Question for recruited athletes

Christcorp
Tue, 19 Feb 2008 23:39:33 +0000

Definite good advice on contacting them. The thing about recruited athletes is that a lot depends on the sport and on the rest of your package. While the coaches have so many spots that they can recruit for, they don’t actually give out athletic scholarships. If you can get in on your own gpa, sat/act, class ranking, EC, and nomination, then the coaches are more eager to recruit you. That’s because they can take in as many as they want but you’ve gotten the appointment on your own. They don’t have anything to lose with you. If you are trying to get in just on your athletic abilities with the average grades and test scores, then you better be GREAT in your sport.

My son had contact with the air force recruiter since last summer. Throughout the football season, the recruiter kept mentioning walk ons and possible openings. My son however was able to get an appointment on his own in November, Once he had the appointment, his athletic accomplishments allowed the coaches to blue chip him instead of a walk on. Don’t get me wrong; he excelled in football. Excellent stats. All state. etc… But he already had an appointment. That made him feel better; (Because going to the academy and being an officer is his primary goal); and it was easier on the coaches because they didn’t have to worry about academic issues making it difficult to get in. Remember, even if you are one of the best in your sport, it’s difficult to get you into the academy if you are a “C” student in high school.

I guess what I’m saying is; by all means keep in contact with the coaches, but do everything in your power academically to get the appointment on your own without athletics. If you can do that, then the athletics will fall into place if you’re good at your sport. If you don’t have a 27+ ACT or 1800+ SAT and your GPA isn’t in the mid 3’s, then you’ve got some work to do.