Friend just announced her junior DD has committed to play lax at a top school

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Disagree. If your friend’s DD is academically qualified and someone who would be a good applicant at that school anyway, the school and student are making a good decision to lock in the relationship. Playing a sport at a level high enough to commit while maintaining grades, etc. deserves to be rewarded just as much as the kid who fiends 20 hours a week in the lab or practicing an instrument. Sports also enhance a school’s community and school spirit, so benefit all students.

The problem is it isn't valued "just as much". Sports are valued more.

+1 When top schools start recruiting and giving scholarships to as many musicians as athletes,’give us a call.

They do… art, performing arts, band, orchestra, etc

They all have scholarships it’s just that people don’t post that on FB. They just post “going to Ohio state” … then later you see pictures of them in the marching band.

Also every team has a team manger scholarship… so a scholarship for planning/managing/social media post.

Just because you have not educated yourself about these scholarships doesn’t mean they don’t exist.

But we aren't talking about scholarships, we are talking about recruiting, and reserving a spot for an athlete. Do tuba players get recruited and commit junior year?

No, but if the band needs a tuba player, the band director will certainly let admissions know so they can be sure to admit one.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Disagree. If your friend’s DD is academically qualified and someone who would be a good applicant at that school anyway, the school and student are making a good decision to lock in the relationship. Playing a sport at a level high enough to commit while maintaining grades, etc. deserves to be rewarded just as much as the kid who fiends 20 hours a week in the lab or practicing an instrument. Sports also enhance a school’s community and school spirit, so benefit all students.

The problem is it isn't valued "just as much". Sports are valued more.

+1 When top schools start recruiting and giving scholarships to as many musicians as athletes,’give us a call.

They do… art, performing arts, band, orchestra, etc

They all have scholarships it’s just that people don’t post that on FB. They just post “going to Ohio state” … then later you see pictures of them in the marching band.

Also every team has a team manger scholarship… so a scholarship for planning/managing/social media post.

Just because you have not educated yourself about these scholarships doesn’t mean they don’t exist.

But we aren't talking about scholarships, we are talking about recruiting, and reserving a spot for an athlete. Do tuba players get recruited and commit junior year?

No, but if the band needs a tuba player, the band director will certainly let admissions know so they can be sure to admit one.

Athletes, especially in DI programs, is a FULL TIME JOB. Basically it is a work-study position for the University. Very little time off and even Summer commitments (many athletes can't study abroad due to sports commitments). Don't think the schools are giving away scholarships without any demands.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Disagree. If your friend’s DD is academically qualified and someone who would be a good applicant at that school anyway, the school and student are making a good decision to lock in the relationship. Playing a sport at a level high enough to commit while maintaining grades, etc. deserves to be rewarded just as much as the kid who fiends 20 hours a week in the lab or practicing an instrument. Sports also enhance a school’s community and school spirit, so benefit all students.

The problem is it isn't valued "just as much". Sports are valued more.

+1 When top schools start recruiting and giving scholarships to as many musicians as athletes,’give us a call.

They do… art, performing arts, band, orchestra, etc

They all have scholarships it’s just that people don’t post that on FB. They just post “going to Ohio state” … then later you see pictures of them in the marching band.

Also every team has a team manger scholarship… so a scholarship for planning/managing/social media post.

Just because you have not educated yourself about these scholarships doesn’t mean they don’t exist.

But we aren't talking about scholarships, we are talking about recruiting, and reserving a spot for an athlete. Do tuba players get recruited and commit junior year?

No, but if the band needs a tuba player, the band director will certainly let admissions know so they can be sure to admit one.

Not really. Band is not something generally recruited like sports.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Needs of schools & society will not always be inline with your child's interest and gifts! Get used to it.

Money talks so when there is immense interest in sports - that is where the interest will be focused.

They can find thousands of kids that get 4.0 and 1600 SAT/36 ACT but only a hand full of kids that can throw 90+ mph or run a 4.4 40-yard dash.

Most of kids are not that unique. Do your best and teach them to be happy with what they can achieve.

Its the parents buying into the marketing of schools that says you have to go to a T20 school to be successful - that is BS.

So what? My kid can win an athletic competition. This is not going to help her master organic chemistry.

DP your bright kid can master organic chemistry at an elite school while playing D1 sports. She just won’t have much time for relaxing and hanging with friends. Contrary to the claims on here, most teams at D1 schools, elite and otherwise, will have some athletes majoring in challenging STEM subjects.

I did not say she can't learn it. I said the athletics have nothing to do with her mastering organic chemistry.

Sorry. I confused you with the poster who valued academics and had a kid who ended up at an elite school as an athletic recruit. Obviously kids can be great at organic chemistry regardless of their athletic ability.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Disagree. If your friend’s DD is academically qualified and someone who would be a good applicant at that school anyway, the school and student are making a good decision to lock in the relationship. Playing a sport at a level high enough to commit while maintaining grades, etc. deserves to be rewarded just as much as the kid who fiends 20 hours a week in the lab or practicing an instrument. Sports also enhance a school’s community and school spirit, so benefit all students.

The problem is it isn't valued "just as much". Sports are valued more.

+1 When top schools start recruiting and giving scholarships to as many musicians as athletes,’give us a call.

They do… art, performing arts, band, orchestra, etc

They all have scholarships it’s just that people don’t post that on FB. They just post “going to Ohio state” … then later you see pictures of them in the marching band.

Also every team has a team manger scholarship… so a scholarship for planning/managing/social media post.

Just because you have not educated yourself about these scholarships doesn’t mean they don’t exist.

But we aren't talking about scholarships, we are talking about recruiting, and reserving a spot for an athlete. Do tuba players get recruited and commit junior year?

Yes people were recruited for instruments.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Needs of schools & society will not always be inline with your child's interest and gifts! Get used to it.

Money talks so when there is immense interest in sports - that is where the interest will be focused.

They can find thousands of kids that get 4.0 and 1600 SAT/36 ACT but only a hand full of kids that can throw 90+ mph or run a 4.4 40-yard dash.

Most of kids are not that unique. Do your best and teach them to be happy with what they can achieve.

Its the parents buying into the marketing of schools that says you have to go to a T20 school to be successful - that is BS.

So what? My kid can win an athletic competition. This is not going to help her master organic chemistry.

DP your bright kid can master organic chemistry at an elite school while playing D1 sports. She just won’t have much time for relaxing and hanging with friends. Contrary to the claims on here, most teams at D1 schools, elite and otherwise, will have some athletes majoring in challenging STEM subjects.

I did not say she can't learn it. I said the athletics have nothing to do with her mastering organic chemistry.

Sorry. I confused you with the poster who valued academics and had a kid who ended up at an elite school as an athletic recruit. Obviously kids can be great at organic chemistry regardless of their athletic ability.

I was the poster that valued academics with a kid that ended up at an elite school as an athletic recruit but am very critical of this journey and would have preferred the college process be free of the nonsense athletic concerns.

By the time I now understand youth sports and what I should and should not have done..I am shipping off my last one. Oh well. Maybe some on DCUM can read different opinions and avoid some of the pitfalls.

If.i could do it all over we would have stuck to HS sports and skipped the athletic recruiting nonsense entirely.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Disagree. If your friend’s DD is academically qualified and someone who would be a good applicant at that school anyway, the school and student are making a good decision to lock in the relationship. Playing a sport at a level high enough to commit while maintaining grades, etc. deserves to be rewarded just as much as the kid who fiends 20 hours a week in the lab or practicing an instrument. Sports also enhance a school’s community and school spirit, so benefit all students.

The problem is it isn't valued "just as much". Sports are valued more.

+1 When top schools start recruiting and giving scholarships to as many musicians as athletes,’give us a call.

They do… art, performing arts, band, orchestra, etc

They all have scholarships it’s just that people don’t post that on FB. They just post “going to Ohio state” … then later you see pictures of them in the marching band.

Also every team has a team manger scholarship… so a scholarship for planning/managing/social media post.

Just because you have not educated yourself about these scholarships doesn’t mean they don’t exist.

But we aren't talking about scholarships, we are talking about recruiting, and reserving a spot for an athlete. Do tuba players get recruited and commit junior year?

No, but if the band needs a tuba player, the band director will certainly let admissions know so they can be sure to admit one.

Not really. Band is not something generally recruited like sports.

The tuba scenario is not recruiting. But if a program within a university needs gaps filled, they certainly let admissions know to be on the look out. That isn't recruiting, but it is reality.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Disagree. If your friend’s DD is academically qualified and someone who would be a good applicant at that school anyway, the school and student are making a good decision to lock in the relationship. Playing a sport at a level high enough to commit while maintaining grades, etc. deserves to be rewarded just as much as the kid who fiends 20 hours a week in the lab or practicing an instrument. Sports also enhance a school’s community and school spirit, so benefit all students.

The problem is it isn't valued "just as much". Sports are valued more.

+1 When top schools start recruiting and giving scholarships to as many musicians as athletes,’give us a call.

They do… art, performing arts, band, orchestra, etc

They all have scholarships it’s just that people don’t post that on FB. They just post “going to Ohio state” … then later you see pictures of them in the marching band.

Also every team has a team manger scholarship… so a scholarship for planning/managing/social media post.

Just because you have not educated yourself about these scholarships doesn’t mean they don’t exist.

But we aren't talking about scholarships, we are talking about recruiting, and reserving a spot for an athlete. Do tuba players get recruited and commit junior year?

No, but if the band needs a tuba player, the band director will certainly let admissions know so they can be sure to admit one.

Not really. Band is not something generally recruited like sports.

The tuba scenario is not recruiting. But if a program within a university needs gaps filled, they certainly let admissions know to be on the look out. That isn't recruiting, but it is reality.

It’s not true. Kids that play in bands are recruited through their band instructor. They send “film” just like athletes, reach out to the head of the department and get recruited.

Have you seen Ohio States Marching band, you think that organically happens … not!

Seriously if you’ve never seen this go to 4:16.

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=RhVAga3GhNM

Also the HBCU’s marching band have competitions and 1/2 time battles.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Disagree. If your friend’s DD is academically qualified and someone who would be a good applicant at that school anyway, the school and student are making a good decision to lock in the relationship. Playing a sport at a level high enough to commit while maintaining grades, etc. deserves to be rewarded just as much as the kid who fiends 20 hours a week in the lab or practicing an instrument. Sports also enhance a school’s community and school spirit, so benefit all students.

The problem is it isn't valued "just as much". Sports are valued more.

+1 When top schools start recruiting and giving scholarships to as many musicians as athletes,’give us a call.

They do… art, performing arts, band, orchestra, etc

They all have scholarships it’s just that people don’t post that on FB. They just post “going to Ohio state” … then later you see pictures of them in the marching band.

Also every team has a team manger scholarship… so a scholarship for planning/managing/social media post.

Just because you have not educated yourself about these scholarships doesn’t mean they don’t exist.

But we aren't talking about scholarships, we are talking about recruiting, and reserving a spot for an athlete. Do tuba players get recruited and commit junior year?

No, but if the band needs a tuba player, the band director will certainly let admissions know so they can be sure to admit one.

Not really. Band is not something generally recruited like sports.

The tuba scenario is not recruiting. But if a program within a university needs gaps filled, they certainly let admissions know to be on the look out. That isn't recruiting, but it is reality.

It’s not true. Kids that play in bands are recruited through their band instructor. They send “film” just like athletes, reach out to the head of the department and get recruited.

Have you seen Ohio States Marching band, you think that organically happens … not!

Seriously if you’ve never seen this go to 4:16.

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=RhVAga3GhNM

Also the HBCU’s marching band have competitions and 1/2 time battles.

Kind of funny that indirectly recruiting for band is really about college sports, lol.

[Anonymous]

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Well obviously being good at a sport is so very important and valuable and correlates so well with being able to take advantage of elite academic offerings.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Disagree. If your friend’s DD is academically qualified and someone who would be a good applicant at that school anyway, the school and student are making a good decision to lock in the relationship. Playing a sport at a level high enough to commit while maintaining grades, etc. deserves to be rewarded just as much as the kid who fiends 20 hours a week in the lab or practicing an instrument. Sports also enhance a school’s community and school spirit, so benefit all students.

The problem is it isn't valued "just as much". Sports are valued more.

+1 When top schools start recruiting and giving scholarships to as many musicians as athletes,’give us a call.

They do… art, performing arts, band, orchestra, etc

They all have scholarships it’s just that people don’t post that on FB. They just post “going to Ohio state” … then later you see pictures of them in the marching band.

Also every team has a team manger scholarship… so a scholarship for planning/managing/social media post.

Just because you have not educated yourself about these scholarships doesn’t mean they don’t exist.

But we aren't talking about scholarships, we are talking about recruiting, and reserving a spot for an athlete. Do tuba players get recruited and commit junior year?

No, but if the band needs a tuba player, the band director will certainly let admissions know so they can be sure to admit one.

Not really. Band is not something generally recruited like sports.

The tuba scenario is not recruiting. But if a program within a university needs gaps filled, they certainly let admissions know to be on the look out. That isn't recruiting, but it is reality.

Well, College of Wooster gives a bagpipe scholarship.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:All four of mine used a sport to get into a much better school—100% on our family.

And I got my three boys into three different SLACs on the basis of sports. I apologize for nothing. You play the hand you are dealt.

Oh sure but it makes no sense. We don't hate the player, we hate the game. Is what it is but it is stupid.

Why do you get to say "it makes no sense". Obviously it makes sense to the schools. You just don't like it, admit that at least. That's fine. You want it to change so your kids chances raise slightly, and for no other reason.

Huh. No just went through this athletic recruitment process very successful lying with my player. I understand why it has developed this way and I figured out the process. It was difficult and IMO counterproductive.

Now that I have gone through it, I am very critical of it even though my kid had a good income.

My issues:

Shifts focus on what college is and can provide away from my kids future to continue to emphasize the past and present. My player will now spend significant time of her limited college experience involved in the same thing she has done for many many years. Non athletes have all that time to explore new pursuits and try new things and experiences.

Instead of college search bring focused on course of study and future career and higher education, athletics had to be factored in.

Youth sports is completely polluted by the college recruitment process. Gas caused youth sports to become a big business focused on making money and not youth sports. Exclusionary by cost and puts the kids in yet another bubble. Instead of being about pursuing and improving and learning to compete to best of athletes ability, it is only about that for those that can afford to pay for tons of stupid, unnecessary travel.

This is why we decided against travel sports in high school. It was in direct conflict with what we thought should matter. Kids try to do their assignments or eat dinner in the car while going from place to place. And it is so expensive. Another way to make things unfair.

You raise a good point that it is about the past and present, whereas college should be focused on preparing for the future. Consider that in spades when you think about experiencing a brain injury (or ANOTHER brain injury). Those kids can kiss their futures goodby.

[Anonymous]

Athletics play an important role for colleges. Pride, tradition, socializing, fundraising, publicity, healthy and attractive students. Admissions offices are painting a picture with puzzle pieces (applicants). Academics are less important.

[Anonymous]

The athletics recruitment process creates a whole side culture for access and an insular culture and fast track to post collegiate opportunities. It is unethical and perpetuated by college professionals and parents with compromised morals and heightened sense of self and privilege. That is why the system is at the heart of the pay for access scandal. Say all that you want about the commitment of student athletes - but the modern system is just morally wrong.