<p>Hi I'm new to this so I may ask some bad questions but it would be great if you guys could help me out and answer some questions! I am currently being recruited as a swimmer.</p>
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<li><p>Two OV's comin up for me, Brown and Cornell. I literally CANNOT decide which one is better. Cornell's coaches seems a lot more nicer and passionate about swimming. Their swim team is also a bit faster. Brown is in Providence, which is about ten times better than Ithaca (in my opinion). I also like Brown's school a lot more because of laid back education, fewer people in a class, and i think theyre a bit stronger in medicine (which is what i wanna learn) etc. It would be EXTREMELY tough for me to reject either of them so I'm gonna need your advices. I would guess the coaches need an answer from me soon after OV so I need to decide soon. Also, I am just worrying about ED right now so I can only choose one.</p></li>
<li><p>How would admissions department know that you are an athletic recruit when you apply? Is there a special supplement app that athletes fill out instead of the normal one? Will I have to mention somewhere that i am a recruit? If so, where do I mention that? Will the coaches tell the admissions that I am a recruit? </p></li>
<li><p>After being invited for OV what are my chances of getting in? I know that they invite more people for OV than they actually have spots for, but if I really want to go to their school are they pretty much gonna let me in?</p></li>
<li><p>I have an average of 91%, 1950 SAT 1 (thats low i know), 720 Math 2 SAT Subject. Is there a chance that even if the coaches give me support the admissions will reject me? Or do you think if coach gives me support I am likely to be accepted?</p></li>
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<p>I apologize if some questions are a bit absurd, but I not very familiar with the recruiting process and I hope to learn more from you guys!</p>
<p>Based on your stats, you will probably need a Likely Letter to be admitted to either of those schools. A Likely Letter is a letter from the Admissions Office that basically states that you are likely to be admitted to the school. The coach can ask for a Likely Letter for you, but it comes from the admissions office. </p>
<p>Coach support comes in different forms. The most significant is seeking a Likely Letter on your behalf. Next would be putting your name on a list of student-athletes that the coach wants for his team, but doesn’t have enough slots for, meaning the coach cannot fully support you with a Likely Letter. And then there is the song and dance routine, we would love to have you on the team, you would make a great addition, your best shot is to apply ED and if you get in, we’ll see you in the fall. </p>
<p>As I said above, based on your stats, you will need a Likely Letter to be admitted. If you are a strong athlete and the coach really wants you, you will be offered one. If the coach is unable to offer you a Likely Letter, be very cautious with applying ED. Be aware, many
athletes confuse the song and dance with true coach support, only to be rejected after they have stopped communication with other coaches. If you do not receive full coach support, do not stop your recruiting efforts! Be honest with coaches, but stay in the game until you are accepted by admissions.</p>
<p>I agree with the advice above. Your academics are quite low, so if you are not offered a likely letter by either of these coaches, it is very unlikely you’d be admitted from among the pool of regular students. Therefore, for now you should definitely pursue other schools for which your stats are a better fit. Because your academics are a little weak for the Ivies, you might benefit from Brown’s open curriculum and pass fail policy.</p>
<p>Secondly, the OV will probably do a lot to help you decide which university you like better. Search this thread for info. about what to look for in a program and what questions to ask the team members and coaches.</p>
<p>Let’s assume for a second that either coach is able to support you through a LL or ED application. Your application will be flagged and sent to a special Admissions Committee for athletes. For your sake, I hope you are a very strong swimmer as your academic stats are on the low side.</p>
<p>You mentioned that the Cornell swimming coaches were nicer and more passionate, but you liked Providence over Ithaca. You also mentioned that Brown had a better medical program in your opinion. I think you have a lot to reconcile here. First, you will be with these coaches for 4 years. If you’re not feeling wanted or feel that they are not as passionate about it as they should be…that can be a problem. Second, know thyself. The difference between Providence and Ithaca is significant. I went to school near Providence and my son goes to school in Ithaca. My son did not want to go to school in a city otherwise he would be in Boston right now. You need to figure out what is your preference is and embrace it because you’ll be there for 4 years. Lastly, I would go where you feel your major is better suited. If you get hurt or drop the sport you want the quality education you are paying for in your major. I would think these things through by being honest with yourself and then applying ED with a clear conscience. ED is binding. Best of luck.</p>
<p>Also, you may need to push the coaches before they offer a Likely Letter. If neither of these coaches is willing to give you a likely letter, you should probably look elsewhere–but you may need to force the issue. It is getting late in the day as likely letters can be issued as of 1 October so you may want to press it. We started raising this at the end of September and my son ended up having three schools ready to offer likely letters, but none of them raised the possibility until we asked them directly.</p>
<p>You should ask the coaches your questions about LL, admission, the strength of their support, etc. I know several athletes who received LL (at Brown) without ever asking for it or the coach ever mentioning it before they had the LL in hand.</p>