You need to start to build an understanding of what field/area you want to study
Many players don't know this when they start their process - that is OK!
If you aren't sure what you want to study, start to cross things off that you DON"T want to study
If you don't want to be a nurse = cross it off
Certain schools only offer a small number of majors and others offer a WIDE variety
Do some research and find out what starts to appeal to you
You'll need to start to get an idea of what academic level you can achieve
High academic school = Ivy League (Harvard, Princeton, Yale)
GPA requirements differ for what level of academics you are looking for
Keep a list of the schools you are interested in and share it with
PARENTS
COACHES
ACADEMIC ADVISORS
Geography - Questions to Consider
Do you want to stay close to home or go far away?
What type of climate do you want?
Do you want a city or a suburban campus?
Maybe a combination?
What size School do you want?
Typically colleges are split into 3 sizes:
Small: 0-5000 Students
Medium: 5000-15000 Students
Large: 15000+ Students
What size works best for you and what you are looking for?
Things to consider:
Bigger the size of the school = bigger classrooms sizes (less personalization with professors)
University of Connecticut (18,000 Students)
Union College (2,000 Students)
Finances
Each institution has a different cost
Can be located on their website
Each institution's website will contain a 'Net Price Calculator' which will help give you a better understanding of what scholarships/grants you may be eligible for
All Schools can offer Academic Scholarships but it varies greatly
Most schools will offer need-based scholarships/grants
D1 & D2 Schools are able to offer Athletic Scholarships
9.9 in total across the entire team (D1)
D3 schools are not eligible to offer Athletic Scholarships
If in doubt, you can always contact the Admissions Department for further information
Finding the Balance
It's up to YOU to find the correct balance with all of these components together
Academic/Athletics/Geography/Size/Finances
D1 programs will require more time, more travel and more commitment (less normal college life). You'll likely have to miss classes and managing this can be difficult
D3 programs will typically have less time commitments, less travel and less commitment in general (more normal college life)
D2 programs are a combination of both of these depending on the soccer/academic level
