Hey guys, I'm a junior considering playing sports in college, but I'm more interested in the academics. What are some of the best D3 schools in California that have a solid balance between sports and academics?
There are several top-notch Division III schools in California that have a strong balance between athletics and academics. Some notable options to consider include:
1. Pomona-Pitzer Colleges: A consortium of Pomona College and Pitzer College, both highly ranked liberal arts colleges. The Pomona-Pitzer athletic teams compete in the SCIAC (Southern California Intercollegiate Athletic Conference).
2. Claremont-Mudd-Scripps Colleges: The CMS athletic program is a combined program of Claremont McKenna, Harvey Mudd, and Scripps Colleges. They also compete in the SCIAC. Like Pomona-Pitzer, CMS emphasizes both strong academics and competitive athletics.
3. University of Redlands: A private liberal arts university, Redlands has a great balance of sports and academics. The school is also a member of the SCIAC.
4. Occidental College: Located in Los Angeles, Occidental offers a liberal arts education with a well-rounded athletics program that competes in the SCIAC.
5. California Lutheran University: A private liberal arts university with a strong blend of academics and athletics. They are also a member of the SCIAC.
6. Whittier College: Another SCIAC member known for its strong academics and competitive athletics.
7. University of La Verne: Although La Verne isn't as highly-ranked as some of the other schools on this list, it still offers a solid balance of strong academics and athletics. They also participate in the SCIAC.
8. Chapman University: Chapman is a private university in Orange, CA that offers an array of academic programs alongside a competitive athletic program. Their athletic teams compete in the SCIAC as well.
Remember that each institution offers different programs and campus experiences, so research each one to find the best fit for your personal and academic goals. Keep in mind the specific sport you want to play and make sure it's offered at the schools you're interested in. Good luck!
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