Backstop22 posted:This is a great thread for showing just how many variables are in play when it comes to decision time for your son and you. Having gone through this with my 2017 who was in the D2/D3 and late low level D1 interest arena, we experienced the following:
- D3's and especially High Academic D3's are at a disadvantage in recruiting, so coaches try their best to get "early" commitments from kids. These coaches are trying to recruit the best players possible, and they know that many of the kids they are recruiting will wind up at higher levels or in public universities with lower tuition. This is probably the case with your son who the coach realizes is talented and likely to have multiple options.
- Financial need eligibility is a huge factor for D3s who by rule cannot offer athletic money, and for the high academic D3s, typically cannot offer academic money either. As one coach at a SoCal HA told us: "we cannot offer academic money because if that were the case, every kid on this campus would be entitled to it." He admitted his team is entirely made up of kids who get a lot of financial need assistance or come from well-to-do families who can afford paying $250K to get a degree (we are neither and thanked him for being honest and declined his interest).
- "Early Decision" and "Early Action" are the means by which coaches at the HA schools seek your son's commitment. They will try to sell you on the benefits of going EA and ED (i.e. early acceptance, better chance at acceptance, being done with the decision, etc.), but it is really for them to know a kid they are recruiting is going to be accepted to their school and they are 95% certain of attending (there are some outs, but not many). DO NOT apply this way unless you and your son are certain it is the ideal match of academic interest, baseball, and affordable.
- If you visit a campus and meet with a coach, be prepared to talk at the end of your visit about decision timing, conditions, and what comes next. My son did the talking during the visit, but at the end I would emphasize the following points:
- We would not have come for the visit had there not been sincere interest on my son's part
- As much as we are grateful for the coach/school's interest, the final cost numbers are going to be the major factor in the decision, and those won't be known for certain until he is accepted and gets the academic/merit numbers (we were honest and said FASFA told us he would get no need aid)
- There are a lot of schools and baseball options my son is considering, so he will not be applying ED or EA but will keep the coach updated when he files his application and when he gets a decision from admissions
- My son promised to update the coach with other tourneys and showcases he was attending and asked the coach to let him know when he would be making his recruiting roster decisions
- While it is true that at most schools, kids still need to make the roster once they get to school unless they are on athletic money, if your son is being recruited actively, they are being counted on the by the coach to be on the roster and maybe even contribute. If a coach says he has room for only one catcher and he is seeking commitments now, he is telling the truth and you have to weigh that against keeping your options open.
Sorry, this wound up a bit long, but the OP's post got me thinking back to how confusing it all was as we were going through it. Funny how now it seems so much more clear!
Great insight. However, and please do not take this as a criticism, but based on your Bio, it looks like your son walked on to play (congrats to him). I only point this out, as I would not necessarily follow some of the steps you point out, if you want to get that offer and commitment.
Many kids want a commitment from a coach, and likewise, a coach wants a commitment from the kid. It doesn't appear you were willing to give that, which is why he went the walk on route.
Again, not trying to criticize or pick a fight, just want to point that out for the less experienced.