D1 vs. D2 colleges: what's the major differences?

I'm a high school athlete aspiring to continue my sports in college. Can someone explain the differences between D1 and D2 schools, particularly in terms of athletics and scholarships? Also curious about the general student life differences.

In terms of athletics, the primary differences between Division 1 (D1) and Division 2 (D2) colleges lie in the level of competition, scholarships, and time commitments.

D1 schools are typically larger and feature more athletic resources than D2 schools. They often attract top-notch athletes, making the level of competition quite high. D1 also often has more money for athletics, which allows for larger stadiums, more staff, and other athletic amenities.

On the other hand, D2 sports still offer a high level of competition but with somewhat less of a time commitment. It's often said that D2 schools offer a balance of athletics and academics because the demands of the sports schedules are a little less intense.

As for scholarships, D1 schools can offer full athletic scholarships (full tuition, room and board), while D2 schools can offer partial scholarships. This doesn't mean that D1 scholarships are overall larger, but they are typically more comprehensive.

In terms of student life, D1 schools, with their larger student population, often have a heavy emphasis on sports culture and events tend to center around athletics. D2 schools might have a smaller student population and the overall environment might focus more on academics and other facets of college life, which can include a breadth of extracurricular activities and community events.

Remember, the choice between D1 and D2 will depend on the individual athlete and their priorities, such as the sport they are playing, their academic goals, and the type of college life they prefer. It might be useful to speak with coaches and student-athletes from both Divisions to get a more personal perspective on these experiences.