@bewilderedmom said, “Ok so I have read as many relevant entries here on CC about selective NESCAC schools. What I think I am seeing is that a student with a 36 ACT, 4.0 with other outstanding extracurriculars and top two or three times in their strokes who passes pre-read with flying colors, and is offered an overnight is NOT likely to get a “slot” or “tip” because the coaches are using these for academic bubble kids who are fast and fill a need.”
I have been through the recruiting process multiple times. I don’t think your assessment is accurate: The slots and tips are not reserved for the “academic bubble kids who are fast and fill a need.” The slots/tips are reserved for the top athletic recruits who pass the pre-read.
Depending on the sport, the coach is able to support a certain number of recruits. The coach is going to give his support to his top athletic recruits that pass the pre-read. If the student with a 36 ACT and perfect gpa is one of the coach’s top recruits, he will be offered coach support because the coach would not want to gamble on his recruit going through the admissions process (even with perfect stats) unprotected and end up rejected.
Good luck to your son.