Academic Programs:

Evaluate the academic programs offered by the college. Ensure they align with your career goals and interests. Look for unique features such as specialized majors, research opportunities, and partnerships with industries. Remember that about 50% of college students will change their major, so be careful not to focus exclusively on a single major unless you are certain about it.

Location:

Consider the location of the college, including climate, proximity to home, and urban or rural settings. Think about whether you prefer a campus in a bustling city, a quiet town, or a suburban environment.

Campus Culture and Diversity:

Explore the campus culture and diversity. Consider whether the college fosters an inclusive environment and if it aligns with your personal values. Look at the demographics of the student body, clubs, and organizations.

Size of the College:

Think about the size of the college that suits your preferences. Larger universities may offer more resources and diverse opportunities, while smaller colleges may provide a more intimate learning environment.

Class Size and Student-to-Faculty Ratio:

Consider the average class size and student-to-faculty ratio. Smaller class sizes often allow for more personalized attention and interactions with professors.

Financial Considerations and Aid Packages:

ED provides both the "sticker price" and the average price paid by its students, based on the applicant's family income. Review the financial aid packages offered by the college. Understand the mix of grants, scholarships, loans, and work-study opportunities. Pay attention to the terms and conditions of financial aid.

Housing Options:

ED's dataset includes some limited information about housing. This information can be used to identify schools that meet some basic criteria, but details about the quality of the housing is not reported. Once you have a short list, you can explore on-campus and off-campus housing options. Be sure to consider the quality of dormitories, availability of apartments, and the overall housing environment.

Graduation Rates:

A higher graduation rate indicates that their students are satisfied with their experience and are successfully completing their programs. However, some colleges with low graduation rates have other priorities. For example, community colleges are often set up for students for transfer to other schools to complete their degree, so bear that in mind when using this factor.

Admission Requirements:

It's a waste of time and money to apply to a college where you aren't likely to be accepted. Ensure that you meet the admission requirements of the college and consider the competitiveness of the school's admissions. Most of the colleges provide information about the average SAT and ACT scores of the students who attend. They also provide their acceptance rate. This tool ranks colleges based on their students compare to your test scores and the level of competition in admissions.

Contenders

Face it, it's a lot more fun to play on a winner. This option gives preference to schools with winning traditions. Successful programs have a culture of excellence and high expectations. You’ll likely train alongside motivated teammates who are committed to achieving shared goals, which can push you to elevate your own performance. Additionally, a team with a winning tradition often benefits from increased visibility and support from the community. This can lead to better resources, such as facilities and training equipment, and may also attract more opportunities for scholarships or recognition at higher levels of play.

Division

This question helps narrow your options to the division that better suits your skill levels along with opportunities for scholarships and laying time. Choosing to play Division II men's college soccer can offer several advantages depending on your personal goals and circumstances. Division II programs often emphasize a balance between athletics and academics, providing more time for studying and personal development. This can lead to a well-rounded college experience while still competing at a high level. Additionally, while Division I is often viewed as the pinnacle of competition, Division II soccer remains very competitive, allowing players to showcase their skills without the extreme pressure that often accompanies DI programs. Another benefit of Division II is the potential for scholarship opportunities. Although these schools may offer fewer athletic scholarships compared to Division I, they often provide more financial aid options, making college more affordable.

Division III places a strong emphasis on the student-athlete experience, prioritizing academics over athletics. This allows for a more balanced college experience, giving you the opportunity to focus on your studies, pursue extracurricular activities, and enjoy campus life without the same level of time commitment that often comes with Division II. This can lead to a more well-rounded and fulfilling college experience.

Head Coaching

An experienced head coach for a college men's soccer team brings valuable tactical expertise, enhancing the team’s performance and game strategies. They excel in player development, helping athletes improve their skills, and have established recruiting networks to attract top talent. Their ability to manage games effectively and make quick decisions under pressure is crucial, as is their skill in fostering a positive team culture and discipline. The form identifies top coaches based on their years of experience at the college, and their winning percentage there.

Freshmen

Some colleges make their freshmen sit out their first year. Some colleges didn't graduate many starters. These questions help you find colleges where you might be able to start right away. The tool uses roster data from the NCAA websites to find open positions and teams that started a lot of freshmen last year.