USA events, schools, and travel

My son went as a 14U player....good event, nice late fall vacation (50 degrees in Ohio, 90 in NC).  We got to take in some of the 17U event...and based on what we saw, I would recommend it.  The complex is unbelievable and had a lot of scouts and coaches from all over the eastern half of the US.  If I remember right, it wasn't too expensive, other than getting there. My son would have loved to try to make it back there this fall, but he plays varsity soccer so it wasn't going to fit his schedule.

My apologies in advance for answering none of your questions.  But this part of your post caught my eye and I felt compelled to comment...

We learned that 3.5 GPA is one of the magic hurdles when it comes to academic scholarship/aid funds.  In some cases, it didn't matter whether AP classes were part of the equation.  Academic and needs-based $$ usually amount to quite a bit more than athletic scholarship money.  Also, your player is much more appealing to a program if the coach knows he is a good student AND in good position to get academic $$ to supplement any scholly $$ he can offer (if any).  So, hopefully, you can use this info as incentive to push your son over that 3.5 hurdle. 

Missed the part of your question about grades.  My son just committed with a 3.45 gpa.  Most of the schools he talked to were offering some academic money at 3.25 and up....though his 29 ACT also helped.  If he can get his gpa to 3.5 and find one more point on the ACT before the end of the school year he'll pick up some more academic money.

At this point (he'll be applying in the fall with these grades) it pretty much is what it is. Frankly, after last spring, I'm happy he ended up with what he has, even though I've been telling him for years that more options will be open to him with higher GPA.  He gets pretty distracted in the spring and did some last minute heavy lifting and teacher conversations to bring up his grades.

So, thank you for the advice about grades, and he'll continue to work this semester on lifting his GPA.  He insists on taking the hardest classes he can, sometimes I have to shake my head as I know he'd have better grades if he took an easier route.  Hopefully, the rigor will pay off as it prepares him for college and as some colleges will review his transcript with that in mind.

I will research Fordham, that is great insight - thanks!  It wasn't on our radar, and would be great to visit.

Buckeye; congrats to your son on the 29 ACT, that is really great!  Sounds like the decision is made for your son, congrats on that as well.  

PS - My sister was a hall of fame athlete at Ohio State; I try to follow the Buckeyes!

My son will be down there for the 16u try-out August 21-24. I am told it is a good event, that there will be schools there watching and that most of the team is already picked...if you are touching a big number on the gun maybe you have a shot but for the most part it is done.

I figure it is a good event to be a part of before he goes into the GA / FL loop next year, having been there and done that goes a long way to helping a kid feel comfortable the next time.