<p>S is a junior this year. He is nationally ranked and has multiple junior nat cuts (swimming). Now Sept is here. What can we expect from coaches in terms of email communications or should we expect anything at all? He has filled out the questionnaires for his top 10 schools and received some general emails from most coaches. He has also emailed the coaches at his top four schools and received general responses from two. We have no idea what to expect since now the coaches can initiate email communications. He is top 3% in class ranking and has a 2100 SAT and interested in D1, mostly Ivies. Thanks.</p>
<p>Not sure about swimming, but D is volleyball and she and her teammates got loads of emails just after midnight on Sept 1 and then letters within a couple of days. Make sure your son emails AND CALLS (very important) his top choices - I would say top 10, top 4 is a pretty limiting. Just filling out a questionnaire is not enough. Very exciting times - enjoy!</p>
<p>Swimming, The most important thing to remember about September 1 is that your S can expect/hope for RETURN emails from college coaches. Too many athletes wait for the coach to initiate the email on sept 1, and then when they don’t hear from their top choices, figure they are not wanted. So in other words, you shouldn’t “expect” anything without reaching out first.</p>
<p>Just like your S wants go to where he is wanted, coaches want to talk to athletes who want them.</p>
<p>So, this is the time for your son to take the initiative. And don’t be discouraged if coaches don’t reply right away. Update the coaches periodically. You never know when a coach will follow up.</p>
<p>We had little success with the online questionares. Many of the coaches DD talked to said they never even got them. One form she filled out went to the men’s coach of her sport even. We found emailing the coaches directly was the best way to make the initial contact. She emailed the coaches and included her cell phone number. Most coaches emailed back, some called back. She texts with several of the coaches on a regular basis now that they can text recruits. </p>
<p>Your DS’s SAT is a little on the low side for the Ivy’s, however, taken as a sophomore, that is pretty good. Make sure he takes it again in March/April.</p>
<p>I always like to point out to “new” parents, the Ivy’s do not give athletic scholarships (or merit) so keep that in mind. The advantage for an athlete at an Ivy is a push through the application process from the coach.</p>
<p>Also, keep in mind that it really varies from coach to coach as to response time, how they prefer to do the recruiting, etc. We set a “standard” of two emails and one phone call along with the online form. If DD did not hear back after that, we moved on to other opportunities.</p>
<p>Remember that they can’t call your son during his junior year (unless swimming is different…) so he is going to have to keep calling them until he reaches them. Include contact info for your swim coach - coaches were very good about connecting with D through her club coach prior to senior year when they could call directly.</p>