Can Fencing Get You Into a Top U.S. College? Why It’s One of the Most Advantageous Sports for Admission
- James Ko
- Apr 11
- 3 min read
#fencing college recruitment #fencing athletic scholarship #NCAA Division 1 fencing colleges #fencing recruiting process #student athlete admissions
In the fourth post of our college athletics series, we’re exploring a question many students and parents have asked:“Can fencing really help you get into a top college in the U.S.?”
Spoiler alert: the answer is yes—and statistically, it’s one of the most effective sports for gaining admission to elite schools.
Why Fencing?
Fencing is an excellent sport for building physical strength, discipline, and time management. But when it comes to college admissions, what matters most is how likely the sport is to help you stand out and get recruited.
✅ The Numbers Speak for Themselves
About 35% of high school fencers continue to compete at the college level with partial or full scholarships.
By comparison:
Baseball: 11%
Golf: 8%
Basketball: 6%
Tennis: 5%
In other words, fencing offers a high return on investment when it comes to college athletic recruitment.
🏛 Top Colleges with NCAA Fencing Teams
Fencing is a recognized NCAA sport and is actively supported at many elite institutions—including all Ivy League schools except Dartmouth.
Some top Division I fencing programs include:Harvard, Yale, Princeton, Columbia, UPenn, Brown, Cornell (women only), Stanford, Duke, Notre Dame, NYU, Northwestern (women only), and more.
In total, 46 NCAA colleges sponsor varsity fencing teams, while over 160 additional schools operate club fencing programs (which don’t influence admissions directly).
What Kind of Fencers Get Recruited?
Unlike other sports, fencing recruiters aren’t only focused on top-ranked athletes. Even if you’re not on the Junior National Point List, if you’re consistent, coachable, and academically strong, you can still get noticed.
What Coaches Look For:
Junior National Point List (Top 50 is a major advantage)
Solid GPA, SAT/ACT scores
Work ethic, attitude, and communication skills
In Ivy League schools, academic readiness is just as important as fencing skill. A top-ranked fencer without strong academics may lose out to a lower-ranked fencer with excellent grades.
3 Criteria for Choosing the Right College
Fencing Program FitAre the coaches and training level a good match for your goals?
Academic ExcellenceWill this school support your long-term success after college?
Campus EnvironmentCan you picture yourself living there for 4+ years?
Fencing should be a factor, but not the only factor, in your college decision.
What to Expect from College Fencing
Division I teams usually train 5–6 days per week, and fencing becomes the core of your college life.
Division II and III teams offer a more balanced schedule, but regular practice and travel are still expected.
Before signing any agreement, be sure you understand what that commitment means.
How the Recruiting Timeline Works
Coaches can contact athletes via email or phone starting September 1 of junior year (11th grade).
In-person meetings are allowed during the summer before senior year.
Unofficial campus visits (initiated by the student) can happen at any time, and allow you to meet coaches—but official recruiting discussions are restricted.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
❌ Focusing on just one “dream school”
Keep your options open. Admissions is unpredictable—Plan B and C are essential.
❌ Being intimidated by big-name colleges
Your fencing skills can be a game-changer in admissions. Don’t let a counselor’s general advice stop you from reaching out to elite programs.
❌ Assuming Division III or club teams offer no financial aid
While D3 schools don’t offer athletic scholarships, they may provide need-based or merit-based financial aid. Don’t rule them out too soon.
❌ Waiting passively for a coach to reach out
You’re allowed to contact coaches at any time. Even if you're not highly ranked, if you have potential and the right attitude, reach out proactively—with highlight videos, competition records, and a well-written email.
Final Thoughts
Fencing isn’t just a “country club sport” anymore. With dedication and a smart strategy, fencing can open doors to some of the best universities in the world.
If you or your child are considering fencing as a pathway to college, now is the time to start preparing—both on the strip and in the classroom.
Thanks for reading. If you have any questions, feel free to leave a comment or reach out by email.
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