Hi everyone! I'm a high school junior and I've been running track since middle school. I want to continue running in college at a D1 level. Are there any D1 colleges that are comparatively easy to get into? What's the typical profile of an admitted student-athlete there? Any help would be great!
Hello! Great to see another student-athlete focused on running at the D1 level. It's a huge commitment, but can also be an incredibly rewarding experience.
Firstly, remember that the recruiting process for D1 colleges can be quite competitive, so you'll want to put your best foot forward. To do so, you'll want to create a highlights reel, if you haven't done so already, of your best track meets, showcasing your speed and stamina. This can be crucial for college coaches to check your athletic abilities.
Moving on, the D1 colleges that are easier to gain admission to will typically be less selective institutions overall, such as such as University of Texas - Rio Grande Valley, Alabama State University, or Savannah State University. It's worth noting though, that the balance between athletics and academics can vary widely across D1 schools, so you'll want to choose a school that fits what you're looking for.
To be considered for a scholarship, make sure your running times align with what's typical for D1 schools. For example, in the 800m, competitive male runners typically have times under 1:52, and competitive female runners have times under 2:10. Once you have posted times in that range, you should reach out to coaches at schools you're interested in to discuss potential opportunities. You should also have a solid academic profile, as coaches want to recruit athletes who will succeed in the classroom as well. Keep in mind, coaches usually have to abide by academic standards set by the NCAA and the college itself.
Remember, networking counts. Reach out to coaches and express genuine interest in their program. You might want to attend summer running camps in colleges you're interested in as they would provide exposure and demonstrate interest.
Last but not least, before you get too far into the application process, reach out to college coaches. They can help walk you through the process and answer more specific questions about what it takes to be admitted as a student-athlete at their specific school.
It's important not to rush the process and make sure you're finding the right fit athletically, academically, and socially.
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