I am a tennis recruit at Haverford who is being recruited for RD. My tennis is at a higher level than most of the team, and the coach tells me that I am his #1 priority on his list, and that he will push for me as hard as he can.
My stats make me competitive for the school already, as my test scores are average for Haverford. Will my tennis push me into the accepted pile? Do I have a good chance, or is it still a tossup?
I would appreciate answers with people familiar with D3 sports or D3 recruits.
My stats:
Class Ranking: 1 out of 76
Unweighted GPA: 4.000
Weighted GPA: 5.2889
New SAT: 1410
ACT: 32
It’s definitely good to check carefully with the coach. Also, are you a good fit for Haverford? Will you be able to demonstrate that in your application? That old thread has to deal with one coach in a different sport that yours, but I think it shows that you still need to be a good match for Haverford to accept you.
@cupugu Thanks for the positive feedback, but can you explain to me what a pre-screen is?
@MamaBear16 What would be your definition of checking carefully? Are there any specific questions I should ask the coach? I asked the coach what my admission chances were, and he said they are “quite good”, but it is all up to admissions. Also, what do you mean by good fit? How will I know if I’m a good fit?
By good fit, I mean if your grades and test scores are in range, plus Haverford has a certain vibe. Have you learned about the honor code? Make sure that your essays explain how you would fit in, why you want to be there, and what you would bring to the college. (Really, you need to do this on every app, but sometimes kids just “dial in” an app when they assume they will get in and I that would be a mistake here).
My son is an athletic recruit and during his recruitment the coach asked for his transcript and test scores and had the admissions people review them. That is what everyone means by pre-read or pre-screen. Did the coach ask you for your information?
@Proudpatriot He did not. I asked him about a pre-read, and this is what he replied to me.
"Pre-reads here are done to see if prospective candidates have a realistic chance of admission. Since you have already applied and the deadline is passed, a pre-read is moot.
I think your chances here are very good. But I have no idea how Admissions will view your experience with Broward Virtual, as compared to a bricks & mortar school. "
Sounds like a fair response to me. Pre-read IS done pre-application. Admissions is busy now reading applications so no time for them to be bothered with it nor is it acceptable for them to do so since they have your application in hand. Pre-reads are usually done for athletes applying early decision.
Is there a reason you didn’t apply early as most athletes do? Do you know how the coach did during the early decision round getting slots filled for his team?
I assume you have other suitable schools on your list besides Haverford?
I have a bunch of colleges where I am being recruited, about 5-6. So too many options for ED. Only 1 recruit got in through ED for Haverford. I am definitely the strongest recruit for this school, though, in terms of tennis ability. @doschicos
I don’t see anything in your transcript that means you won’t get in, but usually a coach has more pull in the ED round not in the RD round. It’s a trade off after all, you apply early and getting some pull, the school know you have an ED obligation to attend. Most athletes get recruited by many colleges yet they choose a favorite and commit ED to one.
Only the coach can tell you how much his support is likely to help. You could ask what % of players getting a similar level of support from him during RD are usually admitted. He has no incentive to lie at this point as you’ve already applied. (From what you’ve quoted, I would NOT assume it is a slam dunk).
It sounds like the coach will support your application but he doesn’t know how they will view Broward Virtual (I’m from Broward also). The thing you have going for you is that your standardized test scores validate your academic record. I think it would be more of an issue if you had a high GPA and low test scores.
Haverford really cares about fit. You seem to be a good fit but admissions are always dicey. Hopefully, the coach can give you better feedback. It is ok to ask the coach questions.
If you get in and decide to go to Haverford PM me.
You certainly fit the profile. My experience at a similar school suggests that you have a 90% probality. Do you have other options? Great school. Good luck!
Thanks for all the great replies. @Proudpatriot Are you at Haverford? @Burgermeister Thanks. I am also being recruited for Colby, Franklin and Marshall, and Carleton. My best chance is probably F and M, because my test scores are above the 75th percentile, and they have an acceptance rate above 30 percent, while being aggressively recruited.