My daughter passed the pre-read at an IVY. (She has very high test scores and GPA and has great leadership examples, etc. but she doesn’t have a great 2k time). Many members of her team were dropped after pre-read. The coach emailed my daughter and told her that they would be reviewing all the files of all the candidates and would be in touch and asked my daughter update her changes in her 2k. My questions are 1. Do you think by now, they have already sent our official visits offers to their top recruits? 2. What is the latest that offers for official visits are sent? 3. Is it a good idea for my daughter to follow-up with the coach in a week or so to see where she stands and emphasize that the school is her number choice and would be committed to rowing all 4 years ? 4. Would an email from her coach recommending help? Thank-you?
I can’t answer all your questions, but I’d immediately start to improve your kid’s 2K time. Have you asked your kid’s current rowing coach for a recommendation?
If it were my kid, then I’d find the best CrossFit box in your area. There are ERG’s in every CrossFit gym (“box”) in America. Rowing and strength and conditioning, specifically designed to improve ERG times, are embedded into the daily routine. I’d look online for a “box” nearby and ask if they’ve got a rowing expert on staff and explain the situation and they could design a plan to achieve a faster 2K ERG time.
I’m terrible, and old, but I’ve progressively decreased my 2K ERG times with some tips from an online rowing program and increasing my strength. To me, the ERG time is PRIORTY ONE.
My knowledge is from track not rowing, but for what it’s worth…It sounds like the coach is being pretty up front about the process. Obviously, your daughter will want to respond enthusiastically to the coach’s email and mention that she’s looking forward to learning about next steps, etc. But after that, I’d allow some time to let the coaching staff do the review that was mentioned. If she hasn’t heard anything in a week or two she can follow up and let the coach know that she’s lining up her schedule and is wondering if she’ll be invited for an official in the fall. In answer to your questions: yes, it’s possible that top recruits have already been invited. But it’s not unusual at all for invites to come in August, or even later, for athletes who will eventually receive support.
It’s hard not to overthink what might be happening in the background but ultimately it’ll sort itself out. I think what I’d be doing if in your position is to make sure that this isn’t my only option. If your daughter hasn’t reached out to all the coaches for programs in which she might have interest, now is the time. If she’s already narrowed to top choices, then continuing to communicate with coaches as appropriate is the best thing she can do.
Hopefully others with more rowing specific recruiting knowledge will chime in. Personally, I wouldn’t make training changes at this point. It sounds like she has a coach. I’d stick to what that coach says as far as training.
Thank you. She has officials with two other schools. This Ivy is her top choice though.