Fencing may not be the first sport that comes to mind when considering athletic scholarships, but it is a viable option for those passionate about the sport. The NCAA (National Collegiate Athletic Association) sponsors 34 men’s Division I and II combined varsity fencing teams and 43 Div I and II combined women’s fencing teams. These divisions may offer athletic scholarships to the right athletes. However, the number of scholarships available is limited and are awarded only to the best of the best in their field.

Division I fencing teams have different scholarship limits. For example, Division 1 Women’s teams may offer five scholarships, Division 1 Men’s teams may offer 4.5 scholarships, and Division II Men’s and Women’s fencing teams may offer 4.5 each. The number of permissible paid scholarships in relation to the number of varsity teams shows that there is not a huge abundance of NCAA athletic scholarships for fencing athletes. Therefore, it is important to be the best of the best to have a chance of winning the scholarship.

On the other hand, Division III schools do not offer pure athletic scholarships. These schools are typically smaller and, thus, do not have the resources to offer athletic scholarships. However, Division III schools offer some very competitive fencing, and the competition for these teams is intense. The NCAA lists 15 Division III schools that offer women’s fencing and 12 that feature men’s fencing. These schools may work hard to find talented fencers with impressive academics or demonstrated financial need.

Division III schools can keep their athletics robust and competitive and able to appeal to a wider student audience, so attracting talented athletes is in their best interest. An example of a Division III fencing team is the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT). Even though MIT fencing does not offer athletic scholarships, per se, the team has a good merit and need-based scholarship strategy to attract the best fencers.

Beyond the NCAA divisions, dozens of colleges and universities sponsor fencing clubs, some for practice and sport, others for competition, or a combination of the two. Some of these clubs sponsor athletic scholarships for fencing as well. These scholarships may not be as abundant as the NCAA ones, but they are still worth considering.

If you are passionate about fencing and want to pursue it in college, you should consider applying for fencing scholarships. The NCAA scholarships are limited and awarded only to the best of the best. However, Division III schools and collegiate club fencing offer other opportunities for scholarships based on academics and financial needs. Remember, going after a fencing scholarship takes some strategizing, persistence, and skill, but it can be very rewarding.

It’s also worth noting that there are other ways to finance college, like federal and state financial aid, grants, loans, and work-study programs. So, exploring all options and finding the best way to finance a college education is essential.

And what if you don’t get a scholarship?

Fencing can also help individuals to stand out as applicants and increase their chances of getting into college. Here are a few ways that fencing can help:

1. Leadership and discipline: Fencing requires discipline and focus, as well as the ability to lead and work with a team. These skills can be highly valued by colleges and can make an individual a more attractive candidate.
2. Time management: Participating in fencing takes a lot of time and dedication. This can help individuals learn how to manage their time effectively, which can be valuable in college.
3. Community involvement: Many high schools and communities have fencing clubs and teams, and participating in them can demonstrate an individual’s commitment to their community and willingness to be involved.
4. Diversifying applicant pool: Being a fencer can make an individual stand out among other applicants and make them more memorable to the admissions committee.

Remember that fencing alone doesn’t guarantee getting into college, but it can be an additional factor that can make an individual a more attractive candidate. A good academic record, extracurricular activities, a good essay, and an interview are all important factors in college admissions.

Fencing is a unique sport that offers a variety of benefits for those who participate in it. Not only is it a fun and exciting way to stay active and improve one’s physical fitness, but it also provides several valuable life skills that can benefit many different areas of life, including college.

One of the key benefits of fencing is that it is a highly mental sport. Fencing requires a great deal of focus, concentration, quick thinking, and strategic planning. This can help individuals develop better problem-solving skills and improve their ability to think on their feet. Fencing also requires discipline and self-control, which can benefit many other areas of life, such as academics and work.

Another benefit of fencing is that it is a great way to stay active and improve one’s physical fitness. Fencing requires movement and agility and can help individuals develop better coordination, balance, and endurance.

Fencing is also a great way to develop teamwork and communication skills. Fencing is a one-on-one sport but requires good communication and coordination with teammates and coaches. This can help individuals learn how to work well with others, an important skill in many areas of life, including college and the workforce.

Fencing is also a great way to build self-confidence and self-esteem. By participating in fencing, individuals can learn how to set and achieve goals and how to push themselves to be their best. Fencing sport is a great way to meet new people and make friends, which can help individuals develop a strong sense of community and belonging.

It is a great sport for individuals of all ages and skill levels. It provides various benefits, including improved physical fitness, problem-solving skills, discipline and self-control, teamwork and communication skills, self-confidence and self-esteem, and a strong sense of community and belonging.

Fencing is a great way to prepare for college, but more importantly, it can help individuals achieve their life goals.