Recruiting Advice

by collegefan (Login selmerman)
Field Fan Forum

Having heard many misconceptions regarding NCAA schools during the Ithaca Turkeyshoot and the provincial field championshipw, some advice is being offered to clear up some wrong ideas. Many players and parents are confused as to the difference between colleges and universities in the States, and are making decisions based on the difference. This is further complicated by many coaches just not being aware themselves of the situation in the US (exclude Orangeville, Whitby, St. Kitts, Beaches Junior clubs from that group). A coach of an unnamed B club did not know the difference between a junior college,such as Herkimer College, with the other type of college, such as Dartmouth College for example.

Here in Ontario, universities give degrees, colleges are completely different, offering certificates and many trade courses. The standards to get in are completely different. This is not to be confused with the States where universities and colleges are essentially the same animal, both allowed to grant degrees. The difference is primarily that of size, universities being much larger, and usually being a collection of colleges under one umbrella. The universities will usually, but not always, be the schools that grant doctoral degrees, whereas smaller colleges may only restrict it to granting some masters degrees over and above the undergrad. So when you say you go to a college in the States, that is the same as going to a university here, and NOT the same as going to an Ontario college, such as Seneca, Fanshawe.

HOWEVER, there do exist junior colleges called "juco" and community colleges, Herkimer being the prime example. They are not the same as universities, they are like Ontario colleges, you get a certificate, many trade courses and the like. You can graduate from them and get admitted to a univeristy or college, after your 2 year stay at the juco, but you are then left with only 2 years eligibility. So, make sure when being recruited you know the difference.

It should be noted that the US is known for a school called the "liberal arts colleges", small, often private schools, often with high academic standards and great lacrosse. The Empire 8 conference and the New England schools are known for them, many Canadians go to these schools and play lax and get great educations.

How can you know for sure which is which? Besides a knowledgeable guidance counsellor, coach, lawyer, consultant, you can look up the laxpower website. The division 1, 111, and 11 schools that are listed are all university/colleges that are similar to our universities. If you go to the NJCC site there, it lists the various community colleges and junior colleges. Good luck!