What does this even mean?

So I reached out to a coach last Saturday and on Sunday I filled out the questionnaire for the school and was contacted on Monday asking me for my best times. I sent an email detailing my best times (that were well within the range of some of the better athletes on their team) and got an email response today that simply said “Please keep us posted if you decide to apply”.

Does this mean they aren’t interested in me? I am super interested in this school and had wanted to commit and apply ED2 if possible. Is this normal for D3 programs? Should I send an email back saying I planned on applying ED2? I know they use a slot system for their recruits and probably didn’t have many slots to offer but since this is a selective school would it be bad for a letter to admissions (app deadline is Jan 1)?

I also realize December of my senior year is a late time to go about trying to get recruited and its on me for waiting so long.

It means exactly what it says. Call the coach or asst coach and talk to them, they may be able to offer support. My D had two coaches offer her support for an ED2 app if she did not get into her 1st choice school ED1. This coach may still have spots avail. Email and call.

@mamom Should I just say "this is my #1 choice and I’d like to apply ED2? Do I need to make this a long email?

Should I mention that I’m concerned with getting in due to the low acceptance rate and ask for a letter to admissions or should I wait a few emails until we’ve established more of a relationship?

^ agree. I wouldn’t read much into the response. Coach could be traveling to visit family for the holiday, getting emails out fast between flights. Plus coaches get a ton of emails so can’t get too serious until they sense the athlete is serious about their school. What I would take from the replies is that they took the time to send you two emails rather than ignoring you. Get back in touch ASAP, let them know you’re very interested and would like to discuss the program. You can let them know you’re considering ED so they know you’re serious. At some point in a phone conversation or after a few emails back and forth, ask about the recruiting process and whether they are able to support your application.

You are definitely late to the game, but persistence is key. You may have to email them several times to even get a response.

Definitely cc asst coaches on any email and if you cannot reach the coach by phone, call the asst coaches, who seem to handle a lot of those phone calls anyway. If you haven’t already done so, email your academic transcript also. Good luck.

I agree with above commentary-though it is very late. They may have slots filled or not. I would ask if they have time to talk on the phone. You dont have time for much back and forth and guesswork

To add to what’s been said—EDI decisions are out. If the coach didn’t get all his recruits through EDI he may be more interested. My S told me that a few athletes who applied to his school EDI with support were not accepted. This could especially be true for a school with a low acceptance rate. Just make sure your academics are on par for the school so you’re not wasting anyone’s time.

If this is a track/XC coach you should consider that this week there is a large coaches’ convention in TX so it is possible the coach is not available to discuss admissions slots. But if he didn’t ask for transcripts, test scores, senior year classes, etc, he might only be able to take you as a walk-on. Probably worth a phone call to the recruiting coach.