A coach from Cornell has offered me an academic pre-read which must include test scores, transcripts, an essay, high school profile, senior course load, and bio form.
I just received my SAT subject scores. I took two, Math 2 and Literature. I got a 600 on Math 2 ( it was much harder than I thought it would be and did not prepare for it ) and a 700 on the Literature test ( did not prepare for this one either ). I got a 1430 on the regular SAT.
I will definitely retake the Math 2, but should I retake the regular SAT and Literature test as well?
I know this sounds awful and I will try to improve my test scores as much as possible, but are admissions willing to let less-than-average scores slide if a coach is pushing for an athlete?
My transcript should be fine: I am in four AP classes for next year, 4.33 weighted GPA, and am in the top 2% of my class.
Short answer: Yes, they may be willing to give some leeway for academics - it depends on how much leeway is needed, which sport, which coach, and how badly that coach wants you.
Speak with the coach. He/She knows what targets the team needs to hit. I’d say you’re squarely in any team’s range. Don’t be surprised if other coaches come knocking. If other schools interest you, don’t be shy. Good luck
Definitely speak with the coach, but multiple Ivy coaches we spoke with (not Cornell though) said that admissions will only use the SAT Subject Tests if they help you. My guess is that the coach will tell you not to bother retaking. Good luck!
I have little experience with thid topic but I am reading this book now, “Playing the Game: Inside Athletic Recruiting in the Ivy League”, which goes into great detail on how Ivy League recruiting works. There are other books on this topic, as well. Might be worth a read if you are serious. There does seem to be a “game” aspect to it.
I’m on a Varsity team at Cornell BUT I was NOT recruited, I was a walk-on, so obviously I can not speak to your question as to what admissions will or will not do.
However, I can tell you that as far as the coaches I know, they are VERY serious about athletes keeping up their grades.
I’ve been on the Dean’s list for the past two terms, but we do have a couple of guys on the team that took their class work too lightly and are now off the team and if they don’t get it together, they will probably be headed out of Cornell.
So just as an FYI, if you do get in and decide to attend Cornell, stay focused because they do not play!
@HappyCamper2015 Thanks for that insight, I will keep that in mind moving forward!
As an update, the preread was returned with positive results, so I am done with regular SAT testing, hooray! I will take the US History subject test in October to finish off standardized testing.
