Swimmers does anyone know about the different sport levels in college?

Question

Can someone explain to me the differences: NCAA Div 1, 2, 3, intercollegiate, intramural and club? I am a swimmer. Also what time standards do i need to apply?

Answer 1

You might also want to check out NCAA.org in the swimming section.

Division I is, generally, the larger schools.  DII is medium-sized schools.  DIII is small schools.

Intercollegiate is meets between two different schools.  Intramural is meets within a school's students.  Club swimming is private swimming clubs organized in communities to give swimmers and divers a place to train all year round.

You can find the times of the different championship meets at the NCAA site.  DI swimmers would usually be recruited and DIII would most likely have "no cuts", assuming you can swim a decent time.  Don't know about DII.

Answer 2

Div I:  Auburn, VT, UCLA, UNC, U of T.  The TOP swimming schools, most schools as a minimum to swim here you have to have Junior National Times.  Some of the west coast schools require Olympic Trial cuts.  Offer full swim scholarships.

Div II:  Do not offer full swim scholarships.  They can offer partial scholarships and "academic" scholarships if they really want you.  Top mens time in the 200yd fly at NCAA D-II champs was a 1:43 and the slowest was a 1:57.

Div III:  Includes emory, Ohio University, Mary Washington.  Does not offer scholarships for swimming.

I'm not quite sure the difference between club and intramural but i do know they aren't as intense as being on the varsity team.  I believe with club you travel around and compete against other schools.  They have much less practice hours and allow more time for studying

If you go to collegeswimming.com they have the time standards for all the Divisions and a list of all the schools.  Hope I helped!