The Common App Just Went LIVE
Here's what prospective college athletes should do next.
Hey future D3 student-athlete,
The Common App opened on August 1st, and if you're heading into your senior year of high school, you're officially on the clock.
If you’re being recruited (or want to be), this isn’t just college app season, it is the start of your D3 athletics decision window.
Let’s break down 5 steps you can take right now so you don’t miss out later.
1. Lock In Your College List
Not 40 schools. Not 4.
Aim for ~10–15 schools with 3-5 in each category: Reach, Good Fit, and Safety. Then build it out like this.
Once your list is built, confirm the following for each:
They have your sport - This seems obvious, but double check
They have your academic major - D3 Coaches say this happens all the time, so research before you say you want to study engineering at a school that doesn’t offer it.
You’ve sent an initial email to the coaching staff (cc’ing assistants) - You may have to follow-up or send a message in another way (likely social media) later
You actually want to go there for more than your sport - Imagine a worst-case scenario where you are no longer able to play your sport, would you still want to be there as just a student?
Coach hasn't replied yet? That’s normal. Email them a polite follow-up with some updated film, a new test score, and your GPA. Ask about coming for an overnight campus visit, because D3 coaches are building Fall visit lists now.
2. Confirm Application Process w/ Coaches
If a coach from a school on your list begins recruiting you, let them know that you are starting your common application and then ask:
“Is there a difference if I apply Early Decision, Early Action, or Regular?”
“Will I receive coach support with admissions?”
In D3, coach support ≠ guaranteed admission, but it never hurts to have an advocate in the process…especially at selective D3 schools. Here’s why.
“Should I list you as my recruiting contact?”
“What’s the standard timeline for decisions?”
This will help you know when you need to give notice by if you are considering other options.
3. Start Your Common Application
Add the schools on your college list to your Common App dashboard
Start drafting the personal statement - This is going to need to be done regardless of where you go, so get your work done early.
Fill in grades, test scores, and extracurricular activities - This may change over time, so make sure to double-check before you hit submit if you decide to fill it out early.
Check supplemental essays (they should be live by September 1st) - Different schools will have different requirements, make sure you complete all steps of an application.
4. Think About Financial Aid
You don’t have to wait for FAFSA to open in October to start thinking about college financial aid and scholarships.
Use Net Price Calculators on each school’s website to get a rough estimate of what you’ll pay in tuition
Ask coaches about merit scholarships and need-based aid - What have other players received in the past and how do they suggest going about the process?
Start gathering financial documents for Fall
Pro Tip: Most D3 schools offer aid, but it usually requires filling out FAFSA (need-based aid) or potentially completing your materials by a certain date (merit-based aid). Apply in the early window to give yourself access to the largest aid pool
5. Get Organized for Deadlines
Research deadlines ahead of time so you don’t miss out on an opportunity to play your sport in college. Create a simple spreadsheet to track them or add the information as new columns in your college list (from step 1) including:
Each school’s application type & deadline (ED, EA, RD)
Required supplemental essays
Transcript & test score submission info
Coach communication notes (when you last emailed, what they said)
Pro Tip: Prioritize schools where coaches are actively recruiting you
In Summary
August is when recruiting and admissions start to overlap.
If you're not organized, you’ll miss deadlines — or worse, miss your shot at playing your sport at the next level.
To get ahead in your process now, remember to follow these 5 steps:
Lock in your college list
Reach out to college coaches
Start your common application
Think about financial aid
Get organized for deadlines
Until next week!
- D3Direct
Replacing guesswork with a game plan
Learn more at d3-direct.com
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