When going through the recruiting process, it is important to understand not only the different divisions, but also what levels certain schools are within their divisions. 

Depending on your level of play, you'll want to search for a school that best fits your skill set. There are three different divisions within the NCAA (not to mention NAIA and JuCo routes), BUT there are also different levels within certain divisions. 

Related Article: Everything You Need to Know about College Leagues and Divisions

Division III may look like an easy program to get into, but there are certain schools who have high-level players and great programs.

Then there is Division I, which seems very hard to play for and certainly is, but there are lower-ranking Division I schools that could be competitive with a high-ranking Division III school. 

Remember: DI schools are classified by the number of sports sponsored and scholarships given, not by talent. While most DI schools compete at a higher level, this is not always the case.

Related: What Makes a School Division I?

The big question remains: how do you know which level to play?

It's all personal preference. If you know you can compete with the big leagues and are able to be recruited at a high-ranking Division I school, and you love the academic setting at big schools, then you know where you belong. If you are on the fence and think you could compete at a lower-ranking Division I school at the bottom of the team, but could be a valuable player at a Division II or III team, there are different factors to take into account. 

Here are a few questions to ask yourself:

1. Are you okay with starting at the bottom?
2. Would you rather excel early?
3. Do you want the DI title regardless of playing time?
   • You can join a high-ranking DI team where you may never play but at least you have the title.
   • You can join a low-ranking DI team that may not win many titles, but you will get more playing time.
4. Is playing time, development, or title most important to you? 
5. If you have DII or DIII-level skills, can you financially afford DIII without athletic scholarships?
   • The DII school may give you less playing time, but on scholarship; whereas the DIII school could give you more playing time but no financial aid.
6. Does the team schedule allow sufficient time for academics?
7. Does the school have the academic programs you want?
   • DIII schools generally allow the most time for academics, but some DI schools require group study halls. Ask the coaches about it!
8. Do you prefer a big or small school?
9. Do you love the school or just the athletic program?

Where you choose to commit will greatly influence your time as a college student and an athlete, so make sure to ask yourself these questions and pick a team and school where you will be able to accomplish your goals.

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* Originally published on February 10, 2022, by Sydney DeNardo