<p>So it looks like Dream West Coast School is interested in my 2013 D after all and now making a valiant last minute run at her. Unfortunately, their reputation, whether accurate or not, precedes them with several of my daughters high school recruits left at the alter despite assurances of spots and admission. Not sure of circumstances but story goes that two blue chip recruits, in unrelated sports, had to make last minute scrambles to other schools when Dream School offered their spots to higher ranked recruits. With her recent SAT's scores hovering at 2000 level and weighted GPA sustaining 4.5 range, we seem to have a reasonable shot with admissions with coach's endorsement, of course.
The Dream School coach has been incredible forthcoming with info, in fact suggesting that we have a back up plan and back door if things go awry. But by committing to Dream School on ED will we alienate the formerly Number 1 or 2 option school and lose that opportunity generously presented. I understand the musical chairs scenario, and do not want to be left without a seat.
My question is...do we run whole heartedly with the ED application to Dream School knowing their is no binding comittment until ED notices are presented in the fall, providing back up school a soft comittment that they are our second choice and hope the scholarship offer stands? The Dream School reputation does cause a bit concern as we consider the ED process and the fallout that may accompany the decision.
I understand this is what happens on the recruiting trail and coaches are very familiar with the process and the related politics, but it seems quite callous and insensitive to the back up schools.
Truth and honesty in all communications is always the best policy but we are certainly feeling the pressure from several coaches as commitment dates grow closer and roster spots are starting to fill up.
Any thoughts would be greatly appreciated.</p>
<ol>
<li>If the D is hurt day #1 of practice and can’t play her sport will she be happy @ “Dream School” ?</li>
<li>Does “Dream School” have her intended course of study, since most female athletes don’t play professional sports upon graduation?</li>
<li>Has “Dream School” done anything to change their reputation of leaving recruits high & dry?<br></li>
<li>Does the leaving potential student/athletes high & dry carry over from the recruiting process to the team? If so does D want to play for a coach for the next 4 years that does this? How large is roster turnover annually?</li>
<li>What about "formerly #1 & #2 schools? If they have D’s major and are they forthright about wanting D? It’s really nice to be wanted by a coach who has a 4 year plan instead of one who may always be looking to trade up to the “next best thing”.</li>
</ol>
<p>Best of Luck.</p>
<p>I suppose this will come down to your D’s willingness to take a risk in the hopes of attending her dream school. In my D’s case, we decided it was not worth taking any risks and we chose from schools that made firms committments to support her application. But all the schools (including her dream school) were almost equal in quality (and demand) so taking a risk on the dream school may have resulted in her losing all her high end options. Luckily, she fell in love with another school after an official visit. </p>
<p>I don’t think we would ever take such a risk unless all the dream school alternatives were sure bets and my D didn’t care which one she ended up at if her dream school fell through.</p>
<p>Good luck!</p>