D3 Swimming Recruitment

pb2002
Tue, 17 Feb 2009 10:25:57 +0000

well, it all depends upon how much you want to swim. my friends didn’t think, once they got to college, that a swim program of similar intensity (or greater) to what they had in high school was worth pursuing. again, these all at some of the best colleges in the country but also with D1 swim programs (brown, duke). perhaps you’ll think differently. i had some friends who swam at georgetown and dartmouth successfully. i think it just matters what you prioritize. i don’t think you should worry about dropping the sport. if you want to keep it in your schedule, you’ll find a way to make it work. all i’m saying is that in high school it’s fairly easy to underestimate the intensity of D1 programs at schools known for their academics. especially the ivy league. swimming in the ivy league is difficult, and the times can be blisteringly fast. i’ll admit that i know little about the swim programs at hopkins or chicago.

the only issue for you now is where you’re best suited to have swimming help you in admissions. given your interest in swimming throughout college, i’ll reiterate that the NESCAC schools seem like the best match for your times, but also your interest in a top rate education. Williams, Amherst, and Middlebury have the best swim programs in the country. Bowdoin and Wesleyan have good programs (and great pools) but, as I said above, may be good shots for recruitment.