Linear recruiting can be defined as the stars aligning and everything going to plan, just as you had hoped. Yet this rarely happens.
Your playing position, technical ability, physical prowess... your GPA, SAT score, overall academic performance... potential scholarship offers, financial aid, academic merit, tuition... the school’s size, location, campus culture, dining options, freshman dorms... the coaching staff, your potential teammates, historic playing time for first years, athletic facilities...
These elements all contribute to your search to play college soccer. In a perfect world, each factor will align with your preferences and needs to be a successful student-athlete at your desired division.