Another novice question about recruting at a D3 school

<p>My son, who runs track, filled out some recruiting forms (which I had never heard of before you all told me about it). A coach wrote back and said she was excited that my son was interested in running at her school. This is not my son's top choice but in the top 3. What would be the next step? My son should write back and say what? Really, my son just wants to run in college, and if they like his times, hopes that perhaps they'll put in a good word for him. I find this process very confusing and appreciate everyone's advice here. Thanks so much.</p>

<p>My daughter often just chatted with the coaches about her schedule, any tournaments coming up that would be online or that the coach (or representative) might attend. If the tournament was being recorded, she’d let the coach know which games she’d be in, her number, any identifying info (yellow stick, pony tail, headband). Usually the coach has access to the tournament film and can click through it to find her. He can also give academic updates (new SAT scores) or, if he’s going to be on that campus, as for a short meeting - “Coach, I’m going to be in Springfield next weekend and would love to meet you.”</p>

<p>Really, it was just chit chat.</p>

<p>My daughter often just chatted with the coaches about her schedule, any tournaments coming up that would be online or that the coach (or representative) might attend. If the tournament was being recorded, she’d let the coach know which games she’d be in, her number, any identifying info (yellow stick, pony tail, headband). Usually the coach has access to the tournament film and can click through it to find her. He can also give academic updates (new SAT scores) or, if he’s going to be on that campus, as for a short meeting - “Coach, I’m going to be in Springfield next weekend and would love to meet you.”</p>

<p>Really, it was just chit chat.</p>

<p>What year is your son? It makes a difference in terms of how quickly you need to move. If he is a senior, I would ask (as twoanddone suggests) if he could come visit up to talk to the coach, and I might think about a call rather than an email. Hopefully, that will break the ice with the coach inviting him for an overnight. If invited, do the overnight. I know it is hard, especially if a kid is in the midst of an athletic season – or, God forbid, if he or she plays more than one sport. The overnights are fun, and he will learn a lot about college and himself with the overnight. Moreover, coming up for an overnight signals true interest to the coach. If you and your son can arrange a meeting with the coach, please be prepared to ask the tough questions: 1) will my kid get in? 2) How many kids are you recruiting? 3) Where is my kid on your list? 4) Ask for a pre-read. Ask for a pre-read. Ask for a pre-read (and don’t forget to ask for a pre-read). These questions will probably lead the coach into discussing whether applying ED is necessary (probably is).</p>

<p>If he is a junior, I would continue the dialogue. In emails, he should express interest, tell of times or awards, send unofficial transcripts and see what kind of response is provided. You may want to intentionally hold back information so that you have ample ammunition for many different emails. With every award or achievement, send the coach an email. Sometimes, it takes a while. Sometimes, it happens with a snap of the fingers. I suggest being prepared for the long run, and if it happens quickly it may be karma.</p>

<p>My son is a senior. If my son is applying early decision somewhere else, is there any point in discussing things with this coach? I mean, once this coach knows that he is applying ED somewhere else, will she lose interest? Thanks!</p>

<p>The coach would appreciate knowing if he is ED somewhere else. </p>

<p>I would also say that he should directly email the coaches at his top 2 schools (at least) and include his academic and athletic stats. Many coaches will not even look at the recruiting forms but may be just as interested in him as the 3rd choice school. If you are going to visit any of these schools, definitely have him contact the coaches before you go to see if they would have time to chat with him while he is there. Most coaches are very accomodating and might like to learn more about him. </p>

<p>“I mean, once this coach knows that he is applying ED somewhere else, will she lose interest? Thanks!”</p>

<p>No one can really say for sure because no one knows that particular coach’s agenda. For example, perhaps she really needs some one at a particular event, and there is no one else. She knows it is late in the game and that she may need to encourage all types of applications, including RD. I have known some D3 coaches who have said that applying RD is fine. Usually, NESCAC coaches encourage applying ED. </p>

<p>Personally, I don’t like choosing not to turn over a stone because you think you have no chance of finding gold underneath it. Keeping all options open and stoking all the fires is a good idea in recruiting. Like I said, sometimes it results in “recruiting karma.”</p>

<p>That said, takeitallin makes the good suggestion of emailing the coaches at your son’s top 2 choices. Even if your son doesn’t need the coach’s assist with the adcom, it may make it easier for your son if he wants to try to walk on. At least the coach will know who he is when the time comes.</p>