<p>D has been on 2 OVs. Coaches had verbally spell out $ in academic vs. athletic. Said they will keep in touch during the next week or so. We still have 2 more to go. 1 upcoming already said on the phone the $ amount for academic and said he will talk athletic $ when she gets there. As this one is the last one (nov 1st) and that is really close to early NLI period, we are wondering what should we be prepared to do between now and then? Should we be expecting some written agreement along with the verbal agreement before signing? I don’t feel comfortable having her sign anything based on just what the coaches told her. Most of her money will be academic so they won’t be in the NLI. Can you tell them you won’t sign anything until you have something in writing? That sounds like we don’t trust the coach. Her top choice is the last one so I don’t know what we’ll do if one of the other 2 comes first and we are still waiting for this last one. Any advice? Thanks.</p>
<p>I believe the schools cannot offer anything to you in writing until NLI signing day… At some point you will have to trust the coach and the process. If the school is the right fit and the money works out for your family then you would verbally commit and the signing would take place during the NLI signing period. If a coach is spending the money for an OV then I would trust the process and go with your gut, and go with the best fit and what feels right and then celebrate!!!</p>
<p>This can be tricky with academic money. As stated, the NLI will only cover athletic money, the academic money usually comes with acceptance. There are several stories on this board of athletes who signed NLI after being told that they would receive X amount in academic/financial aid that did not materialize, making the school unaffordable. The only thing that is a sure bet is the monies covered in the NLI, so if the school is affordable to you based solely on the athletic money, you are good and any academic money is a bonus. </p>
<p>I would exercise caution if the academic money is needed for the school to be affordable. Listen carefully to what is being said, phrases such as “you can expect” or “students with your stats typically receive” are no guarantee the academic money will materialize. When my daughter signed the NLI, we were told that with her stats, she should receive an academic merit scholarship, but that the decision was made by admissions and we would not know for sure until acceptances were sent out. The coach was very clear that she could not speak for admissions. Things may work differently at different schools, but once an offer has been made, a parent should step in to ascertain what exactly is being offered so that a sound financial decision can be made. Also, I believe that you can have an offer in writing prior to the early signing period, the athlete just cannot officially sign until that date.</p>
<p>Agree with everything fishymom said. You should follow up with admissions on the academic money yourself. We treated the two types of scholarships separately and had great success finding out about additional opportunties for academic $ as a result.</p>
<p>Most schools will do a pre-read on your total financial aid package, including the sports dollars. I agree, contact the financial aid office, ask for a pre-read. You will have to send them your financial information but at least you will be able to compare apples to apples when all is said and done. We are waiting for the acceptances to come in the mail and we will then be doing this. DD has on D3 school on her list so not sure how that will be handled in the end but we should have a good idea of what each school will cost before NLI day, which is rapidly approaching!!</p>
<p>So far, D is the only one talking to the coach. I have not stepped in yet. I’ll wait until they make the verbal offer and will then ask to speak to admission. Without the academic money, we would not attend some of the schools. I also believe the incentives of the academic money is a more powerful force in keeping D disciplined in her college endeavour. it’s a wonderful confidence builder as well. D is more proud of her academic achievement than her athletic ability. Thanks everyone! Will keep everyone updated.</p>
<p>One more question, we need to apply for admission first before they can send nli, right?</p>
<p>Not for a NLI. My daughter did not actually send her application in until after she signed her NLI, although it was done along with essays, etc.</p>