<p>I am a Women's Heavyweight Novice Rower who is attempting to row in college. I've been rowing for about 7 months and have limited sports experience prior to rowing. In this short time I've realized that I'd really like to row in college. I've contacted 3 college coaches who seem interested in the prospect of me becoming a student-athlete in their respected colleges. I am a bit worried about where I stand with those coaches and how far their interest falls for me. I'm hoping for an admissions hook (which some have offered), because with academics alone I may not get into these colleges).</p>
<p>As for my athletic and academic profile. . .
Height: 5 feet 11 inches
Weight: 179 lbs
2k: 7:55.3
State: Florida</p>
<p>GPA: 2.9 UW/3.3 W :(
SAT: 1950
ECs: I have substantial ECs prior to rowing, including leadership positions
Community Service: 100+ Hours at a Nursing Home and 100+ Hours at a Pediatrics Center
Intended Major: Initially Film Studies, but I may opt for Undecided
Ethnicity/Gender: African American Female
APs: 12 by the end of the year, 8 so far
Senior Coursework and Grades:
AP US Government and Politics:A
Nutrition and Wellness I: A
Honors Anatomy and Physiology: A
AP English Literature and Composition: A
Newspaper Staff: --
AP Psychology: A
AP Studio Art: A
(Taking AP Statistics Online): --</p>
<p>Colleges that have expressed interest. . .</p>
<p>University of Southern California(D1):
So I sent in the customary recruit questionnaire and a follow-up email. The assistant contacted me via email about 2 days later asking for my high school transcript, SAT or ACT scores, coach recommendation letter and full athletic resume. She recommended that if USC was one of my top 3 colleges (which it is) that I should submit my application by the December 1st priority deadline (which I did). I'm not sure if she recommended this because she thought I could benefit from the merit scholarships offered (which I most likely won't with my grades) or because it would be easier to support my case with admission on an earlier deadline. She told me that if I could get my 2K below 7:45 she would support my application in February-March (not exactly sure if this is just the bare minimum or if a score below 7:45 would get me in--doubt it). She says their are about 60 potential recruits and 30-40 spaces available, so competition is stiff.</p>
<p>Boston College (D1):
So I also sent in my information to BC who also seemed interested. The assistant coach there asked me to submit an "early read", basically transcripts and test scores that are sent to admissions to determine whether or not I'd be an academic fit. I kept a B+ average so far until my junior year when my grades fell due to personal issues. The BC coach says she's worried whether or not admissions would be able to over look my Junior Year grades so I'm trying not to put all my eggs in one basket. My senior grades have been excellent, though, and I have sent them along to her, but even that may not save me.</p>
<p>Wesleyan University (D3 LAC):
The process has been much like the others, but I'm not sure I could benefit from an admissions nod from a D3. So far the coach here has asked for other colleges I might be applying to and what I'd like to gain from going to this college.</p>
<p>All 3 coaches have been more than welcoming and accommodating, but I just need to know how to keep them interested and not fall into the discard pile of potential rowers because I am being recruited on potential at the moment and I'm sure there are other potential rowers with the same goals as me.</p>
<p>I'm sorry, this was longer than I expected it to be, but any advice would be appreciated.</p>