Midwestmom,
Of course - as usual - you are right. It is best to apply ED1 and to do everything in your power to ensure that you completely understand the athlete’s status in advance, if possible in writing. I simply wanted to clarify that in the NESCACs there is a second ED round (which is used by recruits) should things not work out ED1. Of course, it should be avoided if possible, not only for the reasons you cite. Due to the deadlines (which usually coincide with regular admission deadlines), a recruit applying ED2 must still apply to all the schools under consideration, typically during winter break. ED1 certainly is the best chit, it simply is not the only chit.
@gointhruaphase – This is like counting angels on the head of a pin. From a practical standpoint, you have to approach the process as if you have one ED shot at getting swim coach support to gain acceptance to a selective NESCAC school. You shouldn’t commit to making that existential leap unless you’ve had crystal clear communication as to where you stand with the coach. We know some wonderful kids who were both good swimmers and good students get rejected ED1 because of illusory coach support. Their options after that were severely limited.
Like many things in life, your first shot is your best shot in these circumstances.
@Ted45211
Some of the NESCAC schools already have their rosters posted for this year.You can also look at years past and that can help give you an idea of how many swimmers join each year. Granted numbers can change based slightly on number of grads but coaches seem to like certain size team based on their comfort level with pool size and travel team restrictions.
My sons recruiting class this year was very large.I think 8/9 graduated and I think there is 12/13 new freshmen.
I believe about 2/3 of the recruits who went on the OVs actually decided to attend.
Asleep,
Of course, one should not make an ED1 selection without doing one’s homework and doing everything in one’s power to make sure there is no coach-recruit misunderstanding. I will say that I was grateful for the ED2 admission option at a selective NESCAC. It is there. Much depends on the circumstances, naturally, and in a perfect world no athlete would have to look past ED1. But, the world isn’t perfect . . …
Hey Fleisch-all 12 swimmers couldn’t have needed solid support- the NESCAC coaches don’t have that many kids they are allowed to support. Numbers are 4 men and 4 women, from what I heard in the past- has to average 30-32 on their ACTs depending on the school…Higher scorers can be used to balance a less academic recruit, or just get a “I’d like to have this student” at Admissions…
I have also heard of new coaches getting a few more “slots” because of higher than usual attrition, or using slots up a year ahead…Don’t know if Admissions holds the feet of the coach in the fire on that one, but the schools have a “gentleman’s agreement” not to out-recruit each other .
The OP asked how many athletes from the OVs might apply ED
I was just answering the question asked from one of the posts
By no way was I saying they all had coaches help or even how many had support
Just giving the info from my kids swimming class this year
Hope all is well OBD
My daughter has decided to apply ED1 at a selective NESCAC school. Coach offered support and indicated excellent chance of admission as long as she maintains grades. Anyone had similar experience? If so, admission is likely? Thanks!
You need to find out what “excellent chance” means. Did you ask for a pre-read? Was it favorable? You should do that before pushing the “send” button on that ED application.
Ask how many recruits is the coach supporting thru the admissions process, what number recruit your D is, and how many of the coach’s ED recruits are accepted over the past few years.
Then you’ll know if admissions is likely.
Thanks! Did do a pre-read and was quite favorable. will ask coach some of those questions. Thanks!
Ted45211 – how did it turn out for your daughter? 