What comes between OVs and NLI?

fishymom
Mon, 01 Oct 2012 02:13:06 +0000

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.

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.