<p>If it’s an Ivy, get the LL. there was an extraordinary recruit who came through these boards all worried he would not get in without a LL and only support and I am not even sure he needed a LL in the end, he was a 238 Academic Index and a recruitable athlete. He got in, but … Get the LL.</p>
<p>I might add that you should try to find out when admissions will meet to review your application before you submit your application. LL can’t be issued before 10/1, and only admissions (not the coach), can admit a student. When I went through this with my daughter (who did get a LL), we were promised by the coach that her application would be reviewed in late September (he gave us a date) and we’d have an answer either way, by early October (10/1 is the earliest LL can be issued). It all worked out. I guess if it starts getting into late October and the coach claims he/she really wants you, I’d start to ask questions. It doesn’t mean you may not get a LL if it’s November, but if you’re a top recruit, it should come sooner rather than later. Bottom line, establish a time frame with some dates.</p>
<p>Your student athlete does not have to apply ED/SCEA at first. S was advised by an Ivy coach to apply regular decision first on common app before the OV. S will then email the admissions to change the app to SCEA when he is put up for a likely letter.</p>
<p>^^
Agreed. That’s what we did. Went RD then changed it to SCEA once we received LL.</p>
<p>^^concur…DD had apps in to 2 Ivy’s before OV in late Sept, both RD. After visiting and verbally committing for a LL, changed the app of her 1st choice school to ED.</p>
<p>
</p>
<p>This may be school dependant…and may also change over time
K1 had to apply SCEA before the LL was sent. It was done through CA/supplement etc. All paperwork had to be there–in fact we hit a snag when the LORs were mailed from the hs…and finally the coach had to call the GCs at the hs to ask to have them faxed so the LL could be sent.
In a previous year (and different sport/same school) the student faxed the app to the coach who took it to admissions for a read. The LL was sent and then the student submitted via electronic CA.</p>
<p>So we are having a bit of difficulty scheduling OVs. One school told kid that they often schedule OVs back to back in a weekend - Fri and Sat at one, then Sun and Mon at another. This is good but no one wants to be second. We can detect a bit of “irritation” from school that is currently scheduled to be Sun and Mon. We were told this is how it is done when kids have to fly very far for OVs and that the schools coordinate this way all the time. Anyone have this experience? We were trying to get OVs scheduled earlier in September. Should we just schedule another Fri and Sat with “irritated school” a few weeks later instead?</p>
<p>^if a coach is irritated at this, I ender what else would irritate? I also think that an OV which covers a school day may provide more insight then one which covers only a weekend of relaxing partying.</p>
<p>That’s what I was thinking, the F/S visit would obviously include a more socially active visit, the Sunday/Monday a more subdued visit in that regard. Interesting that both schools seem to be selling the first option. Or maybe they just feel like they will be getting a prospect on the back end who might be understandably weary from the first visit and perhaps not as receptive?</p>
<p>Hello - we have not posted in a long time, but went through the process last year. We were successful in being accepted ED1 to play a sport in the NESCAC.
We had never done this before and had most of the anxiety and wonder shown on these threads. These threads did help answer some questions, caused confusion, and ultimately did give us some insight on what is happening or what to expect. It is difficult as you do not want to be a hovering parent nor totally ignorant. We all want reassurance, but ultimately, only your recruiting coach can do that.
If it helps, you need to first get a realistic perspective. Foremost, if you are looking to play in the NESCAC, then be realistic. This is not a scholarship conference and after four years your daughter or son is done. The degree is most important. Coaches are ultimately just a part of the admissions process (many will not last until your kid’s graduation) and most are very up front that others will make the call on admissions. But they will offer to be an advocate AND they have done this before so they can tell you if you have more or less of a chance. A head coach telling you that things look good is VERY good. Why over analyze that? Their reputation is on the line if they lead people on all the time. If they are being Switzerland, then they probably really don’t know. Ultimately, before we went ED, the coach said I have never seen someone rejected with this type of application, but they said really do well on the essays - they matter. The coach was professional and genuine. Another NESCAC coach said the same thing but when told we would not go ED, there was some tension, but expected. They lost a recruit. In NESCAC, make no mistake the ED is your commitment letter so to speak. You have to be honest to all and ultimately trust your contact, if you have been realistic in the process.
First step, know the schools - without the sport - where your daughter or son would be happy. Not always happiest but happy, and you may need three choices if you are that fortunate. Getting into one is not easy. Be content with what works for her/his future plans. Too many chase a sport to a dead end.
Second, do you have the minimum paperwork? Meaning do you meet the minimum academic requirements for admissions. If unsure, ask the coach if anyone has been admitted with your pure academic record. We did and passed on trying to improve the SAT/ACT as it was good enough, not great. Athletes always want to do better but be realistic, you are trying to simply get in first. Focus on the facts and take the pressure off early if you can, not if she/he scores higher here or there. This should be based on the end of junior year summer academic/test results. It makes the senior year much more relaxing, even though ED decisions are around December.<br>
Third, how is your son/daughter unique? Athletically, were they all conference/all region/ all state/etc. Most playing in the NESCAC are. What else? If there are individual awards or something unique, it helps. ECs help too, but if you are trying to get in on a sport, you need a minimum portfolio of achievement, just like the academics. Be realistic. Everyone needs an edge. Your daughter or son will feel stress in the process if you are trying to create an image that has no substance. The coach is trying to recruit potential and show admissions that the player is uniquely qualified and does something for the program they are looking for to add to diversity or to reputation. It may not always be pure athleticism - leadership, 3-sport player, etc.
Fourth, and this I am not sure of but get a sense that the further away you live the better your chances of getting in. Coaches do not want to have a roster of kids that are all from CT. They want to have diversity to show that the program is regional or national in recruiting, even if the NESCAC. That helps build a reputation and helps the university with metrics. Be prepared to reach out beyond home a bit.
Finally, if there is such a thing, visit with the coach in person - somehow. Take a trip or go to a camp, but make an effort to build a relationship. Don’t force one, but if they are interested, you will know. Write a thank you afterward and use your ED wisely. It shows commitment on your part to them. They have many candidates, but if you are unique to them, you hold some power in that you may fill a need for the school, beyond a sport, that they really want. Best advice, put yourself in the coaches shoes. All these people are trying to get their attention and sell them a bill of goods. Many are qualified and few are accepted. If they want you, you will feel really good about the process and they will communicate openly about the pre-read and where you stand. They must be professional so don’t misinterpret information. Being nice doesn’t mean they want to recruit you. You will know…
Good luck, there is a place for everyone somewhere, if you are realistic and have drive.</p>
<p>OnePorkchop, GREAT, GREAT post !! thank you.</p>
<p>Most welcome, thanks - hope it help a bit!</p>
<p>That was a great post - I especially liked,</p>
<p>“if you are trying to get in on a sport, you need a minimum portfolio of achievement, just like the academics. Be realistic. Everyone needs an edge. Your daughter or son will feel stress in the process if you are trying to create an image that has no substance.”</p>
<p>Whether you’re going D1 scholarship, Ivy or NESCAC - take an honest look at your athletic level and set your sights accordingly</p>
<p>I feel like I should know this definitively, but on another thread I read about parents talking about who went on their kid’s OVs as though it is common for a parent to go. My kid is doing 4 OVs at Ivies. I was not planning to go, even to hang out at a hotel. Do most parents go? Do parents meet with the coach at the end? Is there some negotiation a parent should be involved with at that time?</p>
<p>I don’t know that there is a right answer, but we went on our daughter’s OVs at different Ivies. In one case, we met with all of the track coaches. The kids went off with their host, and the parents stayed for about 90 minutes for a meet and greet with Q&A at the end. Important information was exchanged like EFC, etc. We then went left and our daughter took the train home at the end of the visit. In another example, the school really encouraged parents to stay. Pizza with the coaches and kids one night followed up with a brunch and a dinner another night. The brunch was for parents and coaches only. In both cases, helpful information is exchanged and relationships are formed with coaches and parents. It’s an opportunity for you to get to know the coaches as well as the coaches to get to know the parents. My philosophy is that you are selling a package: Both you and your student athlete. If the parents are liked by the coaches, that halo effect can trickle down to the athlete. If the parents seem difficult, it can have the reverse effect. I think it’s important to be a sponge. Absorb the information, but let the student athlete represent themselves. Also, if you have face time with a coach and you develop a relationship, it makes it easier when you have follow up questions for them. It also makes it more comfortable for the coach to reach out to you. Your student athlete should ultimately be the main point of contact. You should be there for support and a second opinion (if they ask). One more thing. I was able to get some insight on the OV. Who were the coaches recruiting and in what events? What other schools were the athletes visiting? You can find out this info by observing, not interrogating.</p>
<p>wow TFS, I had not considered that. We did meet the coaches unofficially this summer and had time to ask questions, chat etc. It was very interesting to be sitting there when kid asked about the program, practices, kid’s status etc. We felt that we connected well with 3 of the 4 coaches that kid will OV with. But we are from West coast; it’s not a train ride home. Did all the parents attend? I do not want to jeopardize kid’s chances, but it would be a large commitment to fly out, stay in hotels for 5 nights, miss work etc - for two or three weekends this fall. Of course it’s worth it, but it is something to consider.
Anyone else? Should I be planning for this? None of the coaches has mentioned the parents being there, or brunches or meetings etc.</p>
<p>T, totally get it. That would be a huge expense and commitment for you and may not be feasible. Not an expert on the NCAA rules, but I think if the school has the budget and is willing, they can pay for a parent’s hotel room and three meals, but not transportation. Maybe someone can clarify?</p>
<p>If you can’t attend an OV, it’s not a dealbreaker. Just something that may aid in the process. If they want your student athlete, they will pursue them regardless.</p>
<p>I would like to hear from others on this as well. Also from the West coast and did many unofficial visits on the east coast this summer. At the ones where official visits were discussed, I did not get the impression that they wanted or expected parents to attend. But perhaps the ivys are different.</p>
<p>On OVs</p>
<p>We told our scholar-athlete to be easy to work with–meaning what the coach schedules is the right thing. </p>
<p>Athletes that are prima-donnas can difficult will be noted as such.</p>
<p>Also–being “second” is perhaps the reality—Perhaps an athlete isn’t in the top first choice list. </p>
<p>Also–the OV is for the scholar-athlete and not the parents.
This is NOT a “mommy and me” event. Your student should be able to fly/travel etc alone and it is about them seeing themselves on the campus and with the team…without mom/dad.
Overing parents/“smothers” are also noted. </p>
<p>The fin aid pre-read is done through the coach/fin aid office and can be sent to the parents…thats reasonable and expected.</p>
<p>I am talking HYP experience.</p>
<p>Thanks for this. </p>
<p>“Also–being “second” is perhaps the reality—Perhaps an athlete isn’t in the top first choice list.”</p>
<p>^^^
Kid is super easy, scheduling as they come; it is the school that is being the prima-donna and does not want to be second OV on that weekend (although they offered the OV later and after the Fri-Sat OVs were scheduled). And in fact that school is not the first choice either. Coming from the West, due to competitions and school obligations we have to schedule the 4 OVs over two very long weekends in September, so two schools have to go second (Sun-Mon). </p>
<p>Whew, glad I do not have to plan to go to the OVs.</p>