We’re seeing lots of 2026 “commitments” to Ivys, but thought the earliest that would happen would be January, when they have at least half of a junior year transcript and test scores to look at. What’s the deal?
On a personal note, a coach told our athlete that they weren’t going to offer a “golden ticket” for admissions but they would be offered a spot if admitted on their own. Does that mean that the coach offers zero support for the admissions process?
It really depends on the sport. Women’s Lax commits notoriously early. The offer is made in good faith. If the student drops the ball the offer must be withdrawn. Also, this is a sport where a lot of the athletes come from well know prep schools and wealthy publics. Coaches and admissions are well familiar with the schools and generally know what they are dealing with.
Yes. Some schools seem to be more open to “soft support” than others but even then its not something likely to move the needle unless there is another hook (say, legacy).
You also need to dig into it more and make sure to understand what that experience will be like. What does being a walk-on look like? Can they ultimately be cut? Will they be just a practice athlete? Will they be satisfied with being on the bench for four years?
Yes, that is what it means. The coach only has so many Likely Letters and is planning to use those LLs on other recruits but they would be welcome on the team. Not uncommon for Ivy’s.
Sport is softball, and all the advice I got previous was all about the process being slower, nothing happens until January at the earliest. Either I misunderstood or I got bad advice!
Do you know whether these offers are all handed out in the Fall or do they generally go throughout the year? My player got a request from an Ivy to come out to a camp on the first day D1s could talk to her, explicitly saying they had not been able to evaluate her. She’s going to the camp, but just trying to sort out if all the offers have been made.
Ask the coach where they are in their process, they will tell you. Also ask them where your child ranks on their list. I am sure that have been made to top prospects but the process takes quite awhile as those prospects make decisions and lists adjust.
Just a nit, but the student should be asking the coach these questions, not the parent.
I don’t know anything about softball but generally speaking women’s sports move along foster the men’s because it’s more competitive for the coaches (in most sports there are fewer men’s teams to comply with title IX).
In every sport, the top athletes get offers right away, but few coaches give all the offers at that point.
The other thing that happens is a trickle down effect. For example, NESCACS are not interested in settling things too soon because they want to see who dropped from the Ivies.
Regardless of timing, make sure to cast a wide net. Find great fit schools that are athletic safeties and pursue those in earnest. There is a lot of growing left to do. Maybe she will decide she’d rather go to a school even if she is not on the team, or she will decide that a walk on spot or a team she can grow into is good enough, or maybe she will be happiest being a starter off the bat. Keep the options open.
Still, no matter which direction she chooses, the number one priority should be a school she loves and can see herself at even without the sport.
Absolutely, I should have been clearer. This is the kids journey, not the parents.
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