Anyone have suggestions for a SEC school that is also high-academic? My son chose to go to JUCO this year for baseball and is finding the academic load way too easy and not challenging. He graduated with a 4.26 and 12 college credits from h.s. Currently has the Presidential Scholarship and won a baseball scholarship also. We would be looking to transfer after his sophomore year of JUCO.
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Typically, the SEC chooses the player, not the other way around.
If your son is good enough to handpick his SEC landing spot then he will probably be deciding between his school of choice and signing after the draft.
Good luck!
There’s only one legitimate HA in the SEC …. Vanderbilt. It’s a baseball powerhouse. You don’t choose them. They choose you. They recruit nationally.
I think it’s already been said, but typically you don’t have a choice of SEC schools without being a draft prospect.
Assuming your son has the chops to play for his choice of schools, it really depends on your son’s desired career path. Most SEC program players are not involved in extremely rigorous majors, although there are exceptions. I’m guessing most SEC schools have some programs that are in the top 10 in the nation (University of Texas has a top 10 CS program). I think for most players an extremely rigorous schedule might be a hard sell for the coaching staff.
These are exciting times, best of luck to you and your son!
UF is definitely in the HA category. They have steadily moved up the rankings and is very difficult for admission. I think Vandy is still a little more strict when it comes to admissions for athletes, but overall UF is a very good school.
Have you considered some of the Honors Colleges at some of the SEC schools? I know there are a few out there, but not sure if it applies to transfers. Anyway, something to consider or look into if your son has elite baseball chops and is approached by SEC schools.
Thank you all for your suggestions. It looks like there’s a few we’ll be looking at soon.
@RJM posted:There’s only one legitimate HA in the SEC …. Vanderbilt. It’s a baseball powerhouse. You don’t choose them. They choose you. They recruit nationally.
One of my son's good friends is a 2025 and committed to Vandy. I was talking to his dad about it and he said, "It's Vandy. How can you say no to that program and education?"
Something is not right here. First, HA and SEC HA don't go in the same sentence; additionally STEM and D1 baseball are not compatible except for a few exceptions and Ivy's. If he does not have an advisor and planning on the draft options vs SEC, with SEC programs in touch with him, then there is a reality gap. Just sayin.
When I posted Vanderbilt is the on,y SEC HA I wondered if anyone woukd mention Florida. It’s greatly improved academically. It’s harder to get into now than the past. But 23% acceptance isn’t that challenging for a top student. I don’t make the rules. But I would consider Florida just below the line of HA while being a very good school.
@Master P posted:One of my son's good friends is a 2025 and committed to Vandy. I was talking to his dad about it and he said, "It's Vandy. How can you say no to that program and education?"
A friend’s son played at Vanderbilt. His mother told him he wasn’t going to waste a Vanderbilt degree majoring in baseball. After two years she caved majoring in neurobiology and trying to become a pro baseball player probably wasn’t a good mix. He chose a lesser degree. After injuries took him down in A ball he ended up in the financial sales world.
@RJM posted:When I posted Vanderbilt is the on,y SEC HA I wondered if anyone woukd mention Florida. It’s greatly improved academically. It’s harder to get into now than the past. But 23% acceptance isn’t that challenging for a top student. I don’t make the rules. But I would consider Florida just below the line of HAmwhile being a very good school.
Would you consider UVA HA? Duke? Michigan?
So to correct myself. There are many fine SEC schools from an academic standpoint, however baseball players are not usually going to those schools for academic reasons. They are typically the best-of-the-best looking to improve their draft positions and to play against the best. (which frankly does the same thing) If a parent or player is looking to leverage baseball talent to leverage school options, they are looking at Ivy's or similar schools. Something is fishy with this post IMO.
Again, looking for people that have players that have been there or done that. My '24's first and foremost goal is baseball. Yes, he wants to be in the '26 -'28 Draft and/or attend an SEC school. However, like most people say you should ALWAYS have a backup plan "B." I think this would apply to ANY player regardless of where they attend. Since my son has been in a highly-gifted, self-contained classroom since 4th gr., he wants the challenge and to be honest after his freshman year will already be maxed out at JUCO. JUCO classes go up to the 200 level and he is at least two years beyond in Maths and ELA (English Language Arts). So, BOF, would you suggest he waste his paid schooling and take classes that offer nothing new or challenging?
@Beisbol Life posted:Again, looking for people that have players that have been there or done that. My '24's first and foremost goal is baseball. Yes, he wants to be in the '26 -'28 Draft and/or attend an SEC school. However, like most people say you should ALWAYS have a backup plan "B." I think this would apply to ANY player regardless of where they attend. Since my son has been in a highly-gifted, self-contained classroom since 4th gr., he wants the challenge and to be honest after his freshman year will already be maxed out at JUCO. JUCO classes go up to the 200 level and he is at least two years beyond in Maths and ELA (English Language Arts). So, BOF, would you suggest he waste his paid schooling and take classes that offer nothing new or challenging?
What? He wasn't exactly an academic fit for JUCO, was he? Maybe he should have gone mid major and then transferred out? You're aware that almost every large state school has an honors sub college? It's silly to think that a kid at say... Alabama, in their honors college, will not be challenged or adequately credentialed for a future career.
@RJM posted:When I posted Vanderbilt is the on,y SEC HA I wondered if anyone woukd mention Florida. It’s greatly improved academically. It’s harder to get into now than the past. But 23% acceptance isn’t that challenging for a top student. I don’t make the rules. But I would consider Florida just below the line of HAmwhile being a very good school.
Most people would consider Texas A&M and the University of Texas to be in the same academic category as Florida. Maybe even better in some fields of study. As Florida probably is as well.
Going back to when my son was accepted at Clemson, he was denied by the coaching staff from majoring in stem. He was among top 30 HS players in the country with 4.0 GPA. We have been there.
I know a lot about UF baseball so I am able to speak for the program.
Most baseball players come to Florida to become better baseball players and get drafted, not necessarily to become doctors, lawyers, dentists, veterinarians, scientists, engineers, etc, even if allowed. The problem is that there are not enough hours in a day to practice, play in season and matriculate in many types of programs. Unless you are a super stand out player, it's not often that an SEC coach recruits a JUCO player.
Most athletes have a plan B. It's something that we talked about often with son.
There are many very high academic programs at UF but the school is also considered a mecca for athletes. I know quite a few very brilliant students from Florida who can't get into the 3 big Florida schools because they don't play sports.
Now, considering that the roster will be at 34 this time next year and with expansion of teams, it will be much harder to get into any of the SEC baseball programs in the country, possibly ACC and others as well.
So your son would have to be pretty flexible at understanding what coaches are looking for to fill their roster.
- @TerribleBPthrower posted:
Would you consider UVA HA? Duke? Michigan?
Duke, yes. I consider UVA and Michigan in the next tier just on the other side of the line. Michigan for law school, yes. I know people who chose Michigan Law over some Ivies.
I went to UCLA. The acceptance rate is down to 9%. Unless something has changed while I wasn’t paying attention (been a long time since I was a student) I have a hard time considering UCLA an HA. To me an HA is a very elite set of schools. At the D1 level it’s the Ivies and a handful of others.
My son got his MBA from Kelly (Indiana). When he attended it was a top twenty. But it’s not Harvard Business School or even Fuqua (Duke). It did get him an elite job.
There are a lot more elite HA D3s.
@Beisbol Life posted:So, BOF, would you suggest he waste his paid schooling and take classes that offer nothing new or challenging?
At what D1 schools would he be taking classes that offer nothing new or challenging? Such classes exist everywhere. Whether he would be allowed by the baseball team to take them is a different matter. Is that what you mean by HA?
If your son is all-in on baseball, what does he want to study? What is his backup plan? Why do you think he couldn't find it at any reasonably large university?
So, essentially are you asking, are Vanderbilt players (or Florida or Texas A&M) allowed to major in whatever they want? (turns out that's a good question, because I notice that most of the Vandy juniors and seniors have undeclared majors on their roster pages).
Excellent post by @TPM !
This has evolved into an interesting thread. I agree that it doesn’t add up. There is a disconnect somewhere. Almost as if @IAmThatGuy started this thread. Or something like that.
I'm sorry as my message was a bit rude. Personally I think if he goes to any SEC school to play baseball and graduates with good grades, he will have a solid foundation for whatever is his backup plan. I remember my first posts on here when my 2023 was around age 13-14. I asked what are the chances for him going to Vanderbilt. I actually asked "like 1 in 100?" People were too nice to openly call me a dumbass. It turned out he ended up 5ft 9 and 175lbs. And playing D2 baseball. I suspect your kid is a really good baseball player. But it would be an amazing thing to be able to actually pick the SEC school that you get transfer offers from.
@adbono posted:Excellent post by @TPM !
This has evolved into an interesting thread. I agree that it doesn’t add up. There is a disconnect somewhere. Almost as if @IAmThatGuy started this thread. Or something like that.
Or maybe Tim.....
@Beisbol Life posted:Anyone have suggestions for a SEC school that is also high-academic? My son chose to go to JUCO this year for baseball and is finding the academic load way too easy and not challenging. He graduated with a 4.26 and 12 college credits from h.s. Currently has the Presidential Scholarship and won a baseball scholarship also. We would be looking to transfer after his sophomore year of JUCO.
It seems like maybe you're looking for SEC options without baseball after he graduates Juco...
So, essentially are you asking, are Vanderbilt players (or Florida or Texas A&M) allowed to major in whatever they want? (turns out that's a good question, because I notice that most of the Vandy juniors and seniors have undeclared majors on their roster pages).
I believe profiles don’t get updated except for the addition of stats and the highlights for each season.
A friend’s son played at Vanderbilt. He changed his major from neurobiology after soph season. His major was never changed in his profile.
Many don't print what the players are majoring in because many think it's irrelevant and no one's business. The fall rosters should cover more info about the player, height, position, previous school, transfer or HS, etc.
JMO
Son's HA D1 mid-major took several JUCO transfers even before the portal became a thing. My son was drafted (as a junior), as were three other players drafted this past season. Don't over look good options, that may not be SEC or ACC. PM me if you wish
EDITED: Son played and did well in his summer league team (scouts were there at almost every game). Also, his college played Florida, UVA, Ol Miss, Duke, UNC, etc. Do well AGAINST those teams, and you will get noticed.
Keewart offers great advice. One does not have to go to an SEC school to get drafted. We have had many folks here whose sons went to a Mid 1 and drafted. We have had really only a few websters sons who made the ML.
Most of our sons have all done well having a plan B.
It's ok to reach for the stars. But one has to be realistic.
I agree with BOF. I also am kind of confused about this topic. Something is missing.
@TPM posted:.....................
I agree with BOF. I also am kind of confused about this topic. Something is missing.
Something is missing. I've read through the posts twice, and I'm struggling to understand it. The original post mentioned SEC/HA but the son chose to go JUCO with multiple scholarships. In my mind, this deals with the "three major legs of the college athletics stool"...financial, athletic and academic. These are the 3 things that we've all considered, and weighted them differently when making a college decision that is unique to our son. My sons primary stool leg was academic...there was no question. It seems OP's son couldn't decide what to pursue, so he chose the financial scholarships which is certainly his right but sacrificed academics (his words) in the process. Now, he wants to pursue both the highest level athletics and academics. Again this is his right, but honestly doesn't add up for most people as they have to make some tough decisions and sacrifice something along the way for their top college choices. There are pros and cons to everything in this decision process. Not everything is 100% pros and 0% cons.
Second OP post reminds folks that he is looking for someone who has been there and done that. Nobody has replied with that request, probably because nobody has a son who is an SEC baseball player / neuroscientist who wants to be drafted. The OP then reminds us that his son's first and foremost goal is baseball and he wants to be drafted. Ok, so that tells me that one leg of the stool is longer...the athletic leg of the stool is the longest leg regardless of the "highly gifted, self contained classroom since grade 4".
Bottom line IMHO...it is time to stop hedging and going guardrail to guardrail between financial, athletic and academic. Pick what is most important to your son and focus on that regardless of what other people have done. If he decides that academics is the longest leg of the stool, there are many more options beyond just SEC that he can showcase his baseball skills for the next level.
Again, JMO.
I think this is a parody post designed to see how many people will take it seriously.
adbono, you said the same thing in 2022!
@anotherparent posted:adbono, you said the same thing in 2022!
Well, I’m consistent if nothing else
Beisbal Life appears to be a mom! 🤔
@TPM posted:Beisbal Life appears to be a mom! 🤔
And a bird dog scout. 🤣🤣
@TPM posted:Or maybe Tim.....
@TPM TPM, TPM, TPM... Not Tim...Tim is only interested in training the next generation of flame throwers. Like the @Consultant I am kind of weird, but strangely loved by those at HSBBW and of course those who want to find the Holy Grail of baseball....becoming a true flamethrower. (Tim has a Labor day special this week for those interested for $2,295 a $700 discount at www.timtheflamethrowerpitchers.com)
@fenwaysouth "Something is missing. I've read through the posts twice, and I'm struggling to understand it."... of course you are as you are still trying to figure out the Boston Red Sox. Good luck with that, the answer is simple....they need Tim.
@314Calhoun without Moms Tim would not be Tim...nor anyone else here at HSBBW.
Moms are like the ultimate baseball coaches: they cheer the loudest, remind you to wear your cup, and somehow know when you’re slacking off! Without them, who would remind players that a snack break is just as important as a home run?
Tim
@TimtheEnchanter And who else would educate their player in a "self contained classroom since 4th grade"
There are many advantages to being the best student at a two-year college; your son will have his choice of opportunities and, with almost a semester's worth of advanced credit, could graduate with an AS degree early, possibly this spring or this upcoming summer. I'm guessing from your post that he is a prospect and could be drafted in the Spring (perhaps one reason he chose the two-year college route?) If that's the case, and the courses are easy for him, earn the AS degree fast and move on.
If he's not a draft prospect (or at least not one this year), he might consider being his school's top student, becoming valedictorian, and transferring to whatever four-year school offers him the most options. Being the top student opens a lot of doors! Most junior colleges have established pathways to state universities that offer almost every major. They often have special academic distinctions and honor societies for their best students. There's a lot on offer for a short year of study.
@Dadbelly2023 posted:What? He wasn't exactly an academic fit for JUCO, was he? Maybe he should have gone mid major and then transferred out? You're aware that almost every large state school has an honors sub college? It's silly to think that a kid at say... Alabama, in their honors college, will not be challenged or adequately credentialed for a future career.
No, he's obviously above JUCO academically, but with what was going on in the Transfer Portal and with some of the top '23 and '24 hs guys ending up back in the state (and yes, some were even at SEC schools last year and offered in the later Rounds of the '23 Draft) We decided, along with an advisor, that JUCO would be a good route at least for the first year. My son is a RHP and T92 and sits 89-91 with three pitches so needs a year to get to the T93-96ish level. He missed his full Sr. year because of injury, but had D1 interest from his Jr. yr.
@anotherparent posted:At what D1 schools would he be taking classes that offer nothing new or challenging? Such classes exist everywhere. Whether he would be allowed by the baseball team to take them is a different matter. Is that what you mean by HA?
If your son is all-in on baseball, what does he want to study? What is his backup plan? Why do you think he couldn't find it at any reasonably large university?
So, essentially are you asking, are Vanderbilt players (or Florida or Texas A&M) allowed to major in whatever they want? (turns out that's a good question, because I notice that most of the Vandy juniors and seniors have undeclared majors on their roster pages).
Thanks for your reply. Pro baseball is what he's wanted since he was 5. He has an unrelenting desire to play baseball as long as possible. His goal is to transfer after his freshman, but probably sophomore year to a university that offers more visibility with baseball. I guess I think that's SEC schools...maybe not, but it seems there are the ones that get the most notice by pro scouts. His major is Economics. I'm wanting to get advice on which universities might be the best baseball/academic option for him. We'll see what his spring season looks like and start reaching out at that time to schools. From what I can also see is that if prospective players don't make themselves known they might fly under the radar. Players need to be the ones that are proactive - I've read several interviews from this site and that seems to correlate with what I've read so far. Marketing yourself and your talents is on the player.
@adbono posted:Excellent post by @TPM !
This has evolved into an interesting thread. I agree that it doesn’t add up. There is a disconnect somewhere. Almost as if @IAmThatGuy started this thread. Or something like that.
So respectfully asking...where do you think there is a disconnect? Could you clarify?
@Dadbelly2023 posted:I'm sorry as my message was a bit rude. Personally I think if he goes to any SEC school to play baseball and graduates with good grades, he will have a solid foundation for whatever is his backup plan. I remember my first posts on here when my 2023 was around age 13-14. I asked what are the chances for him going to Vanderbilt. I actually asked "like 1 in 100?" People were too nice to openly call me a dumbass. It turned out he ended up 5ft 9 and 175lbs. And playing D2 baseball. I suspect your kid is a really good baseball player. But it would be an amazing thing to be able to actually pick the SEC school that you get transfer offers from.
Thanks for your reply. I appreciate it. It's nice to hear that commentors were "too nice" when you asked questions. I guess my impression was that this site is for more experienced (been there done that parents/coaches/scouts, whatever) to help out parents with legitimate questions. It's frustrating when you get disrespectful responses and nasty comments. All any parent wants to do is help their sons as much as possible.
