Choosing a college is a big decision, and if you’re planning to play college sports, there’s even more to consider beyond academics and campus life. With so many options out there, it can be tough to know where to start. This guide is here to help you think about what type of school and athletic program might be the best fit. Here are some key factors to keep in mind as you look for a place where you can see yourself happy, thriving, and competing over the next four years.
1. Your Role on the Team: “Big Fish, Small Pond” or “Small Fish, Big Pond”?
One of the first questions to ask yourself is: What role do you want to play on the team? Picture yourself in a few different scenarios. Do you want to go to a school where you’ll step onto the field as a freshman, make an impact right away, and grow into a team leader? Or are you comfortable being a “small fish in a big pond”—joining a program with top-level talent, where you might need to wait until junior or senior year to see significant playing time?
Here’s how this breaks down:
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Big Fish, Small Pond: At a smaller school or a less competitive program, you may have the chance to play right away, potentially making a name for yourself from day one. You might be a key contributor in games, even as an underclassman, and could have more chances to grow your leadership skills early on. This path could be ideal if you’re eager to step onto the field right away and prefer to be an integral part of a team from the start.
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Small Fish, Big Pond: At a more competitive program (think of schools with highly ranked Division I teams), it’s common for underclassmen to spend time developing on the sidelines while upperclassmen and highly recruited players lead the team. Here, you’ll be surrounded by top talent, which can push you to grow—but it also means you may not see much game time until later in your college career. For some, this setting is motivating, as it offers a chance to learn from elite teammates and coaches. But if you’re someone who wants immediate playing time, you’ll want to be honest with yourself about whether this wait would be a dealbreaker.
To help make this decision, talk to your coaches and get their take on where they see you fitting in. Also, create a list of schools you feel confident you could compete at and another with “reach” programs. Seeing this contrast can help you figure out if you’re more excited by the chance to be a big fish or if you’re drawn to the thrill of competing at the highest levels, even if it means biding your time.
2. Media Attention and Exposure: Spotlight vs. Low-Key Environment
If you’re considering playing at the Division I level, it’s important to know that not all DI programs have the same level of media exposure. Think about whether you want your games broadcasted on national networks or if you’d prefer a less public spotlight.
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High-Exposure Programs: Playing in a major conference (such as the Big Ten or ACC) often means games are broadcast on ESPN and other national networks, with packed stands and media coverage. This can be exciting if you enjoy the spotlight and might be beneficial if you’re considering a professional career. With this attention, though, comes added pressure, higher expectations, and sometimes even scrutiny from fans and media.
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Low-Key Programs: Schools in smaller conferences (like the MAAC) can offer a different experience. These programs may not draw the same media attention, meaning fewer televised games and smaller fan bases. For some athletes, this environment is preferable, allowing them to focus on their sport without the distractions of media attention. It also creates a more personal fan environment, where you’re likely to see familiar faces in the stands.
Consider how you handle pressure and attention. If you’re comfortable in the spotlight and thrive under public attention, a higher-exposure program could be a good fit. But if you’d rather play for the love of the game without the spotlight, a smaller conference might be more your speed.
3. Academic Offerings: Deciding on Your Major and Program Strengths
Academics are a huge part of the college experience, even for athletes. You might already know what you want to study, or you could be completely undecided—and that’s perfectly okay. The key is finding a school that has the flexibility and support you’ll need.
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For Decided Majors: If you already have a career path in mind, look for schools with strong programs in that field. For example, if you’re interested in business, some schools have top-tier business schools with extensive networks and internship programs. Nursing, engineering, and other professional tracks vary widely between schools, so it’s worth looking into how well each school aligns with your goals.
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For Undecided Majors: Many athletes enter college undecided. In this case, check that the schools you’re considering have a variety of programs you could explore and support for helping students discover their career paths. Schools with strong academic advising, career centers, and alumni networks can be particularly valuable, as they can help you test out different fields through internships, networking, and guidance.
College is a time for growth and exploration, so whether you know your major or not, pick a school that offers the resources and programs that can help you move forward confidently.
4. School Spirit and Campus Life
When it comes to life outside of sports, what kind of atmosphere do you envision for your college experience? Some schools are known for their big-time sports culture, while others offer a quieter, close-knit feel. Picture yourself on a Saturday in the fall—are you at a huge tailgate for a football game, or hanging out with friends on a smaller campus?
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Larger School Spirit: At larger schools, game days can be a major event, with huge tailgates, packed stadiums, and traditions that bring students together. If you’re someone who loves high-energy environments and a big social scene, you might thrive at a school where sports and school spirit are integral to campus life.
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Tight-Knit Community: Smaller schools can offer a different, more intimate experience. While there might not be major tailgates, you’ll likely get to know more people on campus personally, and there may still be plenty of weekend events, even if they’re on a smaller scale. If you’re looking for a place where you can really feel connected to your peers, a smaller school might offer the close-knit community vibe that feels like home.
Think about where you’ll feel happiest and how much school spirit factors into your ideal college life. This will help you narrow down the atmosphere that aligns best with your personality.
5. Greek Life and Social Options
For some, Greek life is a big part of the college experience. If joining a fraternity or sorority is something you’re considering, take a look at whether the schools you’re interested in have Greek life, and what the culture around it is like.
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Schools with Greek Life: Fraternities and sororities can provide a strong social network, often organizing events and creating lifelong friendships. If this appeals to you, look into schools where Greek life is a big part of campus culture.
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Schools without Greek Life: If Greek life isn’t on your radar, consider schools where it’s either minimal or nonexistent. These schools often foster different types of social organizations and community-building events, so there’s no lack of ways to get involved.
This is an important consideration, especially if you’re looking for a specific type of social scene or value having options for connection outside of your team.
6. Professional Development Opportunities
If going pro is part of your dream, look for schools with a track record of producing professional athletes. Schools known for preparing athletes for the next level typically have resources, connections, and knowledgeable coaches who can guide you along the path to the pros.
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Programs with Professional Pipelines: Certain schools have strong alumni connections in the professional leagues, and their coaches are often familiar with the process of getting athletes noticed by scouts and agents. These programs can give you access to networking opportunities and provide mentorship from alumni who’ve successfully gone pro.
For those with ambitions to play professionally, choosing a school with an established pathway can be invaluable, giving you the chance to learn the ins and outs of the pro journey from those who’ve been there.
7. Proximity to Home and Family Support
Finally, think about how far you want to be from home. Some athletes love having their family close enough to attend their games regularly, while others are ready for a new adventure in a completely different part of the country.
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Close to Home: Being close to family can be a big source of support, especially during tough times. If family support is important to you, consider schools within a reasonable drive.
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Far from Home: On the other hand, choosing a school farther away can help build independence and let you experience a new environment. If this excites you more than it worries you, a school farther from home might be a perfect fit.
Reflecting on your support system and how close you want it to be can help you find a location that feels right.
Wrapping It Up
Finding the right college as an aspiring athlete is about balancing your athletic goals with academics, social life, and personal preferences. By thinking carefully about each of these factors, you’ll be in a better position to make a decision that feels right for you—setting yourself up for four years of growth, learning, and memorable experiences on and off the field.
