Ok to Visit, but Won't Pay?

editor · 11-16-2012, 08:42 AM

My D is in the midst of her OVs (all big D1 schools) for XC/track. She's been having conversations with one for several months. She recently spoke to this coach who told her he doesn't think it's in the budget to fly her out. However, if we pay for air, the school can pick up the rest. This is a BIG D1. All other schools are paying 100%

My question is, how should we read into this? My thoughts are that she is not a top recruit, however, someone who "may" fit in the roster depending on whether his top recruits sign on or not.

This school is one of her top choices. My advice to her was see if she can get a better read next conversation. Depending on what he says, move on or take the visit (though I don't think I should pay for travel expenses).

Looking forward to your responses.

fishymom · 11-16-2012, 11:05 AM

I think you are reading the situation correctly. If the school is at the top of your daughter's list and you can afford the trip, I would have her go. If you don't want to use one of her official visit, self pay for an unofficial. If the school is high on her list, this will show the coach her high level of interest and may tip the scales in her favor if a spot opens up.

fenwaysouth · 11-16-2012, 11:27 AM

I agree with fishymom. Because it is high on your D's list, I'd make the effort to learn more and see where it takes her.

editor · 11-16-2012, 12:55 PM

Thank you for your advice! She will be speaking with the coach again Monday night. We'll know more about his intentions then.

momof2010 · 11-16-2012, 01:01 PM

When the coach says he will pick up the rest, what does that include? Sleeping on the floor of a current team members dorm room? Basketball game? None of that stuff will cost him anything. I am a firm believer in going where you are really wanted. Definitely check it out if you can afford it but looking at the big picture, if coaches are willing to fly her out and pay it all they are more interested. A big D1 program as you say, ought to have a lot of money to spend on recruiting. Just my thoughts.

varska · 11-16-2012, 01:23 PM

Is the school in CA by chance?

editor · 11-16-2012, 04:53 PM

Varska, the school is not in CA.
momof2010, they will pick up her meals, etc. I assume they will put her up in a dorm, but the school that she is visiting in a few days is flying her and putting her in a hotel. The coach told her he wants her to be well rested and not wind up sleeping on a couch in a dorm room. I agree with you regarding this school affording to fly her out, etc.

fenwaysouth · 11-17-2012, 08:42 AM

editor,

Remember this is a school that interests your daughter. If this was straight up recruiting, then yes I would put more emphasis on the school that wants your daughter more. But, that is not the case.

Your daughter has a strong interest in this school. I think asking her why she wants to visit this school + airfare is a good place to start. But I would put athletics aside in this case, because it is her preference to visit this school despite her athletic recruiting situation....go with it. This is part of the recruiting process....expose them to as many schools as possible that make sense. I had the exact opposite problem.....I couldn't get my son to visit some very well known schools that he was recruited by. He simply did not want to visit schools in New York City or Boston because he didn't want to go to school in the city. Be thankful your daughter has strong interest in this school It can be a good thing to see what you like or possibly what you don't like.

Good luck!

editor · 11-17-2012, 10:57 AM

fenwaysouth, we visited this school just prior to her junior year. It was not what she was expecting and originally decided to not apply. After a few months, she reconsidered because it is very highly rergarded academically and also has a very strong XC program. So, this won't be her first visit. It will be a visit with a different perspective, that is, more athletic geared.

fenwaysouth · 11-17-2012, 05:21 PM

editor,

Gotcha. That is interesting that she reconsidered.

My oldest son was prepared to forego baseball if it meant getting into the best possible engineering school. Your daughter may feel the same way about her major and this school. I dunno. Honestly, we changed course at least 2-3 times during our recruiting process. My son held true to his requirements but the decisions & options around us changed.

Good luck with your possible different perspective visit! I hope it works out for her and you.

Bombnn · 11-18-2012, 10:08 PM

There is nothing wrong with her having a direct conversation with the coach to help you understand where she stands recruiting wise. I would have her ask the coach straight up "Where do I stand on your recruiting list for my position?" He will either tell her that she is THE or one of the top candidates, or be very noncommittal and indirect in the answer. If he really wants her, and she is one of his top picks he will sell her on coming out to visit.

editor · 11-19-2012, 08:39 AM

Bombnm, I agree with you 100%. She will be calling him tonight and plans to ask him just that.

fogfog · 11-19-2012, 08:42 AM

OP

The extra visit will be helpful.
When our student was looking at schools--one had been at the top of the list for awhile. A second visit (overnight etc) put it down around 3 or 4...and the other school became and overwhelming #1.
The academic courses were very fine, it was that some of the everyday things, housing/meals etc plus a detail about the team knocked it off the pedestal.
The other school became a Huge #1. So for our K1, that airfare and extra visit brought a lot of clarity.

Go for it. Good luck.

Dreadpirit · 11-19-2012, 10:54 AM

correct me if I am wrong but for timed events (eg track) it's a bit easier to get a feel for how good an athletic fit you are for a school than with team sports - right?

If so, where does she fit time wise with the girls on the team/with last year's commits/etc? The answer to that question should give you another angle on whether the coach's inability to pay is based on fit or budget.

One other thing to consider is that the coach may not be willing to spend the money because they think your daughter is unlikely to choose the school. For example a cold weather school knows they are less likely to be able to sign a kid from California than a kid from NY, so when it comes time to allocate money for OVs they are more likely to spend it on a kid that is more likely to pick their school.

acemom · 11-19-2012, 04:12 PM

It is disappointing to hear East Coast coaches assume Cali kids aren't as interested. Many kids I know here dream of going east.