Ok, I am bewildered at what our ‘hook’ is, other than this kid loves crew.
He is LD (dyslexic and ADHD), and one of those kids who paints an interesting profile. Award winning photographer, excels at building things (won the school record for a physics project on building a car with a rubber band and other set supplies), has been working since he was 13, first in an RC store that hired him - he didn’t apply, they asked him to work for them - fixing RC stuff then moved into sales and outsold many full time workers at the holiday season, then asked, again, didn’t apply, to intern at THE camera store for the professionals in our large city. I could go on…
Doesn’t excel at academics. Yes, he could work harder.
As a mom, I don’t know where to go in looking at colleges. We are in Texas. He liked U Arkansas and their engineering program, and I know they do well with LD kids, and he could get in, grade/test wise. BUT he would like to row.
University of Wisconsin, Purdue (club), University of Michigan are on the top of his list.
BUT, is this doable? Could he get in? Looking at stats, I would say no. Of course we will try…but I would appreciate ANY thoughts from those that have been there.
Has he looked into UDel? I’ll be rowing HYP next year (lightweight) and he doesn’t quite seem to cut Ivy standards in general, academically or athletically. If he’s looking to be recruited, I (don’t quote me on this) think that he can be recruited to UDel! They are a highly competitive program and absolutely worth looking into. The best thing for him to do is to initiate contact (I’m assuming he’s a junior?) with coaches at programs he is interested in. Creating conversation will always help! PM me if you have more questions
I will mention that do him. Thanks…I know he has spoken/contacted a few coaches, but they are just under Ivy standards, and not sure that is the best fit. I appreciate your post. thanks
Maybe, he needs to send about 20 letters to colleges.
This might be a good experience for him in organizing this project.
Also, just wondering, if you should leave out the disability issues. I am not sure they are relevant to the sport, and you don’t want him to send the wrong message that this could be an issue that the coach has to deal with.
I would also suggest to him that while he mentions his academic interests, he play up the crew aspect more as after all they are crew coaches and that is what they are interested in.
I was also upfront with my academic pursuits. After all, you are going to college to learn and contribute as a student–not just to row in college. You need to be able to convey passion for both the program and the school, and have a lot of reasons why. I know kids who didn’t show interest past wanting to row for a program (but had no reasons as to why they wanted to attend from an academic standpoint) and they were blatantly told to look elsewhere by the coaches. At the end of the day, you want to love the school and just be lucky enough to have the ability to row there as well.
He sounds like he has some amazing gifts. I think what’s complicated here is that he sounds like a classic lightweight physique, and not many schools have a dedicated lightweight program. In order to find the right place, you will probably want to find the teams that will put lightweight boats together for races. After a point, it’s just hard to compete with the heavies in terms of size and power when you’re 6’ and 160 (that’s just about where my s is).
I am a big fan of club rowing! I really suggest checking out schools where he’d like to be for academics first, and then if there is no varsity rowing, look for club rowing. Some schools have fierce club programs that take home major honors at the big regattas.
First think what would be best in Texas. He won’t be that far and you can support him easier. Also in-state tuition!
But I thought of Rochester Institute of Technology. They have engineering, Mens Crew, and they also have a Support Program for kids on the “spectrum”…I know that is not your kid’s issue but maybe the support needed might be similar .http://www.rit.edu/studentaffairs/ssp/info.php
Also look into the disability accomodations that each college can provide.
Do you have Naviance at your school? If so see the grades of the kids got into Purdue.
Methinks you are aiming a bit too high and should look at colleges that fit his ACT/GPA.