<p>New here and needing advice re. the application process/strategy, and impact of SAT scores. Our oldest was recently approached by an Ivy League coach and encouraged to apply for ED. He had been planning to take a year off before going to college, and hadn’t written his SAT yet (Therefore hadn’t started preparing either.) As this is his first shot at the SAT, we’re not sure how well he’ll score…practicing is going well, but this is not the same as writing a 3 3/4-hr exam at 8:00 a.m. Should we wait until his October scores come in BEFORE submitting the application? We were told we could submit the package early, and that the college would review it when the scores came in. However, what if he chokes during the SAT and doesn’t score well? At that point, the coach wouldn’t be able to support his application, and he would most likely be rejected. Will this hurt his chances for re-application, say, the following year? Strategically, would it be better if he hadn’t applied at all, then? i.e. We receive the scores, see that they are low, and don’t proceed any further. Help!</p>
<p>Has he been verbally offered scholarships for that college? If the coach wants that player, he will most likely just have to meet the minimum requirements to get in. I know of a sport player that was offered a sport scholarship to Harvard. He took the SAT and ACT every time to try to score high enough to get in. Unfortunately, he didn’t score high enough to meet the minimum requirements for entrance and ended up going to a state college. If your son is offered something this year, but he wants to take a year off, it is not guaranteed he will be offered something the next year. I would seriously consider not taking a year off.</p>
<p>I would jump on the opportunity and send the app in pronto. Take the SAT at the earliest convenience to be sent in later. If he chokes, take a prep course and retake and submit. Who knows? he may do good enough the first time.</p>
<p>For what it is worth, Ivy League schools do not offer athletic scholarships.</p>
<p>And do not apply ED before you see the scores, you want to be able to make the most informed decision possible.</p>
<p>Yes they do Nina. The only difference is you have to meet eligibility requirements.</p>
<p>I stand corrected. Apparently it is considered “financial aid”</p>
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<p>Regardless, this topic is not part of the OP’s question.</p>
<p>Okay…thanks everyone. Looks like some mixed opinions re. applying before the scores. And yes, I did know that there were no athletic scholarships at the Ivy League schools. Assuming he were accepted, he would have to qualify for a lot of aid in order for it to be feasible.</p>
<p>Capital - ask this question in the Athletic section of the College Search Thread. There are very experienced people on there who will be able to answer your question with greater knowledge.</p>
<p>Thanks very much. I’ll try that.</p>