Division III Golf Dilemma

<p>Here goes:</p>

<p>My son is a golfer who is good but not good enough to be recruited by Division I schools. He is good enough to start at Division III schools. He isn’t interested in making golf a career but he loves the competition and loves the game. </p>

<p>College A</p>

<p>Coach e-mailed my son and suggested that he apply early decision. He is also the coach of the highest profile sport in the school and probably doesn’t get disappointed much by admissions. This is my son’s second favorite school. He has visited the school but has not sat in classes or done an over-night. </p>

<p>College B</p>

<p>Coach told my son via e-mail that he is permitted two ‘most desired’ ratings by admissions. He said that my son is one of those two. That said, it quite unclear how much weight any sport program has in the admissions process of that school. However, this is my son’s top choice. He has sat in classes at the school and has done an over-night.’ </p>

<p>My son wants to apply early decision at College B. He would know the results of that process before College A’s second Early Decision apply date. College A also has a Early Action application option as well. </p>

<p>My son’s best thought at the moment is to tell the coach at College A that his parents don’t want him applying to a school without first sitting in some classes (which is the truth). He could then ask the coach whether the coach prefer that he apply Early Action or Early Decision II. The thought being that the question seems reasonable along with the possibility that some Early Actions aren’t equal to other Early Actions - with the possibility of getting an answer for some students well before the February date. Either way, he would then schedule a trip to sit in some classes there. </p>

<p>What do you think? Is there something we haven’t thought through well?</p>

<p>More often than not parents overthink not underthink these dilemmas.</p>

<p>The most important thing is that he has identifed his first choice. So I agree he should apply ED to College B. Knowing he will have one of the coach’s two available “slots”, “tips”, or whatever they are there should be cause for cautious optimism.</p>

<p>I’d tell coach A that he is applying to College B ED and if that doesn’t come through that College A would be his next choice, and ask coach A for provisional support if it comes to this.</p>

<p>Coaches appreciate honesty; it helps them deal with reality.</p>

<p>Good luck to your son.</p>

<p>Great feedback! I agree and it is more straight-forward. </p>

<p>Thanks Sherpa!</p>