Approaching recruiting when scholarship isn't needed

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Mar 26, 2013
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That said, I would only consider leveraging up to a school if she is realistically very close to to being accepted on academics alone.
Are you kidding?

Pass up a chance to go to Harvard, MIT, U of Chicago, or Stanford so that you can devote more time to learning how to catch a popup?

Sparky and I know kids who leveraged their softball so they could get into Harvard, Stanford, U of Chicago, and Colgate.

Those schools are in a whole different league than other universities.
^^^^^Point missed.

More along JAD's line, the schools who accept lower academic admissions standards from athletes have likely figured out exactly where the line in the sand needs to be drawn in that respect.
I agree with the conclusion of your previous post and it is particularly applicable to the examples in sluggers post since those schools are inundated with acceptable students. They're looking beyond academics and splitting hairs to decide which ones to admit as Coach JV posted.
 
Feb 17, 2014
7,152
113
Orlando, FL
I know quite a few kids that got into schools where they had no chance were it not for softball. Not to mention there is much more to an education than what happens in the classroom, especially if you are interested in a career that requires some social skills to excel. I can't imagine someone spending an entire college career doing nothing but going to class and studying.
 
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Mar 22, 2010
128
28
We were in a similar situation and for us it was all about the schools. My dd had looks from Ivies and high academic schools and ultimately decided on a high academic D3 school. Would she have been accepted without softball? Would have been close. A couple of weeks after she got there she said she was so happy she didn't go D1 - she wanted to have more of a social life. In addition, she has a good shot at starting as a Freshman. I'm glad she didn't go the Ivy route because it would have been a struggle. First semester has been tough but she is grinding and getting through it.

Not applying for financial aid also helps the coach make decisions because he doesn't need to wait for the family to see their financial package before they decide whether they can attend the school.
 
Jul 4, 2014
141
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Colleges want to achieve high graduation rates for all of their student athletes, and coaches who do not meet expectations do not last long. Therefore, it is in everyone's best interest for coaches to recruit players that can handle the academic rigors of the school. With tutoring, mandatory study sessions, and academic advisers to help, athletes who do not succeed usually did not take advantage of the resources provided. My DD was told that the toughest thing about Duke was getting in, and once she got in they will do everything they can to help her succeed. It will be interesting to see what she decides to major in.

^^^^ More parents and players need to remember this!!! Colleges want players who will succeed - not struggle at their school. Focus on getting your daughter into the best school that she will be challenged and still see success in the classroom. Play softball because she enjoys it.
 

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