Recruiting Mistake #1: Neglecting the Layered List Approach
Attention student-athletes! Here's a trend you must avoid: not having a layered list of colleges or universities you are considering! The number one major mistake I see with my clients when navigating the college process is having a college list that's only one layer (aka all the same). If you truly desire to tackle the college process with the utmost success, it's time to up your game and create a "layered list" of college possibilities.
When you're researching schools, think beyond the lacrosse aspect. The COVID pandemic has led to a significant increase in the number of applicants to many schools, possibly because they are not requiring testing. As a result, it is now more crucial than ever to stand out from the crowd with an advanced layered approach, and here is how you do that.
STEP 1: The "Five Factors"
As you make your list, focus on what I like to call the "Five Factors": the five most important ingredients for your ideal school experience. These should ALL play a role in your decision-making process and where the school ranks on your list. Your five factors can be any categories that make sense for you. Here is a look at five possible ones, but you need to develop your own for your list.
academic reputation
lacrosse level
sense of community
location & size
intended major
Now, here's where it gets real. Many girls I've talked to struggle with how to prioritize a list of schools. They are unsure how to use their "Five Factors" to place a college on a personalized list. So think about it this way: if you're interested in a school and can check off four or more positive factors for that particular school, that should be a school you are considering.
WARNING: Don't rely solely on social media to gauge a school's awesomeness or to inform you of a factor. Do your research on the school's website, check out admissions materials, and find the actual answers to your "Five Factors" beyond what their TikTok or Instagram accounts say.
PRO TIP: ask current students about their experiences, class sizes, and what the school is known for. Research on U.S. News & World Report, as sites like this can help you unveil important facts about schools that may weigh into your decision. Trust me, this will set you apart.
STEP 2: Create your "Layered List"
This step is crucial; don't skip this step! Now that you have a list of schools that check at least four of the "Five Factors" boxes, you need to use that to create a new "Layered List." This personalized list should follow this framework:
(5x) - dream schools
(15x) - opportunistic/possibility schools
(5x) - pivot schools
An optimal "Layered List" includes schools with varying academic levels, lacrosse rankings, leagues, and locations. Don't get stuck with a list in one genre, with just one layer. If you only have a list of dream schools, there is a strong possibility you'll be empty-handed come fall. Additionally, it's important to know that pivot schools are vital. You need to keep them on your radar because IF you need to switch where you are strongly considering, you'll already be excited and know all about them.
To place schools within your layers, use this formula:
Dream Schools - this list should consist of schools with high lacrosse OR academic prowess. Don't let a school's lacrosse ranking alone sway you. It's important to remember both lacrosse rankings AND academic rankings make "dream schools." Therefore, regardless of where a school ranks in lacrosse ability, it should still be under your dream layer if it is a highly-ranked academic school. I like to think that the top 30 academic or lacrosse-wise schools are so coveted that they are on that dream list for most student-athletes. When you think of recruiting in a conference of, let's say, eight schools, you have to understand that you have to be, on average, one of the top 65 players for that conference to recruit you. And remember, this includes all positions.
Opportunistic/Possibility Schools - this list will be your largest. Balancing lacrosse ranking AND academic strength, this layer of schools is the core of your list. You may need advice from your guidance counselor and high school coach to develop this list. It is important to remember that this layer is your wheelhouse and where you must put forth time and energy in camps.
Pivot Schools - this layer consists of schools that match your ability and factors. Remember, I am not saying listing a school as a pivot says anything about the quality of that institution except that they are a school where you are confident in your academic and athletic ability combined to gain admission. Everyone's pivot schools are different, and this has more to do with your interest in them than the school's prestige or quality.
STEP 3: Conquer the college recruiting process
Now you know how to approach the recruiting process like a boss! It's time to step up your game, create your ultimate "Layered List," and go after that perfectly matched college experience, knowing you have all your bases covered! Your "Layered List" will provide the strongest foundation to attack the college recruiting process. Is your list layered and ready to go?
Written by Amy Patton, who has 30+ years of coaching experience, multiple DI & DIII National Championships, and NESCAC & Ivy League trophies. AmyPattonInc.com
If you need help with the recruiting process, contact amy@amypattoninc.com to see how her 30+ years of coaching and consulting experience could help you today! Follow @amypattoninc for more tips.
