I wasn’t sure what forum to post this under, so let me know if there is a better place. The July 1st date when coaches can call is coming soon and I was hoping that other athletes or prospective athletes out there might want to share some info. and some tips.
One immediate question I have is what do you think the best response is if the coach asks you what other schools are recruiting you? Should you keep quiet about other schools that are recruiting you so that the coach doesn’t think that it is a waste of his time to go after you when there are other, perhaps more prestigious schools or schools with more money to offer, in the picture? or is it better to list the other schools so that the coach sees that you are really desirable and that if he doesn’t try hard to get you someone else will?
Those of you who have gone through this, what are these phone calls like? Any suggestions on what to say or maybe on what NOT to say?
<p>coldcomfort, I haven't been through this kind of process but I would be honest about everything they'd like to know from me and I'd expect them to be honest in turn. It may also be wise to research the schools beforehand if you know which ones are likely to contact you. That helps to be confident and in case there is a school that you would absolutely not like to attent, then you can tell them right away that you're oriented toward a different direction. Otherwise, just be yourself and take it easy. They are interested in YOU after all.</p>
<p>I would reccomend that you be honest about other colleges recruting you. Perhaps if you are competing for an athletic scholarship, they will increase their offer once they see that other schools are competing for you. However, if you really want to play for a certain college make sure the cach knows this.</p>
<p>There is no mystery to a coach that many schools are going after the same athletes, and they all know each other. In fact all schools in the same division go after most of the same players, depending if you have the stats (athlete stats) for the school. Be honest.</p>
<p>The deadline is only when they can contact you. Most serious athletes long ago contacted them (freshman year). In fact, very few people get recruited who haven't been posturing for it for years.</p>
<p>I think I can help a lot here. When coaches call, tell them the best schools you are getting recruited by. When I told d3 coaches I had d1-aa offers, they only recruited harder: they knew I was a player and high-level recruiting doesn't always work out. And that leads me to my other point. As a senior in HS I weighed 275 lbs, ran the 40 yd dash in 5.1, and benched 225 34 times. However, I am only 5'11" ish (might be 6 now, I've been growing). Coaches couldn't get past my height. I ended up not getting recruited by any of the ivies (granted they were still talking to me in february of my senior year). Sometimes, things you can't control (namely size) will impact recruiting... don't be disappointed and don't give up!</p>
<p>Kirbus, thanks for your response. Let me ask you something else, I realize that the coaches are out "shoppping" right now, but when, if at all, would it be okay to ask if they really have a spot for me? All these coaches have my transcript, scores, stats, recs, and video and I assume that they have collected everyone else's as well so they must have a pretty good idea of who they really want, but are really upfront with you about that? How about the coaches who ended up not recruiting you, when did they let you know where you stood? did they lead you on while they waited to see who they could get or were they pretty honest about your chances from the start? Thanks for any stories you are willing to share, coldcomfort.</p>
<p>Tweek, I'm playing DT in college. D1-aa schools normally want lineman to be 6' 2" and taller. I'm going to MIT (I was recruited by Lehigh and Bucknell, but I didn't apply. The other schools that wanted me were D3).</p>
<p>Coldcomfort, it really depends on the sport. For football, the D1-a signing date is in january, so d1-aa coaches usually have their stuff in by feb. I'd wait till a couple months after your season before you call and ask. And you can be upfront about it. It saves you and them a lot of hassle.</p>
<p>As for the schools who didn't end up recruiting... you'll learn that D3 coaches are the best people in the world. They answer emails, they talk to you personally, they give you straight answers (major kudos to JHU, CMU, and MIT). I never knew exactly where I stood with d1-aa coaches until the end. Some schools called and told me, others never said a word.</p>
<p>Other people may have different experiences, but that was how it happened for me and the rest of our team (we had a highly successful team with 26 seniors, many of whom are going to play in college. We had everything from D3 to D1-A)</p>
<p>Sorry if I sound terse, but I'm in a bit of a rush</p>
<p>I have some experience in this area as well, my brother went through the football recruiting process 2 years ago, and I am going through it now. He really used it to his advantage, as he got into a school he would have had 0% chance of getting into without football.
In regards to telling them what schools are recruiting you, definately tell the truth as it will only interest/motivate them more.
My brother went through the D1-AA or D3 dilemma, and ultimately chose D3. I on the other hand, am leaning more towards the upper level. (luckily I have better grades than my brother and this has put me in a better situation, i am also a better player as well....haha) It's really dependant on the player on what they would prefer. At the D3 level, you could go into a more low key program and have the potential to play right off the bat. At D1-AA, theres a bigger time commitment with spring practice and other aspects of the team.
One of the best things you can do is go visit some schools you're interested in this summer. Either let the coach know you are comming, or just show up in the athletic offices. This really lets them know of your interest. I did this over spring break, and the coaches I met at the 5 schools i went to seemed real enthusiastic. Also, if you call them, that also lets them see your interest.
It's nice to see some other recruited athletes on the forum, I was getting worried. It is definately not an easy process, but you got to do what's best for you.</p>
<p>The first ever MIT player gone pro. Between plays he mathmatically figures out how to win the game. Tells the kicker how to calculate wind impact. How cool would that be?</p>
<p>suze- most athletes do not contact coaches starting in freshman year. For most sports, it is junior year performance that matters, and for football and basketball, senior year plays a big part. For the individual "timed" sports, freshman times don't tell a coach much at all.<br>
There have been some good threads on "likely letters" and recruiting. Do a search on the Parents Forum. There is some great information. It is best to be honest with the coaches, and HOPE that they are honest with you. You should flat out ask them if you are one of their top recruits and if you will be getting a likely letter. Things will be in flux until fairly late in the process. There are kids who will be rejected ED who were told by a coach that they were "in". Only Admissions can admit you to the school-not coaches.</p>