I’m a prospective MIT class of 2020 kid. I’ve been swimming since eighth grade, and since then I’ve become the best breaststroker on my team (female) and recruited by Caltech. I’m not worried about having recruitment as a hook, because if I can’t get in without it, then I’m obviously not prepared enough for MIT.
I’ve contacted the MIT coach, and she said that I could try out in the fall (if I get in). However, it’s very important to me-- and I think to my coach-- that I sign onto a team.
My time in the 100 Breaststroke is a 1:09.24, and I’m hoping I can get it below 1:06.13 (the team record). My 200 time is a 2:32.23, and I hold my club team record, but I’m pretty sure I could get at least below a 2:30. As my times are now, though, recruitment at MIT is not going to happen.
My plan of action is to get these better times (by late-February to mid-March, as this is when the season peaks), and then approach the coach again. I spoke with the coach from the year before (MIT recently switched coaches), and from what she told me, my times were just on the edge of recruitment (as they were, without improvement), but I have no idea what the new coach’s policy on recruitment is.
So the questions: Is the plan sound? Any tips? Do I stand a second chance of recruitment at MIT?
It sounds like you have a chance at walking on via Fall tryouts but recruitment is usually done earlier. Most of the kids on our swim team who were recruited the last 2 years had signed close to the national letter of intent day which is mid-November. We did have an athlete from a different sport sign with MIT later but the letter of intent day for that sport is later too. When you get your acceptances you’ll have to weigh out your priorities and see which schools offer the best match. Swim is one of the most difficult teams to make at MIT. One of my kids has also been recruited at other schools but 100% knows that swimming at MIT is impossible but loves the school so would be happy just doing rec sports vs going to a second choice school and swimming. Don’t think about what your coach wants; think about what will make you happy for the next 4 years.
I thought CalTech doesn’t recruit?
Caltech recruits… I went on a trip there this fall. But being a recruited athlete doesn’t boost your chances.
Most swimmers I know have signed their letters of intent in the spring, after high school season is over… Which is what I would be shooting for, I guess. I’d just like to sign on to a team… more for sentimental reasons. I’m the only person who wants to swim in college for my class ('16), and nobody from the last class ('15) swam in college. Regardless of where I go or whether I’m recruited, I’m going to swim or try something else.
Thanks for the input!
I should also mention that often swimmers are excellent at Crew. If swim doesn’t work out for whatever reason you may want to look into crew. One of my daughter’s friends went to a D1 school and was unsuccessful trying out for the swim team but did an erg test for crew and made that team and in less than a year made their top boat. Swimming apparently builds up the right muscles for rowing.