<p>mayhew: My son completed his initial visits to the lower tier D1 and high end D2 schools in August and September. Based on the academic profiles of the schools and their athletic programs he decided that D1 and or D2 was not for him. His sport Lacrosse is typically not a big revenue sport at most D1 and D2 schools if you do your research. So scholarship money is tight and only a chosen few get a full ride, most get a small portion of the 12.5 scholarships available per team. They try to make up the difference with academic merrit, and or financial aide packages. My son also felt that the year round commitment was a little much as well as the 4 year graduation rate at the schools he was recruited by. He has opted to apply and play at a very well known D3 LAC, the program will allow him to study abroad and persue other interests that college has to offer while still playing his sport. If academically qualified most of the competitive D3 programs are very excited to get a high calibur athlete that can become an impact player as a fresman. Remember D3 schools do not give athletic scholarships, but I can attest that if the coach wants you son or duaghter at their school the merit usually can meets or exceed D1 or D2 scholarship money.</p>