financial freedom that you won't have by taking on a non scholarship route. Find what program works best for you, and if they're offering money, they're invested in you.

As long as you like the D2 school, I’d say to follow the money. Also, it’s still not too late to reach out to other D1/D2 coaches. Use your official visit days and learn as much about each program as you can. I’m a freshman D1 runner, so I went through this whole recruiting process last year, so it’s still fresh in my mind.

Good luck!

Here is a hidden fact. At any program, odds are maybe 50% you'll still be on the team when you are a senior. You might get hurt a lot, not progress as you had hoped, or find you want to experience other things at college. The thing is, nobody goes into it thinking it will be them.

As someone in the 9:20's, the reality is you come in with potential, but if you don't steadily improve you aren't going to matter much on a D1 or D2 team. You might, but you might not.

Always pick the college for academic and financial reasons first for these reasons.

After having gone through this process myself and then helped my kid through it, I feel that unless you are a true stud, like a 9 minute guy or better, you are almost always going to be better off in the long term going to a D3 school.

If you choose D2, you won't be able to drop a "former D1" in any of your LRC posts.

Mojo Jerkin wrote:

The thing is, nobody goes into it thinking it will be them.

It won’t be me.

As a former D1 who ran 15:30 I fully agree.

I second the D3 option here... Academics should always be the first priority, as no one can take away a great education from you. While money is a real issue, yes, I would suggest considering how challenging each of the schools you are looking at are. Is this D2 school on the same level academically as the D1 school? If not, paying a bit more if you can swing it is the way to go and will provide more long-term success. That's the reason I ultimately went to a respectable D3 school, with great academics and a solid XC team. It pushed me in academically and helped me grow as a runner

My thought has always been what if you get hurt and can't run? You should have academics to fall back on (and be prepared for the future after running). Go to a school that can help you grow in both ways, whether that be D1, D2, or D3.

sub-sub-sub elite former D1 wrote:

As a former D1 who ran 15:30 I fully agree.

Did D1 guys constantly make fun of you as a hobby jogger?

School is not a top 50 school in terms of my major but is still a regionally respected university and superior to D2

What is the D1 tuition? If you've covered most of it with academic scholarships, the rest may not be too bad. Plus, if you get hurt or stop running, you still keep the academic scholarships.