<p>I was invited on my first official visit to a top ranked school of my sport (track)! I've been told by the coach that my numbers (both in the sport and in the classroom) are above the average incoming freshman athlete/student average, which seems like a good sign! It's not my number 1 choice however and some coaches have hinted heavily at offering me an official after pre-reads (some of which are this week). A few questions about officials...</p>
<p>-How much does an official mean in terms of being offered a spot? How many athletes are usually invited on officials?
-What do I do if I don't want to/can't go to this due to my other top choices offering me official visits?
-Tips for official visits? </p>
<p>I'm VERY new to this and don't know what to do!</p>
<p>An OV is kind of a big thing, it indicates the program has serious interest in recruiting you. You are allowed to take up to 5 and they all take place after the first day of classes in the fall. Taking all 5 gets to be drag for most kids, I’d recommend keeping it to 3 or 4 at the max. If you get OV offers from 3 other schools that are higher on your list - it’s okay to politely decline the offer from school 1. </p>
<p>As for how many track athletes are invited to OVs - hard to say, but I’d say most schools will bring out about 2-3 times as many kids as they have openings.</p>
<p>First relax. Yes this can be overwhelming at a very busy and important time in your life. You’ve been doing all the right things to put yourself in this position. Whatever you are doing, keep doing it until you commit to the program you want. Second, varska is 100% right. This is a big thing as they’ve identified you as someone they want to get to know better.</p>
<p>Dress nicely, be courteous and listen to everything they say, don’t say and do. I would take notes at the end of the day and talk to your parents afterward about important things you liked or disliked. My son has hosted a bunch of recruits over the years, and the Coach always asked for the hosts feedback. It is very similar to an un-official visit except you get to stay over, they pay for most things, and it is time bound to 48 hours. </p>