HS Senior who should've stuck with baseball... any options?

There are something like 3000 colleges out there that have Baseball teams, so it is certainly not a dream.  

The questions you need to ask yourself are:  do you want to actually play in games or likely sit on the bench most of the time (certainly for the first few years) but be on the team?  And:  what kind of school do you want to go to?

It sounds like you are a very smart person who either doesn't like school or doesn't apply himself in school.  Are you certain that you want to go to a high academic D3?  The school workload will be significant....

There will be some growing pains and a learning curve in getting back into playing ball.  You need some game reps.  I would think there is a local Men's League you could join this summer to at least start to get some game reps.... Or you could also look to see if there is an 18U travel team near you that still needs players.

There are all sorts of opportunities to play Baseball in college, including the tiniest of JUCO community colleges as well as Club Teams at major universities.  There may also be opportunities to play on a JV team at first at a D3.

I would prefer to play, but I’m open to whatever. I don’t enjoy school, although I pushed myself and took college-level classes because it’s too easy otherwise. I actually got a 2.1 in dual enrollment last semester due to not handing work despite getting A’s and B’s on many of my assignments and exams. I actually just attended a local mens’ league practice last night as a matter of fact. Should I get some sort of video of me pitching/BP?

I’m mainly interested because athletes have a much easier time getting into top schools, so I think I would be foolish not to consider that route into one.

3and2 summed up the options pretty well.  I will just add that, typically, those HS years of practice reps and AB's against decent pitching make for a rather important foundation when it comes to playing at the next level.  Over the years, I have found that, almost always, the player finds college ball harder and more competitive than they expected, even if they did play and have success at the HS level.  

So, one very possible result is that you can find a team/school that you can play on but they are very crappy and it doesn't really end up satisfying that itch that you have.  The college club team he mentioned may be far more satisfying and not cost you the full commitment of roughly 30 hours a week that even bad college teams put in.  If you do end up taking that gap year with an option to play somewhere, you may be able to make up some ground.  Just the throwing velo doesn't tell us near enough to really have any idea.  You need to quickly find a competitive environment to see if you can hit with some consistency against a decent 20 y.o. pitcher with good velo and secondary stuff.  That will answer your question in a hurry. 

PS - just read your second post... try to get the best P on that team to throw you some live sessions in the cage where he is mixing pitches and not telling you what he is throwing.   Find out how hard he throws, what the highest level was that he played and how long ago.  And, as far as "athletes having a much easier time" getting into better colleges, that generally only applies if you stand out as a player among thousands of good HS players.

I'll be honest, based on your brief description, this would totally be a pipe dream.  But it would be fun to hear a few years from now that you proved that to be wrong.

Surely there is a place to play for almost anybody. The question is how much you are willing to sacrifice to make that happen? 

What priority is baseball? What are you willing to give up to be on a varsity team at the college level. If it is the first priority. It is just matter of finding a school that fits your level of play. 

I would never suggest it be the number one priority. However My son had several schools he wanted to go to. And it was important to him that Baseball be part of that experience. 

Finding the schools and showing interest is the rub. 

cashmoneyAP posted:

I’m mainly interested because athletes have a much easier time getting into top schools, so I think I would be foolish not to consider that route into one.

This is true, but you're a senior, so that ship has already sailed unless you take a gap year or a post-grad year and work your butt off to  turn yourself into ballplayer that coaches really, really want.  Another option would be to find a JuCo where you can establish yourself both on the field and off, and look to transfer into a top school in a couple years.

You won’t gain easier access to a college saying you’re a ball player. It happens by proving you’re a ball player. At this point I wouldn’t be changing any plans based on baseball. I would be looking to add baseball to my plans. More important than baseball is what sets you up for the next forty years after college?

You also want to have a quality baseball experience. Getting thrashed repeatedly and rarely winning can’t be fun. So you need to find some balance of how far down the baseball ladder you’re willing to go and your education. 

How serious are you about baseball? Do you understand college baseball is as much a job as a sport? Between class, homework and baseball you won’t have much free time. 

I would start by finding out where there is a quality pitching instructor. Not a pitching instructor. A qualified one with a reputation. Tell him what you want to do and have a session with him. He can tell you if your goal is reasonable. He can point out flaws in your mechanics that may not have been fixed in the past couple of years.

After he sees you throw it can’t hurt to ask him what he thinks of your chances. Be very aware he’s going to tell you it can be done as long as you spend hundreds on lessons with him. You have to read him when he answers to determine if he’s being real. 

As alternatives to college ball there are colleges with club teams. There are adult summer baseball leagues. Somewhere you can find a place to enjoy the game again. But I would not look at baseball as a way to help college admissions. Good luck.

I congratulate you on going back to something you like and enjoying doing.  I find it difficult to understand though how much you really want to play baseball again,  You mentioned you lost the "love for the game/academics" but what I didn't hear is that you reacquired the love for the game again, and not just something you "like" and not just use it to help get into a college.  As mentioned previously, baseball is pretty much a full time job, you still have to maintain a high GPA with HA scholarships.  Many of the college baseball players have a passion for the game, they love it.  There may be some who just are on the team for a "ride" but that didn't come across to me about you.  If you go through the motions of playing, I have a feeling you will get bored and possibly giving it up.  I hope I'm wrong and if you do end up playing once again give it your all.  It shouldn't be forced but something that comes deep inside.  Wish you the best of luck.

Are you playing on your high school team? Right now? There is a lot of work don’t in high school and the summers of high school. 75 flat ground is not inline with top prospects. 

Finding a team for reps and getting your metrics to where they need to be will be your first order of business.

There are not many, if any, short cuts in baseball. 

Do your parents have half a million put away and access to photoshop? All the rave. 

Jokes aside, the biggest problem I see here is admissions. How many schools are still taking applications this late in the game? I'm not sure HA D3s are still taking applications unless you are already into some. Even PG schools, isn't it kind of late? 

The only advice to give is start throwing regularly. Find a workout plan and see where you are in June. If you're regularly throwing over 80, go to a local JUCO or college with less than stellar baseball and try to walk on. Meet with a reputable pitching instructor and get his thoughts, see if he can reach out to some schools on your behalf - if you have it. 

As of right now you're not a baseball player. Just a kid with a strong arm. Don't hold your breath on baseball, but train as if you're getting ready for a season opener in June. Go from there. 

If you want to take a PG year to get grades up then apply to HA schools, go for it. But if you want to take a PG year to get recruited, save your money. Based off what you're saying about your performance in school, I would attend a JUCO to begin with and see if you can work around your issues with classes. If you are struggling to get assignments in now it will be 100x harder when nobody is there to wake you up or force you to do any work/ go to class. That experiment would be better served with JUCO tuition than private college tuition

IMO if you get into a D3 school, show in the coaches office and ask when tryouts are, walk on to the mound for your first BP and touch high 80's you are going to make the team if you show any type of mechanics and control. if you get mid 80's most likely will still get a look see.

if you aren't a pitcher and they don't see something over the top you are going to get cut...pretty much that simple. 

You need do be able show something well above average, arm, speed, power or they are hardly going to look sideways. The easiest way is as a big armed pitcher. 2nd easiest is to just flat fly...those are 2 things that aren't teachable. 

Yeah, I agree it’s a pipe dream. Just a dash of regret tbh. I am willing to commit and take on a challenge if it means I can play baseball again.

> It sounds like you aren't excited about the schools where you have been accepted, and are thinking about baseball to possibly help with admission at more selective schools. Is that accurate?

Bingo. 

Thank you all for the detailed replies. The problem with getting some sort of exposure is that I have no money, and my parents won’t be willing to pay for this stuff. I’ve applied to around 25 jobs and haven’t gotten anything back yet, so I’m hoping I can get something soon to fund this endeavor.

My velocity estimate is a complete estimate - I’m not exactly sure how hard I throw, which is very unhelpful. I could probably get a video soon though. 

I think getting to more velo would be your best shot. Lift some weights and maybe Google driveline to improve your velo. To prove yourself in hitting the time is probably too short unless you are a natural talent who absolutely takes. But if you throw hard it basically just takes one throw to prove  yourself. I guess if you can get to 82-83 you might have a shot at d3 or juco.

I will be blunt (and it is only the opinion of an anonymous internet poster, so take it for what its worth).

Your current baseball skills will not open any college doors. Without resources (i.e., $$$), you can't catch up with HS varsity players, much less those who go on to play in college.

Your history gives no indication of either the ability to recognize how hard it is to play college ball or the ability to work hard at anything. Indeed, the PRIMARY HS measurement of hard work is grades and your scores and grades are a mismatch - indicating you will not work unless YOU feel like working. This is antithetical to a baseball player who grinds and grinds and grinds for infinitesimal improvement. 

Your history shows an inability to grind after failure. Baseball is a game of failure. We have lots of posters whose kids didn't make their first HS team; some moved on to seek other interests, but many others redoubled their efforts, addressed their skill weaknesses and made the team the following year. You will never - skill-wise - catch those kids; and MOST of those kids will not play at the next level

You put down the glove and cleats - and waited over three years until college app season passed before deciding that baseball throbbed in your heart. AND, you freely admit you're trying to use baseball to leverage into a school because you're not satisfied with your current college options. (Curiously, your post only appears AFTER media coverage of the athletic "side door" to admissions, so I question your baseball commitment.) The only way you'll play baseball in college is to show up in the fall (after matriculating) and outplay guys who have played virtually every day for over a decade; and that's what baseball is - beating your compeitition.

There are NO baseball shortcuts; there is no cramming (like for exams or the SAT); it's a long, frustrating path replete with some successes and many failures. Can you look at your history and point to any activity you've done for over a decade with similar characteristcs? Can you point to any successful long range planning you've done?

Life is a matter of choosing between many options. Sometimes choosing one option burns other options. It's no big deal, it's a routine part of life. Sometimes the path chosen turns out to be a poor choice; and many times that choice is really no big deal in the grand scheme of life. Hanging up the cleats early in HS is one of those choices; it's a minor decision in the tapestry of life with NO long term ramifications. So, look inside yourself and analyze why you followed the path you choose. Learn from what you now believe was a mistake. What were your reasons, your motives, your goals in reaching the decision? Apply what you learn to decisions which will arise in the future.

I'd save your time, money, and energy in what is destined to be a futile baseball effort. If you want to leverage athletics to get into a school, take a PG year, learn crew, and train relentlessly. If a school has rowing, there are (surprisingly) way more rowers than baseball players and, therefore, more opportunities in rowing.

 cashmoneyAP posted:

Yeah, I agree it’s a pipe dream. Just a dash of regret tbh. I am willing to commit and take on a challenge if it means I can play baseball again.

You’ve given up mentally before you start. Do you believe you have the mental fortitude to make the effort to improve enough to play college baseball? Even once you make the team there’s a less than 50% chance you earn playing time. That’s just the reality of the situation. You gave up in high school baseball. Here’s an example of a college baseball schedule in the fall ...

6am up and off to the pool to swim for upper body strength

7am shower and eat

8am to noon classes

Noon eat

1-4pm practice

5-7pm eat and relax

7-8:30pm strength and agility training

Have you seen homework anywhere yet? Get started about 9pm

Get to bed after midnight

Get less than six hours of sleep

Get up and repeat

 Can you make it through a week of this? 

RJM posted:

 cashmoneyAP posted:

Yeah, I agree it’s a pipe dream. Just a dash of regret tbh. I am willing to commit and take on a challenge if it means I can play baseball again.

You’ve given up mentally before you start. Do you believe you have the mental fortitude to make the effort to improve enough to play college baseball? Even once you make the team there’s a less than 50% chance you earn playing time. That’s just the reality of the situation. You gave up in high school baseball. Here’s an example of a college baseball schedule in the fall ...

6am up and off to the pool to swim for upper body strength

7am shower and eat

8am to noon classes

Noon eat

1-4pm practice

5-7pm eat and relax

7-8:30pm strength and agility training

Have you seen homework anywhere yet? Get started about 9pm

Get to bed after midnight

Get less than six hours of sleep

Get up and repeat

 Can you make it through a week of this? 

If you're at a mid-major (read that to say BUS)....you will leave school Thursday afternoon to get to the hotel around midnight.  Wake up Friday...breakfast and head to the field at 11 for a 3 o'clock game.  Dinner and back to the hotel by 9-10 o'clock.  Same on Saturday....then Sunday, 1 o'clock game....goes extras....finishes at 5.  Get on the bus....stop to eat on the way and get home at 1am....with class at 8.  

100% agree with Goosegg.   If I was a college coach, I probably would not focus my efforts on you when I have others who want it more and have sacrificed more to put themselves in a positon to play college baseball.

Based on your test scores, you score high.  I don't doubt your intelligence, but I do doubt your work ethic.  High academic schools are extremely demanding as is college baseball or any college sport.   If you were my son, I'd encourage you to find something you are passionate about and then dive head first into it.

Good luck!

** And occassionally, those BUSES break down...5am back to campus with class at 8 am...

College is prep for the rest of your life.  What do you want to be when you grow up?

baseballmom posted:

** And occassionally, those BUSES break down...5am back to campus with class at 8 am...

College is prep for the rest of your life.  What do you want to be when you grow up?

.....or when you do get to fly....you finish your Sunday game at 5pm....don't fly out until midnight for a 5 hour flight.....land at 5am with a 2 hour bus ride back to campus....and there is no bus      The guys playing for the mid-majors will have some good stories to tell once their playing days are done

That is indeed a fair criticism. I would like to clarify a few things though.

My grades suffered due to factors other than work ethic. I have clinical depression, a diagnosed learning disability, severe ADHD which wasn't addressed until this year (calendar not school), and took on some very difficult classes. I am working on patching these issues up, but I'm looking to have around a 3.7 this semester in dual enrollment at a local CC (with an excellent baseball team...), so I hope to have relative success academically afterward.

I understand why you question my commitment to athletics and this actually did arise after the recent scandal, but it was really a coincidence. I always knew that athletes got in more easily. Regardless, I know I look like a talented slacker with a sudden change of heart, but I actually used to play sports outside for hours instead of doing my work. I do indeed enjoy the game, and I would be willing to put in time and effort if it means I could play a sport I love regardless of it being at the D3, JuCo or simply recreational level.

The reason I didn't play in HS was simply me not being good enough until very recently. When I was a freshman, I was about 5' 5" and 180 lbs. Now I'm about 6', 210 lbs. and am trying to lose weight. Currently, I lift 3x a week, play basketball for cardio the other 2 days, and throw with my dad for a couple of hours each day on the weekends. I know that it's not a lot of training, but none of my friends play baseball and I have other major time commitments, so I can only really use my pitchback.

I don't think coaches are willing to train HS seniors pro bono, especially those without baseball experience beyond a recreational level and parents who make over six figures each. There's no shot they'll pay for any of this, so my job applications are my only hope to fund this potential endeavor.

Cash,

So, I honestly think you need to look at this from a coaches eyes and understand how difficult it would be for you to make this transformation (given your recent medical history) from high school student to college athlete. 

Clinical depression, ADHD, and a diagnosed learning disability is difficult to overcome on its own.  I'm not sure why you want to make your life even more complicated than it needs to be at a young age.   Less than 6% of high school baseball players go on to play in college.  There is huge supply and very little demand for college baseball players.  Incredibly hard to separate yourself from the aspiring college baseball flock.  When I look at what you've posted, I see a very self aware, smart young man who is putting together a strong academic record with an excellent ACT score.  There may be schools out there willing to offer academic money to bring you to their campus.   If I was in your shoes, I would be trying to convince Admissions officers to take a chance on you (you have tangible proof with a 34 ACT, 3.7 GPA) and not baseball coaches because you have nothing to show at this time.   Once you find the right school then look into baseball if it still floats your boat.  

JMO.

Great reply.

Assuming direction and work ethic, you have identified several issues which, rightly or wrongly, reduce the probability of playing college ball (i.e., $$$ available which leads directly to skills [which is the name of the game]).

Now, enjoying the game at whatever level your skills take you, then absolutely have at it. I have guys in a 75+ softball league in my neighborhood! 

The nub comes to this: guys with $$$, who have been playing the game forever, who have been getting lessons forever, who went to all the "right" showcases/camps, who are really good, etc. - thats who you are competing against.  And  those guys are working hours everyday. 

(None of what I am saying precludes you from getting on a roster after matriculation; most lower end D1s and most D3s have roster room for another body. BUT, there will be no playing time, only mandatory practices, workouts, games, for which you must participate. All the grind and no reward. Only you know if that describes your inner self.)

Now, if you've been successfully playing another complimentary sport, you could build on that. But it still (and always) comes back to money. (Because we assumed away effort, time dedicated, and desire.)

Imagine running a mile race and starting 3/4 mile behind everyone; yes, there are some narrow circumstances you could win, but not against other athletes.

You've provided your own answer: if you want to do any type of baseball in college, go do what is needed to build your skills - even if it's intramurals. If you love baseball, all will be good. (Personally I only "played" ball in the street growing up and it didn't stop me from attaching to the game.)

PS You really dont seem to understand the time commitment of HS guys TRYING to play in college. A "couple of hours" per day now is considered a day off.

Want to be part of a college baseball program? Contact the head coach. Tell him you’re interested in becoming a team manager. 

I have a cousin/good friend who was an uncoordinated nerd as a kid. He couldn’t make LL back when we had to make it. He became a manager for high school freshman teams. Then he learned how to be a trainer. He learned so much basketball the high school coach made him an assistant for the high school summer league team. 

In college he was a trainer for a ranked basketball program while getting his degree. After graduation he was offered a position of assistant trainer of the nearby minor league baseball team. He eventually went to med school. 

A booming new field for team managers is analytics. 

This is all predicated on the fact that you think you throw hard - based off a flat ground. You haven't even thrown a bullpen yet. Nobody, including yourself, has any idea if you will even be able to throw strikes. 

But since we're discussing long-shots, try Flatground. I think their twitter page has a list of facilities that will record your velo for free, although I'm not entirely positive. Pay a catcher $20 and have him catch a bullpen and they'll post it to their twitter. If you hit 78 or above, get a job and train, if not, competitive baseball should be over. Go to your coaches office at school. Ask if you can throw live BP to the team. See how you hold up. Grab some of the guys on the team on an off day. Throw to them and see how they do. 

I also just checked the websites for 10 boarding schools in the NE. None are accepting applications, in fact deposits are due for most places within a week.

cashmoneyAP posted:

Thank you all for the detailed replies. The problem with getting some sort of exposure is that I have no money, and my parents won’t be willing to pay for this stuff. I’ve applied to around 25 jobs and haven’t gotten anything back yet, so I’m hoping I can get something soon to fund this endeavor.

My velocity estimate is a complete estimate - I’m not exactly sure how hard I throw, which is very unhelpful. I could probably get a video soon though. 

If you can truly long toss 300 feet that is 80+

We have another friend in similar shoes but for a different sport.  College answers came in and there was nothing but disappointment.  The questions started, maybe I should have tried harder to be recruited to play my sport, and the parents contacted me given I have had some experience with two boys down that road.  Is it too late?  

The problem with our friend is that they were surprised and saddened by the admission results.  It is almost like they cannot accept them, and therefore started looking for a way to change those results.  Yes a gap year can change those results -- and a former not admitted person can get in to the same school (or one the same level of difficulty) but the gap year has to somehow be meaningful enough for the admissions people to view the application differently.  Hence our friend (and you) thinking maybe sports will do it.  

It is not just a pipe dream to be good enough to play at the college level right now for someone who has not played in several years -- it is also a bit of a pipe dream to think that picking up a sport now will somehow change the admissions decisions and put you in a privileged and rare recruiting spot.  If not for the fall of 2019 since you are unhappy with your results, then even for the fall of 2020 - those boys will be recruited this summer (if not already) for most schools, especially ones with your academic credentials.  To do a PG year which you say your parents cannot afford and those applications were already due is unlikely as the good schools that offer PG programs also recruit as most PGs have to commit to playing 2 sports for them.  To do a gap year is very possible, to work and train and try and catch up with the requisite skills.  But then you have to put yourself in a position to be recruited and that time frame is rapidly approaching.  

Please do not let any rejections from any colleges define who you are.  Getting into college is harder than ever.  But there are so many great places to go -- that where you go will matter a whole lot less than what you do when you get there.  If you truly want to baseball, you can try and walk on or play club or even intramurals.  

Just as an FYI, our friend is visiting the two schools they actually were accepted to with a slightly more open mind.  I hope he will like one enough to decide to go and flourish there. 

It would be easier to be adopted by Lori Loughlin. 

Good to know. I could probably do 260+ with a bit of warmup.

Thanks for the input. FWIW here are my results:

Binghamton EA (Admitted)
FSU PRI (Conditional admit, then canceled)
Alabama (Admitted with $26k a year, recalculated my GPA as a 3.65 W)
U of SC (Admitted with $21k a year, rejected from HC, in at capstone)
Tulane EA (Deferred, Waitlisted)

WUSTL RD (Rejected)
Lehigh RD (Rejected)
Kenyon RD (Rejected)
Claremont McKenna RD (Rejected)
Colgate RD (Rejected)
Wesleyan RD (Rejected, legacy)
Grinnell RD (Waitlisted, will pursue)
Brandeis RD (Waitlisted, grandfather and aunt attended, aunt has friends on the admissions board)

I’m driving down to USC today to tour as it is the exact same price as Binghamton, except it’s not in Vestal, NY. I am not sure how much you all know about admissions, but I figured I would put them for clarity. I did get a 2.1 GPA first semester, which hurt me (Grinnell, Colgate, Brandeis and Lehigh asked for those grades). I may appeal at Lehigh and Colgate, provided I can show evidence that the additional grades I have now could affect my application positively.

I feel as if I don’t try to entertain this I would always end up wondering “what could’ve been.” Having wasted potential is an excruciating situation to be in, and I am hoping that I can one day have an opportunity to play the game that I love again at any level. And maybe I’ll do my homework before pitching this time around.

Cashmoney, do you know what major you want to pursue?

cashmoneyAP posted:

Thanks for the input. FWIW here are my results:

Binghamton EA (Admitted)
FSU PRI (Conditional admit, then canceled)
Alabama (Admitted with $26k a year, recalculated my GPA as a 3.65 W)
U of SC (Admitted with $21k a year, rejected from HC, in at capstone)
Tulane EA (Deferred, Waitlisted)

WUSTL RD (Rejected)
Lehigh RD (Rejected)
Kenyon RD (Rejected)
Claremont McKenna RD (Rejected)
Colgate RD (Rejected)
Wesleyan RD (Rejected, legacy)
Grinnell RD (Waitlisted, will pursue)
Brandeis RD (Waitlisted, grandfather and aunt attended, aunt has friends on the admissions board)

I’m driving down to USC today to tour as it is the exact same price as Binghamton, except it’s not in Vestal, NY. I am not sure how much you all know about admissions, but I figured I would put them for clarity. I did get a 2.1 GPA first semester, which hurt me (Grinnell, Colgate, Brandeis and Lehigh asked for those grades). I may appeal at Lehigh and Colgate, provided I can show evidence that the additional grades I have now could affect my application positively.

I feel as if I don’t try to entertain this I would always end up wondering “what could’ve been.” Having wasted potential is an excruciating situation to be in, and I am hoping that I can one day have an opportunity to play the game that I love again at any level. And maybe I’ll do my homework before pitching this time around.

I would say the fact that you were accepted to large public universities and rejected from all small private schools is indicative of maybe that is where you belong. Especially if it is not working out with legacies and connections.

That being said. There is nothing wrong with any of the schools you were accepted to. No, they're not as "prestigious" as some of the other schools, but you can still graduate and end up with a perfectly fine career. Plus, they're giving you a sizable amount of money to attend. I know schools like Alabama aren't very strong schools on paper and knowing you're from NY probably considered weak, but if you take control of your studies, internships and networking you will be completely fine. The northeast has extremely high (and unrealistic) standards of what is considered a good college. As long as you take care of your end you will be fine wherever you go, including JUCO. 

Grinnel has less than 1800 students. That is a medium sized high school. Some of the schools you were accepted to hover around 40k. You have to decide what you want. If you go to a big sec school, you'll probably never want to come home once you get there. Football, frats, school spirit. It's going to be hard to find a better college experience anywhere else (I went to one)

FWIW - at this point I'd be choosing the school I'd be happiest at that will leave me with the least amount of debt. I think this is the most important part of drive home. 

cashmoneyAP posted:

Thanks for the input. FWIW here are my results:

Binghamton EA (Admitted)
FSU PRI (Conditional admit, then canceled)
Alabama (Admitted with $26k a year, recalculated my GPA as a 3.65 W)
U of SC (Admitted with $21k a year, rejected from HC, in at capstone)
Tulane EA (Deferred, Waitlisted)

WUSTL RD (Rejected)
Lehigh RD (Rejected)
Kenyon RD (Rejected)
Claremont McKenna RD (Rejected)
Colgate RD (Rejected)
Wesleyan RD (Rejected, legacy)
Grinnell RD (Waitlisted, will pursue)
Brandeis RD (Waitlisted, grandfather and aunt attended, aunt has friends on the admissions board)

I’m driving down to USC today to tour as it is the exact same price as Binghamton, except it’s not in Vestal, NY. I am not sure how much you all know about admissions, but I figured I would put them for clarity. I did get a 2.1 GPA first semester, which hurt me (Grinnell, Colgate, Brandeis and Lehigh asked for those grades). I may appeal at Lehigh and Colgate, provided I can show evidence that the additional grades I have now could affect my application positively.

I feel as if I don’t try to entertain this I would always end up wondering “what could’ve been.” Having wasted potential is an excruciating situation to be in, and I am hoping that I can one day have an opportunity to play the game that I love again at any level. And maybe I’ll do my homework before pitching this time around.

I really don't buy the angst regarding "what could have been" or "the game you love".  You quit the game, admitted that you believe baseball may help you get into a school you'd prefer, then you said you'd "prefer to play, but open to whatever"...  That's not the talk or actions of someone who loves the game.  You seem to be having trouble with the reality that your choices are Binghamton, Alabama or South Carolina, or no college at all.  If you were my son I'd tell you to stop screwing around and pick one of the three, and move forward and make the best of the college opportunity.

Make sure you’re comfortable with your selection as a social and cultural fit. I know kids from the north who went south, and vice versa who we’re freaked out by the cultural differences.

That said, my son went from growing up a northeastern suburban kid who went to the Midwest. After a month he commented midwesterners are so nice they’re f’n goofy. I explained to him it’s really a commentary on how people in the northeast treat each other and don’t even notice. 

When we moved from Southern CA to the northeast I was asked if I could handle it. I grew up in the northeast. I told people I just had to get my FU attitude back.

Cash, I see that some of the feedback has been - shall we say, rather straightforward.  This can be a difficult and sometimes sobering experience to go through.  But please know that, to a great extent, the college experience is what you make of it!  Like PA said, I would recommend you try to find the best academic/social fit that will allow for the least amount of debt.  If it is a D3 school, there may be a chance to walk on -- or regardless of the size of the school, there may be an opportunity to play club ball can be a blast for many students - play the game you love without quite the time requirements or "pressure" of .  Best of luck!!

Zero clue what major I’m pursuing. Applied poli sci at most schools, but I have a lot of different academic interests.

I do admit that I am quite miffed at these rejections, but there are also a bunch of other things I could do on a potential gap year. Among them are research, tutoring kids, retaking some tests, taking MOOCs to show I have increased academic performance without having to apply as a transfer due to accumulating that much credit during a potential gap year, obviously play baseball, intern/work, and even work on a kibbutz in Israel (thanks mom).

smitty, are you sure you don’t buy the angst? I’m a teenager. All I have is angst. The choices I have are indeed solid, but even if I did commit it could be prudent to take a year off to readjust myself and get on a more coherent path. I’ve had a severe existential crisis since last July or so, and carrying that into undergrad after a rocky HS career is like playing Russian roulette: either I find my passion and do well or wander aimlessly through gen-Ed’s with a 2.8.

This has nothing to with baseball now. Great.

I am lucky enough that I’d graduate with less than $40k in debt at each of these schools. My parents made $200,000 last year and $270,000 this year, and can contribute $15k a year each for me and my twin brother, who is likely going to stay at CC next year (he has a 91.5 GPA and 1390 SAT, and got into Bentley, FSU, Virginia Tech, Fordham, and other schools, but is very concerned about $ and is willing to stay home if it means less debt. Also has some personal problems as well...). Binghamton and SC are 26k, and Bama is 17k. Obviously living in a HCOL area doesn’t bode well for financial aid purpose, and although we qualify (25894 EFC) for it, some places do better than others with this. Nevertheless, all these schools are financially feasible for me, so it comes down to fit/whether I can tolerate undergrad without a direction in life.