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<p>I talked to a girl who has committed to play soccer for an excellent school. She said soccer players are the first to commit. She said she went through all the stress…only it was just last school year.</p>
<p>Our scholar-athlete has definitely been having the stress of the apps process --for about a year now–</p>
<p>Kiddo started with communications with many coaches–and we visited mnay schools. Some schools we weren’t able to visit early–and kiddo continued communications.
By mid year last year --kiddo had to produce test scores and transcripts.
At the end fo the Jr year–kiddo had to then produce complete records, test scores, SAT2s, transcripts etc–plus a resume of ECs etc etc
all on top of excellent stats/times for sport.
If kiddo passed stats/athletic requirements–then the academic stuff goes in for pre-reads.
If passing pre-reads–then kiddo continues and completes all essays etc etc. very early.
All of the schools require FULL applications, essays, GC rec, teachers recs, interviews etc etc. Each of these schools requires the athlete have the same stats as the general admitted freshman class. Nothing less.</p>
<p>Its a really long process and at the end of it–may yield nothing because the coaches recruit more athletes than they can take. Depending on how the fall goes–kiddo will then complete other apps for schools not recruiting-as an RD applicant.
So in the end–it can be a 2 yr process–of lots of pressure…wondering if kiddo is going to get in–measuring not only academics, test scores, ECs, interviews etc----and then adding also the extra layer of sports.
OTOH, if successful this fall–kiddo will have an answer before the semester break which will take the pressure off the spring.</p>
<p>It is a long journey.</p>
<p>This is why its important for our scholar-athlete to have it all together sooner than later–because of the timing of the fall. Every so often I read a ■■■■■ post in the admissions, athletic recruting that is just insane–claiming all kinds of short cuts and lower stats and money at ivy schools etc–all which is such myth/legend and untrue. </p>
<p>And being an athlete in the end is no different than the oboe player or singer who has to audition. Its just and added layer of auditions/stats etc the students compete with–adding more to the process not less. One more filter.</p>
<p>You are so right, fog.</p>
<p>I have a lot of respect for kids who deal with this huge extra layer. It often means making choices for years in advance - for example kids who have to play in off-season clubs all through HS even to be considered for college teams. Or in sports like hockey where colleges actually require them to put off school for a year or more and play in junior leagues, and don’t even commit to taking them when they’re done. These are hard decisions at this age.</p>
<p>It happens in things like music, too. We toured a conservatory when my D was thinking about a voice degree. She casually asked the girl touring with us where she was from. The girl said, “Texas - I just won the State Youth Opera Competition.” Gulp! For ALL of Texas? My D was still glad if she got the solo in her choir. So we realized how much work and achievement some of these kids rack up to be in contention for a spot. </p>
<p>Theater has been a relief - while the admissions qualifications seem a bit mercurial, and the auditions add some extra stress (and require a lot more advance planning), the schools really don’t expect you to be the most award-winning actor or to have already starred in professional gigs. They’re willing to look at you fresh for your potential at the time. Putting work into preparing and understanding what you’re doing isn’t easy, but you can come in a lot later in the game, and more in your own way, than with sports or other interests.</p>
<p>^ Mercurial is a great word for the coaches and the athletic process too…</p>
<p>You can have kids with great stats…who are not great at self promotion…who get overlooked. You can have kids with great academic and athletic stats who just dont et started in the process early enough.</p>
<p>Musicians/singers etc have the same things–voice lessons, auditions, grueling rehersal schedules on top of what their school orchestra/band requires. The kids spend alot of time following their passion fitting in meals and sleep between rehersal time etc. In the end a career in music, classical arts etc, takes tremendous time and commitment.</p>
<p>Frankly it wan’t until the fall of jr yr that we thought kiddo may have a shot at using the sport as some leverage in the process…Kiddo isn’t the biggest star locally- yet has done fine also at the regional/national level. AND some coaches spot untapped talent and understand that the kids are not done growing at age 15, 16, 17 etc…and that developmentally they are just coming into their abilities–Some coaches look for stars NOW–others look for what is coming in the next 2-3 years.</p>
<p>Important to kiddo and us is that academics come first–always–and
also the since kiddo knows that the sport is a recreational thing–not a career thing–the degree–in 4 years is THE goal. Kiddo isn’t looking for pros or Olympics in this case.</p>
<p>Kiddo has a mtg with the GC today to review essays. Hoping it goes well. Tried to get in with Eng teacher yesterday and the room was packed with other students doing the same…
I think alot of kids are getting started/bringing in those essays for review.</p>
<p>Just read the thread on “Argument against Re-taking ACT and SAT.” Actually the article cited doesn’t recommend exactly against re-taking, but certainly against obsessively trying to get the highest score on every possible test.</p>
<p>But what I found to be the most stirring quote was here:</p>
<p>“More important: In her senior year, she should immerse herself in the most rigorous courses she can handle – not just because that’s impressive for admissions, but because it’s preparation for success in college.”</p>
<p>Hurray! We hear everywhere, and certainly on CC, that rigor in senior year is essential, but we don’t hear WHY said so well. My D probably doesn’t “need” the rigor she has right now for the goals she wants to attain - she’s not trying for the most tippy-top academics and she can’t be faulted for her dedication to the arts she does want to pursue. Nonetheless, she happens to be taking the most rigorous courseload she ever has, and is proud of it. People - including teachers! - have asked her why?? And I’m not sure she can articulate how she feels, except that she “wants to.” </p>
<p>Of course colleges will appreciate it, and every AP she takes could gain her credit or other benefits. But I truly believe what the article says so well is exactly why she is taking this load - because she is READY to work at more of a college-like level, and she wouldn’t want to pull back now when next year will be that much harder.</p>
<p>She’s also at a point in maturity where she’s stretching herself in new ways, and much more able to handle if it’s stressful, or it doesn’t work out. Some kids could do this when they were 13 - and she did, in her own way, with some things, but only now is she really able to dive in fully. </p>
<p>This is also why she “just wants” to take ACT again. I think she knows she’s different than she was 6 months ago, not just academically, but in many ways, and she’s curious how it will come together there.</p>
<p>D is taking ACT saturday for the last time. We are also trying to get the score up for merit aid. She has taken a practice math test and score was lower than her last test. I reviewed some of the questions she missed and they were pretty simple questions. She just was not thinking. I am done with pushing at this point. She knows what score she needs to get to get OOS tuition waiver and its up to her now to perform.</p>
<p>Is it just me–or were you all surprised at the # of times the Com App allows for SAT scores … I guess taking it many times is pretty common—which I guess is why many schools want to see all scores–because they see how many times the kids took it/prepped etc…</p>
<p>We attended an open house where a college admission officer told the kids–to please NOT keep taking the SAT to raise it 10-20 pts etc…and that even by 50 pts - it didn’t matter substantially to admissions…They want to see the teens being teens–not test taking machines…</p>
<p><a href=“http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/parents-forum/995328-argument-against-taking-retaking-sat.html[/url]”>http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/parents-forum/995328-argument-against-taking-retaking-sat.html</a>
found that link</p>
<p>
Me, too, kathiep. I had lunch with a friend today and we talked about how bittersweet this school-year-beginning feels. We’re both keenly aware that this will be a year of many “lasts” and that, although many wonderful new doors will open, we don’t feel ready to close this door yet. I’m trying not to get ahead of myself, but I know next fall is going to be rough.</p>
<p>First acceptance today. D is only going to apply to two schools; however, she’s out of love with the one that just accepted her. In her mind, there’s only one.</p>
<p>Missypie - Congratulations!! I guess to get that first acceptance, the application has to be turned in, eh?</p>
<p>I was wondering how many other people on this thread have their last child graduating this year? Or maybe their only one? I ask because I have two older kids and it was hard when my daughter left for college but not so bad when her brother left three years after her. I kept telling myself I still had youngest son, but wow, those four years have really come fast!</p>
<p>Mine is the last. And D1 graduates from college - they’re 4 years apart. </p>
<p>Missypie - oh, wow, congrats and hugs! Talk about win-win/lose-lose. Ouch. We’re here with you! And maybe she’ll do some thinking (or, more likely someone ELSE will convince her) and she’ll broaden her options.</p>
<p>kathiep - To answer your question, our S is a late in life only (although he does have 3 half-sisters in their 30s he only sees every 12-24 months). I don’t work and my H will be completely retired by this May. Lots of changes in our house!</p>
<p>First button pushed tonite. Not a college app but the NMF app. My S said it felt good to have one thing totally done. Planning on a very productive weekend as he has 5 EAs, 3 use Common app, 2 don’t. Need to get requests into teachers for LORs and essays reviewed by them. GULP!</p>
<p>haven’t even looked at the common app or even started an essay around here, if that makes anyone else feel better. Don’t think there’s any way D would consider retesting even though her scores weren’t that great so it is what it is. She’s a good kid but school kicked off last Wed and wham! right back into the hectic homework and family schedule, somehow college ‘stuff’ dropped off the radar for ALL of us, even me (!) who is trying to be very supportive.</p>
<p>Last spring we were researching, doing college tours and gathering info, don’t know how we got so behind on the actual applying…</p>
<p>Missypie - Congrats to your D!!! I really do have to give S a push this weekend to completely finish the common app.</p>
<p>S is my oldest. Other child, D, is 7 years younger. My kids are really close despite their age differences, I think all of us are in for big changes when S leaves for college. I really do enjoy that boy and will miss him terribly.</p>
<p>D is an only so when she leaves the nest will be immediately empty.</p>
<p>Mine are 7 years apart as well, 2 girls, and the youngest is hoping for a phone to text her sister next year! They are very close, have sleepovers in each others rooms on weekend, have sissa day’s together. It will be a big adjustment when the big D goes away. I figure they’ll be on the computer a lot, so I’ll get some info without being too pushy! For the oldest, she was an only child for 7 years, then we had the pair, and next year will start a new era in our lives, having one home and one away. Not really an only child, but having us to herself for the first time. I know I will be sad, but not as sad as when the second goes, again, another era.</p>
<p>Hi. I’ve been following this thread for a while, and you seem to be a very supportive group. My younger daughter is a senior. She has been very engaged in the college search process, but has been dragging her heels about actually starting her appliations.
She is very independent with her school work, so I’m trying not to push too hard. Last night she told us that she had started the common ap, and plans to get her teacher rec. letters and transcript requests organized this weekend. Finally, some progress! </p>
<p>I’d love to see her get a rolling application done soon. I saw with my older daughter how much that first acceptance relieves the stress level. She has been getting offers for free and quick applications, but unfortunately she is not interested in the schools that are offering them. They have helped increase her confidence, however.</p>
<p>Welcome momjr. </p>
<p>After 3 days of school, S is happy with classes and teachers except his English teacher. Thankfully it is regular english and not AP. He said this teacher has a horrible reputation and it seems well deserved. S said his AP Physics class is his hardest, harder than calc BC AP I just purchased the student study guide that goes with the physics book so hopefully that helps.</p>
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<p>She visited 11 schools and narrowed them down to two and hasn’t waivered. She will definitely be admitted to her #1, but it’s a matter of merit aid/paying for it.</p>
<p>Missypie Congrats to your D! I am jealous, even though your D lost interest in that school. Our list has 1 EA school, where S will most likely be deferred to RD, and 9 RD schools. We talked about having rolling admission school on the list, but he felt that he didnt want to add any schools that he has no intention to attend. I argued that an early acceptance would make the wait for the RD decisions a lot easier. He says he will be OK. I wont, but its his process. His EA app is almost done and another 4 RD apps are in good shape as well. But the remaining 5 are going to be the most time consuming. </p>
<p>He also requested his LOR and submitted the school transcript release form and resume to the GC. So, overall, he is on track. </p>
<p>My kids are 8 years apart. In addition to Sr son, we have 10yo D. They are also very close, despite the age difference. We took our D to all the college visits, and I am glad that we did. She enjoyed the trips and it gave her and her brother another chance to bond. </p>
<p>RE: athletes. I have no evidence to support or deny that recruited athletes have a tip in the application process. I believe, they do. But as a mother of absolutely un-hooked kids, this is the only hook I have no problems with. No one is born a great athlete, kids had to work very hard to become recruit-able and its the path that almost anyone can take. And athletes still have to have stats comparable to the other kids that get accepted. </p>
<p>Anyway, good luck to kids taking ACT this weekend and may more acceptances come our way!</p>