<p>I'm wondering how things are going for rowing recruits out there? My s has a couple of OVs and has been approached for others but he is wary of loading up on OVs if he isn't sure he wants to go there. He's also a lightweight and obviously there are very few lightweight programs but some teams without lightweight programs have reached out to him also.</p>
<p>The OVs he has scheduled are in september. Do schools have OVs in October also? (that's just a tough time because of regattas, so how does that even work?) Some of the schools my s was talking to have had (seemingly) sudden changes in pre read procedures and coaching, and schools who loved him in July aren't interested now, and schools who told him he wasn't good enough were suddenly interested. It's all so hard to understand and it seems to be based in part on admissions at these schools. Are they cracking down on the coaches, or is there something else going on across the country in the sport? I'm a relative newbie in this sport, so maybe some of you experienced crew parents can enlighten me as to what the field looks like.</p>
<p>I’m a lightweight rower in the midst of this whole process and I have a few officials coming up in September. Some programs do RD officials as well (Penn stands out to me) but I think most of the coaches are shooting for the earlier spots to make sure that their recruits attend (binding decisions). The pre-read process should be over at this point as officials are definitely being handed out/have been handed out. I had similar experiences too–one coach showed zero interest in me until July and I have an official in a few weekends at said university. I’m sure some schools will offer October OVs but on a pretty case-to-case basis. Just have your son talk to the coach about his availability and especially if the school is near you shouldn’t have any issues with making a more custom visit. </p>
<p>PM me if you have any questions. It’s definitely a stressful time until LLs roll around next month!</p>
<p>Thanks, cardio! Just finding the procedures different compared to his other sport (swimming). It would be great to have some answers sooner rather than later, but everything sounds so mysterious.</p>
<p>The recruiting process of any one coach or athlete can change daily. As a coach loses one hot recruit, he must fill the possible slot with another. Don’t try to make sense of every comment or lack of communication, just try to keep an open mind to developing opportunities. </p>
<p>The coaches are juggling their rankings of athletes and admissions’ pre-reads. Best of luck to your family.</p>
<p>thanks, fauve. my s already has a bunch of OVs so he has put on the back burner two schools that told him he was on their OV B list. It’s kind of funny that those two schools were the ones that called in July.</p>
<p>another school told him that they weren’t offering ANY OVs unless the athlete couldn’t do an unofficial visit. that particular coach won’t tell my s where he stands as far as admissions assistance unless my s sends in the app. I’ve never heard of that procedure before. No pre-read, just apply and then we’ll tell you if we will support your application. Is this common? it’s a bit difficult to choose the school where you haven’t had an OV, but we visited in the spring and it’s really a great school.</p>
<p>No, I haven’t heard of a coach insisting on a submitted app for consideration. Perhaps admissions is requiring it (or wants to up the numbers). As for OVs versus unofficial visits- well, if your son loves a college, then it makes sense to show your commitment by an unpaid visit, if possible. Not every coach has endless funds for OVs; or he keeps them for the tippy-top recruits. </p>