What is the difference between walking on and being recruited for college fencing?

A recruited fencing athlete is identified and offered a spot by the coach before the admissions process, often with an admissions advantage. A walk-on tries out for the team after being admitted through the regular process. At Ivy League and elite D1 programs, walk-ons are rare — the team roster is filled by recruits. D3 programs are more walk-on friendly.

Key Points

• Recruited athletes receive admissions advantage at most schools
• Walk-ons must be admitted first, then try out for the team
• Ivy League and elite D1 programs rarely take walk-ons
• D3 programs are more open to walk-ons with competitive results
• Club fencing teams exist at many schools for non-varsity athletes

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