<p>I am recruited by the track coach at Vassar who said explicitly that I would be supported as long as I apply early. However, since it's a D3 school which weighs academics the most, I'm wondering how much do varsity sports matter in the admission process. Will it boost my chance of getting in significantly? </p>
<p>My stats: SAT 2160 SAT Subject Math 800 Physics 770 GPA 3.98 </p>
<p>You definitely need to apply early to get the help from the coach, and YES, it will boost your chances significantly. What happens is you will be asked (if you haven’t already) to send in your transcript as it is currently. It is sent to Admissions and they get back to the coach about whether you have the goods to pursue or not. If so, the coach will let you know that you should still consider Vassar and that they will do everything they can to assist. Toward the end of the process, they typically invite their strongest recruits (those who can benefit the team and those with the grades and test scores to get in) to visit campus, stay overnight, and attend some classes, etc. It appears to me that they only go this route with those they really think they want and who can get accepted. The only way you shoot yourself in the foot at this point is either if you bomb the rest of your senior year or you come across as difficult to the members of the team…that kind of thing. Never want to say, “I hate running” in the company of track members for example.</p>
<p>Looking at your SAT scores and GPA, I will tell you that you are a strong candidate for sure even without the extra added bonus of running track for them, BUT there are applicants with even better stats than yours who get denied from Vassar every year. HOWEVER, do know that the track teams need to know that they have filled their roster (they need a certain number of sprinters, distance runners, field event participants), so if you decide you want to do regular decision, they will focus on other athletes who have shown a commitment to Vassar. Your application won’t get the seal of approval from the coaches, and you could miss out then. Actually, I think this is very risky. Vassar will commit to the athletes that have committed to them, and rightfully so.</p>
<p>So, bottom line is if Vassar is truly the place you want to be, and you really want to run track there, then apply Early Decision. You should remain in close contact with the coaches so that they know you are serious and interested. Vassar meets full financial need regardless of when you apply (ED vs RD), so that shouldn’t be an issue.</p>
<p>Thank you so much for your response! Very informative!
Maybe I was missing some essential information here. Coach did send my transcript to the admission office to do the early read but until now no reply at all. The thing is the coach told me he would support me prior to the early read so I am a bit confused here. Will he support me or not?</p>
<p>@greatcr7 - Sent you a message. I hope it works out for you.</p>