Athletic Advantage at BS

I am new to the BS admission process. My son went on a few interviews. (He interviews well) The schools encouraged him to meet with coaches. One of the coaches met with him for quite a while. He noted that he need someone who plays his position. He has been in touch three times since the meeting. Does this mean anything? Also, the AOs met with us following the interviews and said that he was a great fit and encouraged the applications. I assume that is standard procedure?

The admissions interest is standard but IME the coach’s is not. It’s a good sign he’ll use what pull he has with admissions.

No this is definitely not standard. My son applied to boarding schools and had similar treatment. My advice is to keep the interest of the coach. Consider approaching coaches at other schools and see what they say. The coaches all know each other, and will know that you’re talking to multiple schools. Make sure it’s your son with the continued outreach to the coach and not you. Perhaps an email every few weeks with updates on latest stats, games, videos, etc.

Be prepared to ask blunt questions: “How much does your support mean in terms of admissions? How many other students with similar levels of support were accepted in years past?”

If financial aid is a requirement, make sure you let the coach know. Do you mind revealing the sport? There are several parents on this form with expertise who could help.

Not standard especially at the top schools re: the coach. The AO stating that he should submit an application is very standard.

Good sign that the coach spent time with your student…agree with @sgopal2 and @Happytimes2001 …FWIW…the schools whose coaches spent time with or Skyped with GolfKiddo gave us good news on March 10…keep in touch, send updates on stats or awards to coaches, as well as relevant highlights videos…for some sports the times, scores or standings may be enough. Other sports may lend themselves better for highlights. Kiddo made a spreadsheet of which schools had players in specific positions graduating and had studied videos from the previous year…knew about the teams, the coaches, and what they may need well before meeting with the coaches. It can be a small world, kiddo knew current players and applicants from regional and national tournaments…even though we didn’t tell the players where we were applying…some we ran into during Revisit. In some sports, it’s a very small world ! Coaches had checked out MaxPreps in advance. Also, found that a couple of coaches in one particular sport really took time to discuss the highlight videos - another good sign - and discussed areas for improvement as well as strengths. They are not looking for perfection (don’t worry), but feel they looking for good potential. =D>

@Golfgr8 I’m curious, what sport does your son play?

@ReluctantDad, GolfKiddo plays golf but also other sports…if you have specific golf questions, I am always happy to provide info to CC friends…I will PM you for additional info.