Narrow slice of this: most schools most of the time very much like good students who stick with a challenging outside schedule.

Posted on August 20, 2026 at 11:41:55 AM by ftb

If your kid can reasonably talk up the commitment and discipline shown in being a top student and athlete, it's a boost. Doesn't have to be long/flowery - lay it out concisely and they'll get it.

Now speculation - why not apply on your own and stir in whatever athletic support comes later? If you go ED at a favorite, realistic school and get waitlisted, a letter coming in later works well.

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Thread:

Need help and suggestions from the board’s in-the-know college sports recruiting parents - By BobEvans August 20, 2026 at 11:31:36 AM
- I can tell you how this is playing out for my son who is a D3 football recruit. - By Matt August 20, 2026 at 12:46:58 PM
  - I should add that we will be happy to go to that small school. * - By BobEvans August 20, 2026 at 01:01:06 PM
  - So, basically, you are still not obligated to attend until you ED, right? Using another expression, sports recruiting does NOT take a priority over an ED. Is that right? * - By BobEvans August 20, 2026 at 12:53:29 PM
    - I'd generally agree with that statement. I don't know how you'd incur any obligation at all until you ED but... - By Matt August 20, 2026 at 01:04:06 PM
  - This is helpful. Thanks! * - By BobEvans August 20, 2026 at 12:50:01 PM
- A couple suggestions… - By Craig August 20, 2026 at 12:32:00 PM
- A few things - By Paumanok August 20, 2026 at 12:24:03 PM
  - Thanks. And... - By BobEvans August 20, 2026 at 12:49:18 PM
  - Not sure if the dynamic is the same for country club sports - but women’s college sports have the added dimension - By xcheck August 20, 2026 at 12:31:53 PM
- My only advice is your whole mindset needs a lot more “she” and a lot less “we”. It’s her life. Her decision. Your just there to make sure she doesn’t get taken advantage of in the process** - By xcheck August 20, 2026 at 11:49:58 AM
  - Yeah this* - By Charlie August 20, 2026 at 11:50:33 AM
- Can't she have a frank conversation with the coach(s) ? I assume with her profile a coach can get them in without the normal application process. * - By Cincywolve August 20, 2026 at 11:46:19 AM
  - An ultimatum email to the coach has already been sent, but the coach is notorious for lack of email correspondence. * - By BobEvans August 20, 2026 at 11:49:30 AM
    - Many college coaches are glorified gym teachers. Not the best nor the brightest sometimes.* - By Paumanok August 20, 2026 at 12:25:21 PM
    - Ahhh coaches*** - By Cincywolve August 20, 2026 at 11:50:51 AM
- Narrow slice of this: most schools most of the time very much like good students who stick with a challenging outside schedule. - By ftb August 20, 2026 at 11:41:55 AM
  - The so-called supporting letter from the coach only works for their own school's admission office. - By BobEvans August 20, 2026 at 11:48:00 AM
    - That's what I meant, though I may have gotten the wrong idea of your preferences. - By ftb August 20, 2026 at 12:07:24 PM
- Does your daughter want to attend the Ivy League school? (m) - By suede August 20, 2026 at 11:35:48 AM
  - Not the one you went to. :) - By BobEvans August 20, 2026 at 11:41:31 AM
  - She likes both, but her slight preference is the Ivy, since it's bigger. * - By BobEvans August 20, 2026 at 11:40:31 AM
- Why does the bottom Ivy win the tiebreaker over the current offer? - By Nikos August 20, 2026 at 11:35:25 AM
  - That is a very valid question and a highly debatable one. But as a whole, I am just not a huge fan of small schools. Plus, you know, even a bottom Ivy carries the name of an "Ivy." I know it's vain... But the small school is a highly highly reputable school. - By BobEvans August 20, 2026 at 11:39:36 AM
    - So you don't prefer the small school; what does your daughter truly prefer? Some general comments ... - By kccambo August 20, 2026 at 12:08:27 PM
      - She likes bigger schools also, but the preference is not overwhelming * - By BobEvans August 20, 2026 at 12:51:26 PM
    - I unconsciously made my undergrad choice based on maximizing snob appeal. Would not recommend. (nm) - By suede August 20, 2026 at 11:42:11 AM
      - trying to be helpful suede... - By ajs August 20, 2026 at 12:04:58 PM
        
        Extremely helpful. The correction has been noted. (nm) - By suede August 20, 2026 at 12:17:34 PM
      - I chose the school with the hottest chicks. Love and Honor!*** - By Cincywolve August 20, 2026 at 11:47:46 AM
        
        I thought you went to Michigan in the late '80s.* - By Cap August 20, 2026 at 12:30:43 PM

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Narrow slice of this: most schools most of the time very much like good students who stick with a challenging outside schedule.