<p>I have above average grades but I am not good at taking standardized tests; therefore, I am interested in learning if it would be possible for me to aid my admissions process to schools like northwestern and upenn by trying to get recruited or noticed. I'm very good at soccer and have played my whole life, I'm not ridiculously incredible at it but I'm very good. I run track and I am above average in that. I'm a junior and plan on breaking 59 seconds in the 400 this year. If somebody could please let me know if there is a chance or if this is just a ridiculous idea and I should give up on ivy league. I have a 3.6 unweighted GPA and a 4.1-2 weighted. I'm hoping to get my SAT score up a little because I screwed up my answer sheet on my first test and I have yet to take the ACT's. I have 8 extracurriculars and 12 varsity letters and countless hours of community service. PLEASE HELP! (I summarized my academic information because I don't want to go on and on about my accomplishments etc etc) </p>
<p>Are you ranked top 10 of your high schools, academically? If not, don’t try to go to IVYs or schools like Northwestern. Thinking about this, all other kids in your classroom are top 10 or better at their public school. Are you in par with them? Young people like you should not take the unnecessary academic stress.</p>
<p>Yes I am ranked top 10 in my class, I could definitely handle the work load even though it’s no exemplified completely in my academic record. </p>
<p>For what it is worth, we have looked at various D1 and D3 soccer programs for my younger son who is still a sophomore to get a sense of what might be possible. If you look at the current rosters of most Ivy soccer programs, the players are coming from ODP and DAP programs, with state awards for high school play. Even programs that are not in the top 75-100 D1 programs, according to NCAA rankings, seem to have top competitive players. Being a solid club player does not seem to be enough, they have their pick of top talent. </p>
<p>So he is looking at whether soccer could be an edge in D3 LAC admissions, if he finds a school that he really likes. </p>
<p>If there are specific programs you are most interested in, you might reach out the coaches – but take a look at their rosters and see how you compare. Good luck with your search. </p>
<p>Your grades seem great, so academically I think you would be fine for an Ivy if you have the athletic piece. The best bet would be to speak to your coach and ask him if he thinks you are good enough to play D1.<br>
Best of luck.</p>
<p>Your thread question is different than your body question. So, I’m going to answer the body question since there are more details offered there. Bottom line is you have to stand out academically AND athletically to be a recruited athlete for these schools. Every sport is different, but athletes of this caliber are typically being recruited by many schools. You’ve got to show the coach that you are the right athletic level or above to compete on his team. In addition, I think it is a great idea to cast a much wider net than 2 schools. Pick 10-20 schools that are like Penn or Northwestern and let the numbers work in your favor.</p>
<p>First, if you are going to be recruited you have to catch the coach"s eye in whatever sport you play whether it is Big 10 or Ivy. If an Ivy coach is interested the first question will be about your grades which it sounds to me you may have 50% covered. The other 50% will be your SAT or ACT. I can’t speak for Big 10 coaches or Northwestern but I’m willing to bet it is somewhat similar. Probably even more emphasis on the athletic side of the equation.</p>
<p>Getting recruited as an athlete would definitely help your chances of being admitted - but you need to be a legitimate D1-caliber athlete to be recruited. Are you getting serious interest from any other D1 programs?</p>
<p>Anyone who tells you that students below the top ten kids in the class won’t get into Ivies or other top schools doesn’t know. I do interviews for an Ivy. Let’s just say, you’d be surprised. If a school has 2100 as their average SAT score, some have 2400s but others have 2000 or lower, especially athletes. A 2400 SAT score and 4.5 weighted GPA guarantees NOTHING, and a 2000 SAT score and 3.7 weighted GPA doesn’t mean no way, no how.</p>
<p>As an athlete, you have to get in there ASAP, focus on one sport (try track first, it’s more quantitative) and visit the campus. </p>
<p>You have to realize that other than HYPM, if you are targeting sports you are looking for 2000 or above SAT scores, most SAT II 700 or more, AP exams 4 or 5, GPA 3.5 or higher weighted. Anyone who tells you different is lying. Can you get into an Ivy with a 1800 SAT score and 3.2 GPA? Yes, some do. Yes, most do not but sports is a huge hook, as is being a legacy.</p>
<p>Try it, the worse that can happen is you don’t get an offer. But you have to start emailing coaches ASAP, and let them know your grades and test scores. Your HS track coach and club soccer coach should be helping you in this process.</p>
<p>Thank you everyone for your comments. Ill definitely start contacting some coaches. </p>