Choosing to Have It All
Early in my career, while serving as an assistant basketball coach at RPI, I lost a recruit to another Liberty League program. At the time, it stung a bit but I always maintained a professional perspective. We had built a great relationship, and I genuinely believed our program would be a strong fit. But when the student explained their decision, I understood completely.
They wanted it all.
Not in the sense of chasing prestige or athletic glory, but in seeking a college experience that would allow them to explore both their scientific curiosity and their creative passions. The flexible academic structure at Vassar College made that possible.
The Power of Flexibility
Vassar encourages multidisciplinary learning in a way that few colleges do. Students can combine majors across traditional boundaries, including the sciences and the arts. The college’s Independent Program even allows students to design their own major, blending fields that align with their unique goals and interests.
Unlike many institutions that restrict how coursework can be distributed, Vassar’s curriculum is built around exploration. With minimal distribution requirements and the ability to double major across disciplines, students are encouraged to connect ideas rather than stay confined within them.
That freedom was exactly what this student athlete was looking for.
The Value of Fit
For this recruit, basketball mattered. They loved the game, the competition, and the camaraderie that came with being part of a team. But they also wanted space to grow intellectually, to pursue multiple interests without compromise.
They saw that Vassar could support both. Its NCAA Division III model allowed them to compete at a high level while maintaining balance and academic independence. The flexibility to combine science and art, paired with a strong athletic culture, made the decision clear.
And honestly, I couldn’t blame them.
A Lesson in Perspective
That experience has stayed with me. It reminded me that the college decision is not about choosing the best basketball program or the highest-ranked institution. It is about choosing a community that allows a student to explore their full potential.
At POLARIS Student Athlete Consulting, we encourage students and families to think the same way. True fit is not about limitation, but possibility. It’s about finding a place where you can challenge yourself on the court, in the classroom, and in life all at once.
Looking Ahead
You can truly have it all. Regardless of your sport, interests, strengths, and long-term aspirations, there are countless institutions that support their students in innovative ways. Two other institutions that come to mind:
Lawrence University offers a five-year dual degree program where students can earn both a Bachelor of Arts and a Bachelor of Music, combining conservatory training with fields like biology, chemistry, or computer science. Learn more about the 24 varsity programs at LU.
In the NESCAC, Trinity College is known for its strong STEM and arts programs, offering students the flexibility to double major while benefiting from heightened faculty support to balance rigorous academic paths. Athletically speaking, prospective student athletes can begin by completing their recruiting form to express initial interest.
While the list could go on and on, we’re happy to guide you based upon your academic, athletic, and long-term goals. That looks different for every student. For 9th and 10th graders, this means further exploration in regards to all of your interests outside of your sport(s) while for 11th graders, this means discovering colleges that cross off all the boxes for you. Come senior year, you transition into evaluation mode, putting you in the driver’s seat for selecting a school where you can have it all.