Son has gotten invites to a couple of Junior Days in the mail this week. They look like something worthwhile to attend, but not sure. Any thoughts?
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quote:Originally posted by bcb3:
Son has gotten invites to a couple of Junior Days in the mail this week. They look like something worthwhile to attend, but not sure. Any thoughts?
If you are interested in going to that school, go to the JR. Day. They can be very informative if you and other parents ask questions. They also give the player a feel for the campus and show the coaches that you have interest in attending the school
Both of my boys went to several JR. Days and they were all worth the time.
We attended many Junior Days and I think this is a great way to get a feel for the school and it's culture.
Some of the schools had great programs that were very informative about all aspects of the academics and athletics. Some of the schools were not as organized or as informative as others (maybe they should attend their competitors Jr. Days).
Out of the many CA schools I think Long Beach State had the best, most informative day. We were really impressed with their academic support of the athletes during their time there and after. Once you're an athlete in their program they will continue to support you if you are drafted and return later to finish your degree. They have an academic advisor/tutor that travels with the team. I got the impression that this advisor would be great for students that needed organizational assistance and more "hand-holding" for integrating their sports with academics.
It's also an interesting way to see who they are recruiting. We found some programs had a small number of students while others invited many. One CA private school had an excellent presentation and had invited about 150 kids! Obviously they weren't recruiting all of these students for baseball but it may have impressed some enough to just attend as a student.
Personally as a parent I thought it was time well spent to get a good overview of the school and the baseball program.
Some of the schools had great programs that were very informative about all aspects of the academics and athletics. Some of the schools were not as organized or as informative as others (maybe they should attend their competitors Jr. Days).
Out of the many CA schools I think Long Beach State had the best, most informative day. We were really impressed with their academic support of the athletes during their time there and after. Once you're an athlete in their program they will continue to support you if you are drafted and return later to finish your degree. They have an academic advisor/tutor that travels with the team. I got the impression that this advisor would be great for students that needed organizational assistance and more "hand-holding" for integrating their sports with academics.
It's also an interesting way to see who they are recruiting. We found some programs had a small number of students while others invited many. One CA private school had an excellent presentation and had invited about 150 kids! Obviously they weren't recruiting all of these students for baseball but it may have impressed some enough to just attend as a student.
Personally as a parent I thought it was time well spent to get a good overview of the school and the baseball program.
Attend all the JR Days you can---great way to see various campuses and hear the "sales pitch" from not only the coach but also the academic end as a tour is usually included---another plus--at this time of the year free tickets to basketball game are included---what else do you and your son have to do on a dreary winter Saturday ?
It is a no lose situation
It is a no lose situation
The only invite we got last year was from Pepperdine. No way we could afford to go down there and as things turned out, they would never have recruited son. If we had received one locally, we surely would have attended. So if you get one,even if the school is not on your A list, go if you can. The more you attend the more informative you become.
Junior days are unofficial visits en masse.
Bear in mind also that when you are standing on their campus, the coaches can talk to you, and vice versa, for as long as you both are interested.
It is not unusual for verbal offers/negotiations/commitments to take place during junior days.
But all the reasons stated above are why you should go, whether or not an offer is involved. Plus, this time of year, free tickets to a home basketball game are typically included. I think they can give as many as 3 per player (player + 2 parents).
Bear in mind also that when you are standing on their campus, the coaches can talk to you, and vice versa, for as long as you both are interested.
It is not unusual for verbal offers/negotiations/commitments to take place during junior days.
But all the reasons stated above are why you should go, whether or not an offer is involved. Plus, this time of year, free tickets to a home basketball game are typically included. I think they can give as many as 3 per player (player + 2 parents).