I emailed a coach at one of the schools I’m applying to (as a transfer), introduced myself, and asked what kind of opportunities there would be for at his school. He wrote back and said that I could definitely be on the team and to keep him updated on my application status. This is for an NCAA Div III team at an LAC that I consider to be a reach school. How do you read this - did that increase my chance of admission?
<p>Can't tell. It probably depends how strong you are in the sport and what you would contribute to the team. I would keep in touch with him and try to meet him in person if you can. That will give you a better idea of how much he can help you. DIII schools vary in how much pull the coaches have with admissions.</p>
<p>What sport? What are your accomplishments in the sport? Finally, what school are you interested in?</p>
<p>UMrunner - Michigan?</p>
<p>As always, found this thread searching for "athletics". . .what sport and what school? I could probably give you a little more help if I knew what I was looking at.</p>
<p>Hehe, sorry about the vagueness of my post; it's fencing at Vassar. As for accomplishments - I've just fenced locally for the last 7 years or so and gone to mostly small tournaments - no national points or anything.</p>
<p>Most coaches say that they will "check up on the status of your application". By the "NCAA regulations" D3 schools aren't allowed to lower their standards for athletes, so the coaches are required to say that. When in fact your chances for admittance if recruited go up at least 50%.</p>
<p>If you haven't already done this, I suggest you write back to the coach thanking him for his letter, expressing your sincere interest in the school and his program, and include an unofficial copy of your transcript. Let him know that you are very excited about the school and the fencing program but don't know if you are a fit academically and would like his advice. Then follow up with a phone call. Many DIII coaches have limited time and budgets to pursue recruits -- but if you pursue them, they will usually be happy to talk to you and most will try to be honest, although few have crystal balls. Good luck.</p>