My son wants to run D3 in college but has had recent interest in the Patriot League and shooting for some fast times this track season. How much does GPA play a role into acceptance into a school like Bucknell if he can get their target recruit times? He has a 3.6 GPA, AP classes and state qualifier for speech and debate time. D1 was never on his radar until he realized his times may be achievable for this league. Which leads me to my question about the athletic culture - would a school like Bucknell prioritize academics even though it is D1? Anything else that I should know about the Patriot League athletic recruiting process for middle distance running. Thank you!
If the coach wants your S, the 3.6 GPA is unlikely to be an issue. I would encourage him to take an SAT/ACT test if he hasn’t as a relatively strong score can be an advantage.
Yes, Bucknell prioritizes academics. But that doesn’t mean the athletes don’t sometimes miss class, or spend 30+ hours per week on their sport.
@politeperson any specific knowledge of Bucknell?
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I don’t have first hand experience with Bucknell but the program and coach have a good reputation. I’d definitely pursue to get a sense of fit.
Pretty sure the coaches can help with admissions at most of the Patriot league schools but specifics might be different. Just ask the coaches about the process and they’ll tell you. I don’t think the 3.6 is a disqualifier but they’ll know.
I’d suggest keeping an open mind about D1 vs D3. Most D1 distance programs are positive environments where athletes can focus on academics. The level of competition is higher, sure, and frankly the athletes drawn to a school like NAU or Oregon probably prefer a different balance of academics and athletics than athletes at Yale. But that’s not a D1 thing, it’s a school and program specific thing. Grant Fisher was an engineering major at Stanford while competing for championships after all.
Along those lines, mid-d boys can see major performance jumps junior year. A 1:56 sophomore can transform into a 1:52/1:53 junior, and that’s a totally different level of recruit.
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