MIT DIII versus UPenn DI swimming (mens)

GrudeMonk
Sun, 28 Aug 2011 21:10:53 +0000

My son is a swimmer interested in both MIT and UPenn. He has similar grades and test scores too. I don’t, however, have much more to offer you than my impressions.

For UPenn I believe the coach can do little to help you if you are not offered one of the 8 or so slots he is given every year to bring in recruits. Instead of your Academic Index helping you, it will most likely lead the coach to hope you get in on your other merits. Still, if UPenn were my top choice, I would like the coach know that. It helps him to know he isn’t giving up a slot to a tremendous swimmer who is really hoping for Princeton, Harvard or Stanford anyway.

MIT is a different case and I think the coach can help you. She will definitely do all she can since you would be a top swimmer for her right away. Do you plan to attend a recruiting trip there this Fall? I believe it’s a great idea if you can do it. I expect you may find a few current swimmers on the team who were in the same situation you are in now.

Good luck to you and I would trust your mother’s instincts.