Chance a Recruited Athlete?

vbplayer · 10-21-2009, 10:35 PM

So I'm hoping to play a sport at Harvard and I'm being recruited by the coach there. I'm hoping he will be able to give me the extra nudge to get in, but I guess one never knows with Ivy Leagues (especially Harvard). I've posted all the necessary information below (I think!) so I'd love to know if you think I have a shot. I'm not sure how much pull they really have.

Background Information
- White
- Male
- California
- Does not need aid

GPA/Rank
- 3.8+ UW
- 4.3+ W
- Top 10%
- Most rigorous course load available. Will be graduating with 12 AP classes taken
- Attends a top public school that sends many grads to Ivies and Top 25 schools

Test Scores
- ACT Composite: 32
Highest Sections:
- English: 34
- Reading: 33
- Math: 33
- Science: 31
- Writing: 12

SATIIs
- Literature: 710
- Math II: 710
- US History: 660
- Taking Bio - M in Nov

Extracurricular Activities
- Editor in Chief of Yearbook: Prestigious yearbook that has won multiple national awards
- Volleyball: 3 years varsity, captain, MVP, Coach's Award, Division 1 and CIF recognition
- Club Volleyball: Extremely well known club. Went to Junior Olympics 4+ years
- Volunteering: Started my own club dedicated to ending unnecessary euthanasia and I also volunteer at a local animal center. Also volunteer for my town's local Garden Club with poster design/etc help.
- Business: Started my own online business with a friend that sells artwork and crocheted items
- Art: Photograph (5 on AP) will be submitting an Art Supplement

Recommendations
- Strong from teachers and counselor (known for many years)

Essays
- Talk about my height as well as photography, etc. My college counselor said they were extremely well written and one of the best she has read.
- I don't specifically write about volleyball anywhere, I didn't want to over-exaggerate the fact that I'm passionate for the sport, the AO should already know that since I'm being recruited.

Additional Information
- Father did not attend college, neither did any of my grand parents.
- Sisters attended Georgetown and Yale

Thanks, I appreciate your time!

fauve · 10-21-2009, 11:23 PM

Have you been offered a likely letter? That is the only firm indicator that you are truly at the top of the coach's list.

Your stats (ACT & SAT IIs) are a little low for normal admissions. If you're at the top of the coach's list, your chances are obviously much higher.

Techy233 · 10-22-2009, 01:38 PM

"prestigious yearbook." l-o-l.

Your scores are just really low. Is Photography your only AP? Does your school offer APs?

vbplayer · 10-22-2009, 02:27 PM

fauve - Since its not really a high-profile sport, the coach is only allowed to give out one LL, which I don't believe he will offer to me since I'm not the position he needs. He has, however, told me that I am among his top 5 recruits.

techy - What's so funny? And no; I stated above that I will be graduating with a total of 12 APs taken, one of the most rigorous course loads at my school.

fauve · 10-22-2009, 02:33 PM

Assuming the coach receives all five slots from admissions, you are in a good spot! Not a shoe-in, but tipped nicely. Good luck.

vbplayer · 10-22-2009, 02:44 PM

Thanks, I hope so!

monstor344 · 10-23-2009, 04:48 PM

So long as you're actually being recruited, chances are you're in. But can you really be sure they're going after you at this stage? It's almost November; many sports, even at Harvard, are looking towards the 2011 class now. Then again, because it's the Ivy League, recruiting can often last deep into the year.

The Harvard volleyball team currently has 9 players over a span of 4 classes. Odds are, most if not all of them were recruited. If that is indeed the case then I would not be worried about not getting the athletic admissions boost because the coach probably can help out more than 1 player. I assume you're being recruited by other Ivy League schools, right?

vbplayer · 10-23-2009, 04:56 PM

Thanks for your response! I'm positive I'm still being recruited. For volleyball, they start looking at men's players a lot later than other sports. Its not usually till late December/Early-mid next year that they really start talking to the new recruiting class (at least at the schools I'm looking at).

Yeah, the Harvard VB team used to have more than 9, but some quit after they get into the school and have other injuries/etc that hindered them (or so the coach told me). Yes, I am also looking at Princeton for vb (they are the only other Ivy with men's volleyball, unfortunately).

sewhappy · 10-23-2009, 06:49 PM

Yeah for you - think it will be a YES!!

vbplayer · 10-23-2009, 08:00 PM

Haha aw thanks! I hope so!

gadad · 10-24-2009, 01:01 PM

Quote:

Editor in Chief of Yearbook: Prestigious yearbook that has won multiple national awards

National awards weigh heavily in H admissions.

vbplayer · 10-24-2009, 06:15 PM

I hope so!
I've also placed in a few national photography competitions (which I listed in my app) and my vb team has gone to Junior Olympics, which is also a national competition, for 5+ years so hopefully that looks decent on my application!

varska · 11-03-2009, 09:57 AM

Hey - your stats are good, but probably not enough to get in without the coach's backing. If you are offered an official visit and the coach makes it clear that he will put your name on the limited list of athletes that he submits to admissions, you should be golden. Note: a coach will only do this if you promise to accept the admission offer. If it's a more vague situation with the coach, ie. 'well, you're one of my top 5 at this point..." I would be pursuing other options. Good luck!

vbplayer · 11-03-2009, 09:47 PM

I completely agree with you. But here is what makes the situation more difficult--
the sport I'm being recruited for isn't popular/gets no funding from the school, so there will not be any official visits. The coach has told me he can only give one person a likely letter, but he did tell me that he would back me in admissions. I know he has turned other people down, so I feel like I could still be in the running?

varska · 11-04-2009, 10:36 AM

I think a call to the coach is probably in order. Just voice your concerns and I think most coaches are pretty honest and open when asked direct questions.