With early decision admission deadlines looming for the Senior class of 2018 I wanted to know when the D-3 schools and Ivies will be finished recruiting for this class. Is it fever pitch for them right now as they are trying to get that last minute recruit? Some coaches have said they need to wrap up the 2018 class. I am a junior in High School and starting to get more and more interest and contact from them. I want to stay in touch with them by sending updated test scores, achievements, and general notes of hello via email and such but I do not want to send at a time when they are focused on the current Senior class. I have been told by the coaches to keep them updated and they have responded when I do. I just don’t want to bother them if they are exceedingly busy at this time. Any thoughts or experience in this area would be helpful.
It depends on he sport. At the very least, sending updates that are relevant (e.g. performances in-season) are appropriate and show your continued interest in the program. And if you’ve initiated the contact, they can communicate back. We found that summer between junior and senior year is when they start collecting transcripts with junior year grades, standardized test scores, senior year course schedules and preliminary CSS profiles for admissions and financial aid pre-reads, so being on their radar screens at the end of your junior year is important.
Thank you @jmk518! I have been sending grades, test scores and such at the end of sophomore year and beginning of junior year already and have been told to keep them updated and keep sending.
I think it is generally true that recruiting slows down during the college team’s season and, for recruits in the next cycle or later, during the run up to the current cycle’s signing day, as coaches are working to keep their class intact/finish it off.
That said, coaches are always busy. It is the nature of the work, and they are used to it. I wouldn’t hesitate to keep sending short updates, especially if the coaches asked for them. I would just try and not flip out if it took a little while for the coaches to respond during certain times in the calendar.
What coaches have told us is that the most useful items for them is video, both game and skills. We posted video on a Youtube page and provided the coaches the link. You can see/track the activity on the post. The importance of video varies by sport and coach, but I think as a general matter, it is the most effective way to get on a coach’s radar screen. I also think that sending updates in “bursts” makes sense, especially right before camp/showcase/tournament season (most often the summer). If the coaches are seriously interested, they will tell you where they will be, unless of course you are some amazing prospect where they will want to know where you will be.
As Ohiodad said, this is their job. If the college team has the same season as the high school team, they are always going to be busy when you are setting new times or winning the state meet or tournament. Sometimes high school seasons are the opposite of college (golf, tennis, soccer can be opposite), and then you’d have a nice window to get noticed.
If they asked you to keep them updated, do it. If you see they are playing in a big tournament next week, send your info the week after.
To keep sending by email any updates is great - just so they don’t forget you but now is the time as you note for them to focus on this year’s class. What sport is it?
We’ve had coaches tell us while rolling their eyes about kids that will email them about the new flavored latte they had at Starbucks the other day. Thinking about how many hundreds (maybe thousands) of emails that land in a coach’s inbox, I am an advocate of sending them updates in judicious bursts. For example, at the end of a summer travel season, video, stat’s and honors with list of classes to be taken in the fall and any new test scores. At the end of a school season, video, stat’s, honors, current transcript and test scores. If there were a particularly big/important tournament (especially for individual sports), and you did well, I’d send an update. If there is an upcoming tournament/showcase/camp that you think the coach might attend, let them know.
If each of your communication is packed with good information, I think the coaches will more likely open and read the communication. I also feel there will be some appreciation that you are someone who respects other people’s time. If they affirmatively are asking for an update, by all means reply asap with whatever info they requested.
Another thing to add that DS did was, in addition to sending new times and as BKSquared notes at times when you actually have something to add something like we won Nationals etc. is to add in that email “Wow the team did great at XYZ!” showing you are following them as well
This is all good stuff thank you everyone! I typically send emails when I have an update such as game play or test scores. I have had coaches tell me to include regular life stuff as well so they can get to know more about me outside of school and softball. Basically I have been continue to communicate how each one has suggested.
@oldladyandmom @BKSquared @twoinanddone @Ohiodad51
The UAA and NESCAC are wrapping their ED/EA now but their boards will be pretty fluid with all the moving parts.
If you are in a fall sport, you should be sending weekly video highlights to all prospective colleges your interested in. Once the season is over, edit and send 60 second snipits and label them as such for a specific sub-skill set.
Ie. football lineman pulling, pancakes, pass pro, run block, etc.
Ie. Soccer run downs, headers, throwins, free kicks, assists, etc.
Your job is to stay in their inbox and actually be read.
Good stuff @fbsdreams!!! Thank You!!
@collegevisit, heard over the weekend from a NESCAC that their ED prospect applications had already been received - 6 of 6 in the bag! It’s getting tougher every year for NESCAC student-athletes as it’s a coveted mix of academics and athletics for many.
Wow that is great @Chembiodad!!!
@collegevisit, keep up the communication with the coaches and expect to have a busy spring/summer next year with coaches visits, pre-reads and then overnights in the early Fall - lots of work, but as my DD can attest it can result in a great outcome. Good luck!