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Recruiting Did You Know

Choosing the right college is tough, but the Baldwin Wallace University Department of Athletics wants to help. By providing information about some of the most common questions prospective student-athletes and their parents ask us about admission, scholarships, recruiting and tryouts, we hope to prepare you to make the right choice! 

Did you know the NCAA does not allow members of Division III to award any type of scholarship or financial aid based on athletic ability.

Financial aid basics and tips to help students through the financial aid process:

  • Apply as early as possible—The earlier a student applies, the earlier/he will know about scholarship and financial aid opportunities. No student can be awarded financial aid without completing his or her BW application for admission.
    • Priority date for financial aid consideration: February 1
    • ALL prospective student should complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) during the month of January for priority financial aid consideration
    • Financial Aid awards begin as early as mid-February—if a student applies after this time (for admission or for aid) a financial aid award will be sent out as information is received
    • Merit based gift aid is guaranteed—if a student is awarded a merit based scholarship for his or her freshman year, s/he will have that scholarship for three additional years.

Additional information and cost calculators can be found at https://bw.studentaidcalculator.com/survey.aspx


Did you know that there are 446 total member institutions in Division III? That means Division III is the NCAA’s largest division with approximately 40% of the total membership. 

What Does Division III Athletics Have To Offer?

  • Division III athletics provides a well-rounded collegiate experience that involves a balance of rigorous academics, competitive athletics, and the opportunity to pursue the multitude of other co-curricular opportunities offered on DIII campuses
  • Division III playing season and eligibility standard minimize conflicts between athletics and academics, allowing student-athletes to focus on their academic programs and the achievement of a degree
  • Division III offers and intense and competitive athletics environment for student-athletes who play for the love of the game, without the obligation of an athletics scholarship
  • Division III athletics departments place special importance on the impact of athletics on the participants rather than on the spectators. The student-athlete’s experience is of paramount concern
  • Division III athletics departments are dedicated to offering broad-based programs with a high number and wide range of athletics participation opportunities for both men and women
  • Division III features student-athletes who are subject to the same admissions standards, academic standards, and support services as the general student body. The integration of athletics with the larger institution enables student-athletes to experience all aspects of campus life

Did you know that at Division III, a BW coach can begin recruiting you at anytime?  

Unlike at Division I or Division II there is no recruiting calendar and no limit on the number and timing of contacts a BW coach has with you via phone, email or text. There is, however, a restriction on a coach’s ability to make contact with you at a practice, game or tournament. Although there is no restriction on the number or timing of the observation of a recruit at practice, competition, or at tournaments, coaches are not permitted to make contact with your (or your parents/guardians) off campus until the conclusion of your junior year in high school.

Did you know that while you’re visiting BW, the coach cannot observe you participating in recreational activities (open gym, playing with BW athletes, etc.) or it is considered a “tryout”?

Tryouts are prohibited and it is impermissible for an athletics department coaching staff member to observe or conduct physical workouts or other recreational activities designed to test your athletics ability (bylaw 13.11.2.1).  A coach may observe you during one of your practices or game, but cannot conduct activities to evaluate your athletics ability while you are on campus. Once you are admitted to BW and have paid your deposit, your coach will let you know when tryouts and practices are held.  

Did you know that if you are currently at a NCAA Division I or Division II institution, or a NAIA institution, your current school must provide a “Permission to Contact” letter before a BW coach can talk with you about the possibility of transferring to BW?   

This letter must be provided by your current institution and either faxed (440-826-2192) or emailed (jsnell@bw.edu) to the BW Athletic Department, Attention: Compliance. If you are currently at a NCAA Division III institution, you may issue your own release (Self Release form link) to allow BW coaches to make contact about a potential transfer.  You must fax (440-826-2192) or email the completed form (jsnell@bw.edu) to the BW Athletics Department.  Once received, you will have a 30-day privacy period where no one can tell your current coach that you are considering a transfer. Click here to down load the Self Release Form.