<p>So here’s the deal, I was just deferred from Swarthmore College. They want to see my semester grades. However, the Goucher coach has offered me a spot so now I have a choice between Goucher and Swarthmore. I get to play soccer at both schools. I am pretty much guaranteed admission and merit based aid at Goucher. Swarthmore is a reach. I love both schools equally. The only reason why I picked ED for Swarthmore is because it is a more reputable school, but in the long run I don’t even care about that. I need some advice on what to tell the coaches. Also give me your opinion on what you would do. Would you wait for Swarthmore or just sign up with Goucher?</p>
<p>Both Swarthmore and Goucher are great schools, but I would venture to say that Swarthmore has the tougher of the admission standards – perhaps by a wide margin.</p>
<p>If I were you, I would have a direct discussion with the Swarthmore coach about the reason that you were deferred and how likely it is that you will be admitted through regular decision after being deferred. I would directly ask “what are my chances of admission to Swarthmore at this juncture?” All things being equal you would have about a 14% chance of getting in, and being deferred lowers that a bit. Of course, because applicants are different and the school has needs for students with specified talents, things are never equal, particularly if you are a recruited athlete. So your odds almost certainly are better. Still, I think it would be worth asking someone who has been through admission cycles at the school to inform your decision. </p>
<p>However, the real question is whether you need to apply ED2 to Goucher. If you are truly guaranteed admission to Goucher, the easy approach is to work hard, go for regular decision at both Goucher and Swarthmore, and let the chips fall where they may – the decision may or may not be made for you. A direct conversation with the Goucher coach may be helpful with that question. If the Goucher coach wants a commitment through ED, that will be a tougher call. </p>
<p>Ultimately, you have to decide what you want and what is right for you. The best way to do that is to get the most information about where you stand from the coaches. Good luck.</p>
<p>What do you want to study? Are you considering other schools/opportunities than the two mentioned? You were deferred by your first choice when you applied ED. Goucher is offering you a “spot”. What is a “spot”? Is a “spot” a guaranteed roster spot or an opportunity to tryout with 30 other people for 2 “spots” on the team? More information is needed on your status at each school.</p>
<p>D3 recruiting can be a mixed bag depending on the situation, so I would get my facts in advance of making one of the most important decisions of your life (so far).</p>
<p>Going forward, I would get additional information about your situation with each school mentioned and I would seek other schools and other opportunites as well. JMO.</p>
<p>Good luck!</p>