Order of Official Visits

<p>Does it matter in which sequence the visits are scheduled? My daughter has her safeties clambering for early September. Do the coaches tend to pressure the athletes to make a commitment during the visit? Also, I would hate for her to find she can't miss any more school to take the visits to her higher choices (she needs to travel across the country). But then again, they may not come through. I appreciate any suggestions or help.</p>

<p>Well, it’s great that some schools are wanting her early - that indicates she is a top recruit for that program. Yes, you will be asked to commit quickly. (The coach needs to fill the class and wants answers quickly.) Remember, you are limited in the number of OVs you can take.</p>

<p>What is interesting about the process, is that interest by one program often prompts interest from other programs. So, I would suggest that she call the schools she is interested in, tell the coach that that school is her top choice, but that the other school has offered her an OV; then ask whether the coach will be offering her an OV, and when. This will also give a glimpse into her standing at her preferred school.</p>

<p>In our case order did matter. My son went on two OVs and at the close of both, there was specific discussion on what the offer was/wasn’t. My son had to decide on the second school’s offer, which when it was put in writing, had a 14 day response window. This response was due before the date he had set for a third OV, which he ended up not taking. We were up front with all coaches about what OVs were planned and at what schools.</p>

<p>Looking back, I think we should have done things different as the third school might have been a better fit, but once the second school put a very real offer on the table we (parents & son) all thought it was too risky to let it expire to check out the third school, which at that time was more of an unknown.</p>

<p>My son has told the coaches that he will schedule the OVs after his national meet. Hopefully by then he can prioritize. Not sure how it will work out - only time with tell. </p>