@gardenstategal that is insightful and kudos to the schools that have figured it out.
I worry about the great student-athletes who are now middling athletically and academically. I’ll stop there lest we dive into a big fish - small pond vs. small fish - big pond debate which I imagine has been discussed here ad nauseum. Speaking of which, I need to find that thread.
@gardenstategal do the admissions teams value athletics a lot?
Like I think others have said, it depends a lot on the school, the particular sport, and the kid. Athletics can be just like any other EC — showing passion, commitment, time management ability, well-roundedness — or it can be more. If you’re a highly-regarded potential D1 recruit in the sport that happens to be the “money sport” at the school, it can be very important. If you play hockey and your Dad’s a former NHL player and current coach, that’s probably very important. Schools want to know that the superstar athletes can do the work as well, and some schools are willing to invest more in support to get those kids through, in better shape academically than they would have been. For most kids, athletics are one facet of who they are and can show a lot about their character.
As for kids who may go from “great” at home to “middling” at BS, well, that’s how you get better. Put yourself in a more challenging environment. If a student athlete has aspirations beyond high school, it’s better to find out sooner rather than later what your competition is. Plus it’s one of many great life lessons from BS — there’s always someone (or many) better, smarter, faster, etc.
The daily coach’s calls and emails “looking forward to seeing you on revisit day” are surprising for this level of play. My son is quite enjoying them!
@WildCat2023 do you mind telling me what sport your son plays and what schools are contacting you?
Track, basketball, football. To be vague - I think they call them Eight Schools Association. I don’t know the abbreviations.
I can only speak from our experience to @ImWaisian …agree with @Altras also. Being a nationally ranked athlete did help in the admissions process because (I think) AO’s took notice or, at the very least, gave them something to talk about during the interview process. It depends on what the school (teams) needs or is looking for. That being said, at least for kiddo, it was not just about sports! There was a perfect all A’s report card for 3 years, high SSAT, writing skills and academic awards - I am sharing this to advise you - don’t just rely on your athletics. Even if your kid is a superstar athlete if he/she doesn’t have the academic foundation and maturity, then BS may be a tough experience.
Some schools have students who are superstars in multiple sports - your kiddo will probably meet many other impressive athletes (including nationally ranked athletes) at one of the selective sports-focused schools.
During the admissions process, an AO at one of the selective schools told us quite frankly, “It’s nice that (golfkiddo) is nationally ranked and won XYZ tournaments, but that is just one sport. Most of our students are multi-sport varsity athletes and not focused in one area”. Luckily, kiddo pulled out the iPhone and showed the AO the highlight video from the other sport and performing arts. Be prepared because some AO’s may just not be impressed - they have seen it all! Also, don’t be surprised if your previous athletic achievements don’t get noticed or mean much once your at BS. Now it’s about what you bring to the team.
@Golfgr8 I am receiving an overnight package from Manchester, NH tomorrow by UPS overnight. Could it be Exeter?