The problem we're finding is if a kid has grades and stats to be recruited by these top D3 programs, then he may also be academically competitive for higher-ranked schools, even Ivies, where he wouldn't be able to play. Especially with the right mix of ECs. |
The kid won’t play because the kid will never be on the Ivy team A good friend’s son was recruited to play by Chicago, MIT and WashU. She said Ivy coaches didnt even give him the time of day. It is what it is…D1 recruits very differently than D3. |
Who said anything about the kid playing on the Ivy team? We have no illusions about that but why go to WashU if you could get into a better school? Not everyone HAS to keep at their sport. |
You need to get a better feel for how strong the WashU basketball alumni network may be. If your kid doesn’t plan on grad school and the WashU alums are very loyal and connected…could be a no brainer to go to WashU. |
Why is that a problem? |
It’s a problem because it forces a tradeoff between two things the student has worked hard for: academic achievement and athletic excellence. The more accomplished the kid is, the more painful the choice becomes. But I'm sure you know this and just want to argue. |
It really doesn’t unless you think WashU, or Chicago or JHU’s ranking just a couple of slots lower (though higher than some Ivy schools) is somehow the difference in your kid’s life. |
That’s not a problem. It’s a difficult choice between two very good options. |
| Basketball is the hardest sport to play at the college level in terms of numbers. Part of the issue is the tiny roster size for basketball compared to other sports. For D1, you get maximum 15 players across all classes according to the ncaa rules. Football gets 100+, and soccer and hockey get around 30. |