<p>Hi,
I am a junior being recruited to play at the DI/Ivy level. I have already talked to an Ivy coach (my dream school) and she are very confident in my athletic ability and potential to make an impact right away and my grades are not a problem. The only thing stalling the process is the lack of standardized test scores (SAT Jan/ACT Feb). </p>
<p>So this really means I should be studying my SAT vocab but I am here contemplating the next step. I've asked the coach about athletic admissions, but she basically keeps deflecting the questions until i get those scores in. </p>
<p>After that response and even more confusing terminology on the forum, I figured it might be useful to have a beginner's timeline on this board. </p>
<p>Ivies don't offer NLIs, yet people can 'sign' with them; what are they signing? Do Ivies only hold verbal commitments until admissions gives admission? Is a likely letter one-sided (only coach to player)? I know verbals are non-binding for the athlete, but are they non-binding for the coach as well (decided later not to recruit)? For DI, does NLI guarantee admission? </p>
<p>MY understanding is that Ivy Likely Letters are basically a binding commitment from the school that you will be admitted unless you do something (akin to the level you would do after a normal April 1 final admission) for them to rescind an offer (ie arrested, grades drop in half, etc).</p>
<p>What sport do you play Shannon? You’re lucky to be getting such great interest so early! Good luck!</p>
Actually, nothing. Our HS had an athlete signing day and D had her Ivy LL. They gave her a blank piece of paper to sign for the photo.</p>
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I don’t know if I’d even use the term ‘verbal commitment’. Until the Ivy admissions office gives it’s blessing, there is no commitment in place at all.</p>
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The player isn’t legally bound by the Likely Letter. A coach can’t require any sort of commitment by the player in order to issue one. That said - a player that demonstrates a high level of interest, is issued a LL and chooses to go elsewhere is really screwing over the coach, the team and also the kid who wanted to attend that school but was denied a LL.</p>
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Nope. There is a provision that the NLI becomes null and void if the athlete is denied admission.</p>
<p>**ShannonHadley said…"So this really means I should be studying my SAT vocab but I am here contemplating the next step. I’ve asked the coach about athletic admissions, but she basically keeps deflecting the questions until i get those scores in. **</p>
<p>Grades are important, but they are only part of what is needeed. Truthfully, I would focus all of your attention on the SAT or ACT, and worry about all that other stuff later. Most everything else is meaningless untill you get the necessary SAT/ACT scores that will allow your coach to make a case for you to Admissions . Ivys cast a broad net for recruits because they have to…you’re in the net and that is a good thing. However, you’ll need to get the necessary board scores to stay in that net, and advance to the next level in Ivy recruiting. You still have a ways to go. </p>
<p>In addition, I would continue to pursue any school that has interest in you, and you have interest in them. Please don’t assume anything is a done deal until you are accepted or recieve a LL. Best of luck.</p>
<p>fenway- very nicely stated. I am defiantly aware of the importance of the SAT, however I consider myself an externally-motivated/internally-disciplined kind of gal. For me, knowing what lies in the future makes me more excited for the baby steps.</p>