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Maybe it's just me, but I think this stuff takes a lot of effort.  My son had a list of 20 or so schools that evolved over time as schools showed interest, or completely ignored him.  Building the contact spreadsheet and keeping it updated with current coach info took time and effort.  Writing even short emails that were customized 20 times to each coach took time and effort.  Keeping track of what was sent to whom and who responded took time and effort. Taking ongoing game videos (me) and then collecting them and editing them into a compelling, fresh 1:30 - 2:00 minute videos (him) took time and effort.  I would say it definitely took multiple hours per week, usually on a Sunday (since weekdays were full of school, practice and homework) when he was catching up on bigger homework projects.  I would not underestimate that amount of time this process takes.

Smitty28 posted:

Maybe it's just me, but I think this stuff takes a lot of effort.  My son had a list of 20 or so schools that evolved over time as schools showed interest, or completely ignored him.  Building the contact spreadsheet and keeping it updated with current coach info took time and effort.  Writing even short emails that were customized 20 times to each coach took time and effort.  Keeping track of what was sent to whom and who responded took time and effort. Taking ongoing game videos (me) and then collecting them and editing them into a compelling, fresh 1:30 - 2:00 minute videos (him) took time and effort.  I would say it definitely took multiple hours per week, usually on a Sunday (since weekdays were full of school, practice and homework) when he was catching up on bigger homework projects.  I would not underestimate that amount of time this process takes.

I guess it’s all relative. To me it’s much easier than flying across the country hoping to be seen at a camp or showcase (not that we didn’t do that too). We had some very good results from just emails. Example: Stanford sent a form email which was clearly (because it was in the subject line), to all 85+ pitchers. It asked to send updates and video. I looked up some of the coaches videos and he talks about how important and easy it is to send video to coaches.  Son sends links to his youtube videos and they watch for 10 minutes. They all his hs coach, and they ask him to call and invite him to an UV.  They have never seen him. We live halfway across the country. He never gets on their radar to even watch at a WWBA type of event if he doesn’t email them. They were never a fit for my son but they were a great school to have talking to him when other schools called and asked who else he was talking to.  For us, the emails started several conversations that may not have happened otherwise and got coaches out to see him who would have probably not made the effort otherwise.  Think of how much time you invest in games and travel and practice and then pick some that son has interest in and add another hour

Smitty28 posted:

Maybe it's just me, but I think this stuff takes a lot of effort.  My son had a list of 20 or so schools that evolved over time as schools showed interest, or completely ignored him.  Building the contact spreadsheet and keeping it updated with current coach info took time and effort.  Writing even short emails that were customized 20 times to each coach took time and effort.  Keeping track of what was sent to whom and who responded took time and effort. Taking ongoing game videos (me) and then collecting them and editing them into a compelling, fresh 1:30 - 2:00 minute videos (him) took time and effort.  I would say it definitely took multiple hours per week, usually on a Sunday (since weekdays were full of school, practice and homework) when he was catching up on bigger homework projects.  I would not underestimate that amount of time this process takes.

I agree, it's a time consuming process and parents/kids need to understand the effort they need to put.  Especially, for kids, like my son, who was not on many radars early in the process.  They need to put more time in to get themselves noticed and convince coaches it's worth their effort too.

baseballhs posted:
Smitty28 posted:

Maybe it's just me, but I think this stuff takes a lot of effort.  My son had a list of 20 or so schools that evolved over time as schools showed interest, or completely ignored him.  Building the contact spreadsheet and keeping it updated with current coach info took time and effort.  Writing even short emails that were customized 20 times to each coach took time and effort.  Keeping track of what was sent to whom and who responded took time and effort. Taking ongoing game videos (me) and then collecting them and editing them into a compelling, fresh 1:30 - 2:00 minute videos (him) took time and effort.  I would say it definitely took multiple hours per week, usually on a Sunday (since weekdays were full of school, practice and homework) when he was catching up on bigger homework projects.  I would not underestimate that amount of time this process takes.

I guess it’s all relative. To me it’s much easier than flying across the country hoping to be seen at a camp or showcase (not that we didn’t do that too). We had some very good results from just emails. Example: Stanford sent a form email which was clearly (because it was in the subject line), to all 85+ pitchers. It asked to send updates and video. I looked up some of the coaches videos and he talks about how important and easy it is to send video to coaches.  Son sends links to his youtube videos and they watch for 10 minutes. They all his hs coach, and they ask him to call and invite him to an UV.  They have never seen him. We live halfway across the country. He never gets on their radar to even watch at a WWBA type of event if he doesn’t email them. They were never a fit for my son but they were a great school to have talking to him when other schools called and asked who else he was talking to.  For us, the emails started several conversations that may not have happened otherwise and got coaches out to see him who would have probably not made the effort otherwise.  Think of how much time you invest in games and travel and practice and then pick some that son has interest in and add another hour

I don't mean to imply it isn't worth the effort - it absolutely is.  I think your example is a good one, and clearly sending an email to a coach isn't time consuming. However, sometimes this process has to be repeated to many, many coaches and  repeated over weeks and months to get this kind of result.

baseballhs posted:
Smitty28 posted:

Maybe it's just me, but I think this stuff takes a lot of effort.  My son had a list of 20 or so schools that evolved over time as schools showed interest, or completely ignored him.  Building the contact spreadsheet and keeping it updated with current coach info took time and effort.  Writing even short emails that were customized 20 times to each coach took time and effort.  Keeping track of what was sent to whom and who responded took time and effort. Taking ongoing game videos (me) and then collecting them and editing them into a compelling, fresh 1:30 - 2:00 minute videos (him) took time and effort.  I would say it definitely took multiple hours per week, usually on a Sunday (since weekdays were full of school, practice and homework) when he was catching up on bigger homework projects.  I would not underestimate that amount of time this process takes.

I guess it’s all relative. To me it’s much easier than flying across the country hoping to be seen at a camp or showcase (not that we didn’t do that too). We had some very good results from just emails. Example: Stanford sent a form email which was clearly (because it was in the subject line), to all 85+ pitchers. It asked to send updates and video. I looked up some of the coaches videos and he talks about how important and easy it is to send video to coaches.  Son sends links to his youtube videos and they watch for 10 minutes. They all his hs coach, and they ask him to call and invite him to an UV.  They have never seen him. We live halfway across the country. He never gets on their radar to even watch at a WWBA type of event if he doesn’t email them. They were never a fit for my son but they were a great school to have talking to him when other schools called and asked who else he was talking to.  For us, the emails started several conversations that may not have happened otherwise and got coaches out to see him who would have probably not made the effort otherwise.  Think of how much time you invest in games and travel and practice and then pick some that son has interest in and add another hour

There's also the frustration factor when one's list of 20 has to be continually revised b/c of baseball or academic progress or lack thereof (or, realizing that the kid doesn't want snow/distance/big or small school).  I'm sure that can make the ongoing correspondence, etc more of a drag.  

We're just starting out (son's a '22) and he's got an initial list of ten.  No idea whether or how the list will change, but I'm sure it will.  

OskiSD posted:
baseballhs posted:
Smitty28 posted:

Maybe it's just me, but I think this stuff takes a lot of effort.  My son had a list of 20 or so schools that evolved over time as schools showed interest, or completely ignored him.  Building the contact spreadsheet and keeping it updated with current coach info took time and effort.  Writing even short emails that were customized 20 times to each coach took time and effort.  Keeping track of what was sent to whom and who responded took time and effort. Taking ongoing game videos (me) and then collecting them and editing them into a compelling, fresh 1:30 - 2:00 minute videos (him) took time and effort.  I would say it definitely took multiple hours per week, usually on a Sunday (since weekdays were full of school, practice and homework) when he was catching up on bigger homework projects.  I would not underestimate that amount of time this process takes.

I guess it’s all relative. To me it’s much easier than flying across the country hoping to be seen at a camp or showcase (not that we didn’t do that too). We had some very good results from just emails. Example: Stanford sent a form email which was clearly (because it was in the subject line), to all 85+ pitchers. It asked to send updates and video. I looked up some of the coaches videos and he talks about how important and easy it is to send video to coaches.  Son sends links to his youtube videos and they watch for 10 minutes. They all his hs coach, and they ask him to call and invite him to an UV.  They have never seen him. We live halfway across the country. He never gets on their radar to even watch at a WWBA type of event if he doesn’t email them. They were never a fit for my son but they were a great school to have talking to him when other schools called and asked who else he was talking to.  For us, the emails started several conversations that may not have happened otherwise and got coaches out to see him who would have probably not made the effort otherwise.  Think of how much time you invest in games and travel and practice and then pick some that son has interest in and add another hour

There's also the frustration factor when one's list of 20 has to be continually revised b/c of baseball or academic progress or lack thereof (or, realizing that the kid doesn't want snow/distance/big or small school).  I'm sure that can make the ongoing correspondence, etc more of a drag.  

We're just starting out (son's a '22) and he's got an initial list of ten.  No idea whether or how the list will change, but I'm sure it will.  

i hope he based that list on his potential major and not where it is cool to play baseball.

CaCO3Girl posted:
OskiSD posted:
baseballhs posted:
Smitty28 posted:

Maybe it's just me, but I think this stuff takes a lot of effort.  My son had a list of 20 or so schools that evolved over time as schools showed interest, or completely ignored him.  Building the contact spreadsheet and keeping it updated with current coach info took time and effort.  Writing even short emails that were customized 20 times to each coach took time and effort.  Keeping track of what was sent to whom and who responded took time and effort. Taking ongoing game videos (me) and then collecting them and editing them into a compelling, fresh 1:30 - 2:00 minute videos (him) took time and effort.  I would say it definitely took multiple hours per week, usually on a Sunday (since weekdays were full of school, practice and homework) when he was catching up on bigger homework projects.  I would not underestimate that amount of time this process takes.

I guess it’s all relative. To me it’s much easier than flying across the country hoping to be seen at a camp or showcase (not that we didn’t do that too). We had some very good results from just emails. Example: Stanford sent a form email which was clearly (because it was in the subject line), to all 85+ pitchers. It asked to send updates and video. I looked up some of the coaches videos and he talks about how important and easy it is to send video to coaches.  Son sends links to his youtube videos and they watch for 10 minutes. They all his hs coach, and they ask him to call and invite him to an UV.  They have never seen him. We live halfway across the country. He never gets on their radar to even watch at a WWBA type of event if he doesn’t email them. They were never a fit for my son but they were a great school to have talking to him when other schools called and asked who else he was talking to.  For us, the emails started several conversations that may not have happened otherwise and got coaches out to see him who would have probably not made the effort otherwise.  Think of how much time you invest in games and travel and practice and then pick some that son has interest in and add another hour

There's also the frustration factor when one's list of 20 has to be continually revised b/c of baseball or academic progress or lack thereof (or, realizing that the kid doesn't want snow/distance/big or small school).  I'm sure that can make the ongoing correspondence, etc more of a drag.  

We're just starting out (son's a '22) and he's got an initial list of ten.  No idea whether or how the list will change, but I'm sure it will.  

i hope he based that list on his potential major and not where it is cool to play baseball.

Potential major for a 2022?  Bwahahaha!

CTbballDad posted:

CACO, if a 2022 has a clue what major they want to study in college, I say take a step back, make friends with the people next to your new high school locker, figure out how to get to your next class and go play kick ball after school.  Heck, having a list of schools at this time is way early, unless maybe you're a prodigy.

Some kids DO know (or think they know) from a very early age that they want to be a doctor, engineer, or what-have-you.  Nothing wrong with that. 

I think any HS student ought to make a list of the best academic schools overall that they realistically can get into and want to attend, with baseball as side consideration (except maybe the rare talents who are legit draft prospects).  If your kid decides sophomore year in college to major in English instead of Chemistry, odds are the school he picked for its strong pre-Med program will also prepare him well for a different path.  For undergrads, a strong school is generally a strong school--going to the best possible program for a given major is rarely that important.  (Engineering might be a somewhat different story.  But engineers from less-than-top-drawer schools seem to find solid careers, too.)    

It's a problem when they don't know their own interests.  You can study english anywhere, but how about Marine Biology?  Kind of specialized isn't it?  I know it was only offered in 2 schools in PA when I was applying for college.  So, how do you have a school list without knowing their interests is my question.  Picking all the D1 schools in the state, for example, isn't a great way to go.

CaCO3Girl posted:

It's a problem when they don't know their own interests.  You can study english anywhere, but how about Marine Biology?  Kind of specialized isn't it?  I know it was only offered in 2 schools in PA when I was applying for college.  So, how do you have a school list without knowing their interests is my question.  Picking all the D1 schools in the state, for example, isn't a great way to go.

I don't agree that it's a problem (respectfully--it's fine with me if we just agree that we don't agree, of course).  Some kids have a definite goal in mind, some don't.  Depending on the source you check, between 33-75% of college students change their majors at least once, and 20-50% enter with their major as "undecided."  Sure, if your kid thinks s/he wants to study marine biology, then schools in the Dakotas aren't a good plan.  But if he changes his mind and switches to American History, it would be a rare college that couldn't provide a good education/preparation in that field as well.  I wouldn't suggest to any kid that it's a problem if they don't know what they want to major in while still in HS (or during their first year of college, for that matter).

JMO...  I entered college as "undecided," changed majors 3 times, then went to an Ivy League grad school.  I do think things are somewhat different now than they were decades ago when I was in college.  But all the surveys I see show that employers want liberal arts grads (not necessarily specific majors) and that the top medical schools have plenty of students who majored in, say, English, History or PoliSci.    

I agree with your concerns and Chico's well informed responses.  My point is it's September 4th of your freshman year of high school.  There is a lot of time, and changes, from now and when your child will apply to college.  Then, as Chico points out, there will be time and changes during their 4 years of college.

I just pulled up my college list spreadsheet.  I had 98 schools on it!!!!  Many were used for research, so many have strikethroughs.  So, I'm not opposed to a list by any means, I think they're critical.  Though, I didn't create it until the summer of his rising junior year, once we had better insight to his interest and athletic level.

Chico Escuela posted:
CaCO3Girl posted:

It's a problem when they don't know their own interests.  You can study english anywhere, but how about Marine Biology?  Kind of specialized isn't it?  I know it was only offered in 2 schools in PA when I was applying for college.  So, how do you have a school list without knowing their interests is my question.  Picking all the D1 schools in the state, for example, isn't a great way to go.

I don't agree that it's a problem (respectfully--it's fine with me if we just agree that we don't agree, of course).  Some kids have a definite goal in mind, some don't.  Depending on the source you check, between 33-75% of college students change their majors at least once, and 20-50% enter with their major as "undecided."  Sure, if your kid thinks s/he wants to study marine biology, then schools in the Dakotas aren't a good plan.  But if he changes his mind and switches to American History, it would be a rare college that couldn't provide a good education/preparation in that field as well.  I wouldn't suggest to any kid that it's a problem if they don't know what they want to major in while still in HS (or during their first year of college, for that matter).

JMO...  I entered college as "undecided," changed majors 3 times, then went to an Ivy League grad school.  I do think things are somewhat different now than they were decades ago when I was in college.  But all the surveys I see show that employers want liberal arts grads (not necessarily specific majors) and that the top medical schools have plenty of students who majored in, say, English, History or PoliSci.    

Different backgrounds and experience.  I had a list of two schools, never changed my major, which was Marine Science with a concentration in chemistry.  The scientific field is specialized and requires a scientific major in college.

Chico Escuela posted:
CaCO3Girl posted:

It's a problem when they don't know their own interests.  You can study english anywhere, but how about Marine Biology?  Kind of specialized isn't it?  I know it was only offered in 2 schools in PA when I was applying for college.  So, how do you have a school list without knowing their interests is my question.  Picking all the D1 schools in the state, for example, isn't a great way to go.

I don't agree that it's a problem (respectfully--it's fine with me if we just agree that we don't agree, of course).  Some kids have a definite goal in mind, some don't.  Depending on the source you check, between 33-75% of college students change their majors at least once, and 20-50% enter with their major as "undecided."  Sure, if your kid thinks s/he wants to study marine biology, then schools in the Dakotas aren't a good plan.  But if he changes his mind and switches to American History, it would be a rare college that couldn't provide a good education/preparation in that field as well.  I wouldn't suggest to any kid that it's a problem if they don't know what they want to major in while still in HS (or during their first year of college, for that matter).

JMO...  I entered college as "undecided," changed majors 3 times, then went to an Ivy League grad school.  I do think things are somewhat different now than they were decades ago when I was in college.  But all the surveys I see show that employers want liberal arts grads (not necessarily specific majors) and that the top medical schools have plenty of students who majored in, say, English, History or PoliSci.    

I found this to be accurate with my own kids.  Some kids have passion and direction early, some don't.  But the world doesn't stop while they figure this out.  My daughter had no idea what she wanted to study so we told her to go to a top ranked school and study something rigorous.  My older son always wanted to study engineering so he went that route.  My younger son, 2019 ball player, still has no idea what he wants to study.  We told him the same thing we told our daughter - look for a top ranked school and study something rigorous, and make sure the baseball was a fit.

I think a lot of things need to be factored into decision making.  Majors do change...frequently...so you need to like the school and the environment as well.  The size of the school, how strong are the athletics, do you like the weather, etc. I don't think you can expect a freshman in hs to have their life planned out.  Having a good list of schools to visit or research at that stage is a great start.  

Knowing exactly what you want early on and having everything go according to plan is a rare thing.

CaCO3Girl posted:
Different backgrounds and experience.  I had a list of two schools, never changed my major, which was Marine Science with a concentration in chemistry.  The scientific field is specialized and requires a scientific major in college.

You are one of the lucky ones who finds her passion early.  (I'm over 50 and still don't know what I want to be if I grow up.)  I agree, many kids do choose a path early on and stick to it.  

And you are right that science grad school requires scientific training in college.  But what I have observed (I teach part-time at a large state university --in a field I didn't major in, btw) is that solid training in basic science is usually enough. 

Again, marine biology is a fairly narrow specialty and maybe it's different.  But, for example, majoring in physics or chem with some coursework in geology or geophysics can still land you in a good geology program.  Ditto for majoring in Psychology while taking Chem, O-Chem, P-Chem, then going to medical school.  Worst case, maybe you have to spend a 5th year in college to get in some extra training before grad school.  That's not ideal--but I don't think there is any way around the fact that many (most?) 14-18 year-olds don't know what field they want to enter.

CaCO,

Just curious:  Do you work in a marine biology-related field today?  Did you at some point?  I ask only because I think many of us have ended up in career paths that stray (sometimes quite far) from our majors, and from where we expected.  Another reason, IMO, choice of major, while important, isn't hugely important for most.

Chico Escuela posted:

CaCO,

Just curious:  Do you work in a marine biology-related field today?  Did you at some point?  I ask only because I think many of us have ended up in career paths that stray (sometimes quite far) from our majors, and from where we expected.  Another reason, IMO, choice of major, while important, isn't hugely important for most.

My major was Marine Science with a concentration in chemistry.  I could have chosen a concentration in biology, physics or geology, but chemistry was my passion.  I am a formulation chemist, dealing with primarily water based formulas.  

Once I make a plan, I tend to stick to it...with the exception of keeping my ex husband, I was willing to abandon that path, LOL!

And incidentally, I didn't get on that path until 11th grade chemistry.

high school is supposed to be one of the most important times in your life of finding out who you are.  If you already know you are going to school XYZ then you are trying to fit yourself to the school instead of seeing if the school is a good fit for you.  Being open to things off the list made in 8th grade would be a good idea.

Go44dad posted:
CaCO3Girl posted:
OskiSD posted:
baseballhs posted:
Smitty28 posted:

Maybe it's just me, but I think this stuff takes a lot of effort.  My son had a list of 20 or so schools that evolved over time as schools showed interest, or completely ignored him.  Building the contact spreadsheet and keeping it updated with current coach info took time and effort.  Writing even short emails that were customized 20 times to each coach took time and effort.  Keeping track of what was sent to whom and who responded took time and effort. Taking ongoing game videos (me) and then collecting them and editing them into a compelling, fresh 1:30 - 2:00 minute videos (him) took time and effort.  I would say it definitely took multiple hours per week, usually on a Sunday (since weekdays were full of school, practice and homework) when he was catching up on bigger homework projects.  I would not underestimate that amount of time this process takes.

I guess it’s all relative. To me it’s much easier than flying across the country hoping to be seen at a camp or showcase (not that we didn’t do that too). We had some very good results from just emails. Example: Stanford sent a form email which was clearly (because it was in the subject line), to all 85+ pitchers. It asked to send updates and video. I looked up some of the coaches videos and he talks about how important and easy it is to send video to coaches.  Son sends links to his youtube videos and they watch for 10 minutes. They all his hs coach, and they ask him to call and invite him to an UV.  They have never seen him. We live halfway across the country. He never gets on their radar to even watch at a WWBA type of event if he doesn’t email them. They were never a fit for my son but they were a great school to have talking to him when other schools called and asked who else he was talking to.  For us, the emails started several conversations that may not have happened otherwise and got coaches out to see him who would have probably not made the effort otherwise.  Think of how much time you invest in games and travel and practice and then pick some that son has interest in and add another hour

There's also the frustration factor when one's list of 20 has to be continually revised b/c of baseball or academic progress or lack thereof (or, realizing that the kid doesn't want snow/distance/big or small school).  I'm sure that can make the ongoing correspondence, etc more of a drag.  

We're just starting out (son's a '22) and he's got an initial list of ten.  No idea whether or how the list will change, but I'm sure it will.  

i hope he based that list on his potential major and not where it is cool to play baseball.

Potential major for a 2022?  Bwahahaha!

Yeah, not so much focus on a major.  He has strong likes/dislikes in school, but those will likely evolve.

We have expressed very clear academic expectations to my '22 (and to his sister) and we view baseball as a means to a great education and first step toward a great adult life.  This is especially true of my wife, who never played sports as a kid outside of PE.  

So, within those academic constraints, he's free to choose a school that fits his baseball and study interests.  IOW, everything's negotiable except his grades.

 

BBMomAZ posted:
2022NYC posted:

I do see a few 2022 kids committing to their state college. That makes sense as most of them have all the popular majors. 

Personally, I don't think 2022s "committing" at this time (some literally started high school today), makes any sense...

I absolutely agree, my 2022 struggles with what outfit to wear to his HS school (dress code is slacks, plain dress shirt, tie and jacket). I am very pleased of the majors and colleges he is interested in but that will change several times.

I will take an educated guess that on 9/1in his Jr. year, my kid was in a funk that many of his teammates had a place to go but my son was one of the few who had no serious offers.  Truthfully, I was concerned but not too worried since I knew he would get into one of his top ranked academic schools based on his GPA and test scores.  If baseball didn't work out it would just cost me more financially.  Son had faith in his ability that he does belong in a good D1/academic school and was determined to get better.  I guess this is a good example where the son taught his old man a thing or two about having faith..... and chasing dreams. 

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