In my son's case he really wanted to play ball beyond high school but he also knew the odds of playing beyond college. We evaluated the offers he got based on his intended field of study and the quality/reputation of that program first. Then we looked at the baseball program and coach. His decision was based on both with the emphasis on the academic side of things. The school he chose has an outstanding reputation academically and the baseball program is always at the top of their conference. He got plenty of looks last year and this fall from scouts and may get the opportunity to play beyond college. If it happens great, if not he is well prepared to move on with his life.
Grateful,
We spoke to academic advisors at the two schools that my son was interested in. We actually preferred the advisor at the school where he is not attending. Your athletic academic advisor can make or break you.
I agree with OldVaman (who said it first), different strokes for different folks. There is no right or wrong decision. No one should feel badly because they or their sons chose where they liked the baseball program the best.
However, I am hoping that anyone who does decide that is their first reason for attending that they have done their homework. Loving the baseball program and then realizing that one does not fit in with the academic program (for whatever reason) does not make a happy student!
There are so many factors to consider, and each has there preferences. Sit down and make the pro/con list.
As far as out of state vs in state. In state was a better offer, but had an enrollment of 40K students vs 16K out of state. In state he preferred the academic advisor, out of state he preferred the coaches and bb program. In state, easier programs than out of state. In state, lots of his friends would be attending, out of state one. In state was warmer in the spring, out of state might be snow. In state, could come home if he chose to for a weekend ( and we could see more games), out of state too far for weekend visits (and we would not be there that often). In state, if he lost his scholarship we could afford for him to remain there, out of state, might not be able to if he cannot play.
The deciding factor for him, he went where he felt he would feel more at home for the next 3-4, maybe 5 years of his life.
Let's not kid ourselves, any kid would jump at the first chance he could get to play at the best baseball school in the country. It's our job to help them to decide if that would be or not be the best decision for them.
BK,
Best of luck to your son.
We spoke to academic advisors at the two schools that my son was interested in. We actually preferred the advisor at the school where he is not attending. Your athletic academic advisor can make or break you.
I agree with OldVaman (who said it first), different strokes for different folks. There is no right or wrong decision. No one should feel badly because they or their sons chose where they liked the baseball program the best.
However, I am hoping that anyone who does decide that is their first reason for attending that they have done their homework. Loving the baseball program and then realizing that one does not fit in with the academic program (for whatever reason) does not make a happy student!
There are so many factors to consider, and each has there preferences. Sit down and make the pro/con list.
As far as out of state vs in state. In state was a better offer, but had an enrollment of 40K students vs 16K out of state. In state he preferred the academic advisor, out of state he preferred the coaches and bb program. In state, easier programs than out of state. In state, lots of his friends would be attending, out of state one. In state was warmer in the spring, out of state might be snow. In state, could come home if he chose to for a weekend ( and we could see more games), out of state too far for weekend visits (and we would not be there that often). In state, if he lost his scholarship we could afford for him to remain there, out of state, might not be able to if he cannot play.
The deciding factor for him, he went where he felt he would feel more at home for the next 3-4, maybe 5 years of his life.
Let's not kid ourselves, any kid would jump at the first chance he could get to play at the best baseball school in the country. It's our job to help them to decide if that would be or not be the best decision for them.
BK,
Best of luck to your son.
BK's MOM
As parents we do what we can to insure our sons have a good experience in school. From your post I am reminded that we should all be prepared for a phone call that brings us back to plan "B".
Best wishes for your son to have a speedy recovery and successful transfer.
Please keep us informed on his progress and when the time is "right" perhaps you can share more details in his decision to transfer.
As parents we do what we can to insure our sons have a good experience in school. From your post I am reminded that we should all be prepared for a phone call that brings us back to plan "B".
Best wishes for your son to have a speedy recovery and successful transfer.
Please keep us informed on his progress and when the time is "right" perhaps you can share more details in his decision to transfer.
My son ( a hs soph.) just went to a showcase/camp this past weekend at a school that he hadn't even considered. Absolutely loved it-the baseball side of it anyway-coaches, especially. Now says he's going to go there. As stubborn as he is when he makes up his mind, he probably will! We'll see in a couple of years if this sticks! We told him he has to go look at other schools too but he's insists he doesn't need to. Love at first sight?!
OR,
I remember those days.....he never even wanted to visit the school of his dreams.
As you can see, things change.
I remember those days.....he never even wanted to visit the school of his dreams.
As you can see, things change.