Official and Unofficial...

My daughter is going to be visiting a school and they have given her the choice of making it an official or an unofficial visit. I thought the school made that choice. I know with an official visit the school pays for some or all the expenses. We can afford to pay for the trip..Other than the school paying for expenses, is there any other benefits to going on an official visit?

One example that comes to mind right away is that you are limited to 5 Official Visits. So, you can decide whether you think your dd will take more than five with this visit.

TamiAz said:

My daughter is going to be visiting a school and they have given her the choice of making it an official or an unofficial visit. I thought the school made that choice. I know with an official visit the school pays for some or all the expenses. We can afford to pay for the trip..Other than the school paying for expenses, is there any other benefits to going on an official visit?

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As a junior DD tagged along with the HS seniors on their official visit. The only differences I saw were minor things governed by the NCAA. I think she had to skip breakfast off campus with the coaches and she had to pay for her own food at a football game. May as well let them pay. Good luck and hope it goes well.

MNDad said:

As a junior DD tagged along with the HS seniors on their official visit. The only differences I saw were minor things governed by the NCAA. I think she had to skip breakfast off campus with the coaches and she had to pay for her own food at a football game. May as well let them pay. Good luck and hope it goes well.

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Thank you, for your replies.. I thought unofficial visits were for potential athletes to tour the school, meet the coaches, players..etc. Getting to know you kind of thing. Then if you were high on their list you would be invited back for an official visit and possibly get an offer. Are offers made at unofficial and official visits? Do players go on official visits and not get offers from schools? I guess I don't understand the recruiting process completely and I'm confused that they would give her the choice on what type of visit.

Any time you go there it can be an unofficial. Take advantage and go to a bunch of football games if you are close to the school!

TamiAz said:

Thank you, for your replies.. I thought unofficial visits were for potential athletes to tour the school, meet the coaches, players..etc. Getting to know you kind of thing. Then if you were high on their list you would be invited back for an official visit and possibly get an offer. Are offers made at unofficial and official visits? Do players go on official visits and not get offers from schools? I guess I don't understand the recruiting process completely and I'm confused that they would give her the choice on what type of visit.

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Normally Unnoficial Visits are anything that takes place prior to senior year. Official visits are only allowed for seniors.

The school can make verbal offers at either, or over the phone after the visit. The offer isn't binding until your DD signs her National Letter of Intent (NLI). While there's no legal contract from a verbal, most schools honor them. Some kids are offered on the spot. Don't be discouraged if she's not though. DD didn't get an actual offer until the school received her HS transcripts.

I don't know your situation so I am speaking generally. If your daughter is able to take an official visit then she is coming to the end of the ride and will be making a decision in the next few months. What is the likelihood of her taking 4 more visits by spring? Or are any of the schools expecting answer by early signing? If she has a ton of schools recruiting her then pick her officials wisely. If any visit is requested then it is not out of line to ask if an offer will be made and the terms of the offer. They(the coaches) do not hold all the cards especially if they are making the enquiring of your dd. GOOD LUCK!!