If your kid got into an Ivy as an athletic recruit would you suck up the cost and send them?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I think it really depends on the kid. Is your kid intellectual? If so, I’d spring for the Ivy because she will be happier with the social peer group and less bored with classes. But if not, she might be happier with the in state school. Just because she can get into the Ivy because of the sport doesn’t mean it will be a good fit for her. If she feels out of place with the peer group or in the classes, she might be miserable.

Yes, she’s intellectual and smart but likely wouldn’t be able able to get into Ivy without being recruited. She’s not Uber smart and other than excelling at her sport, doesn’t have any other ‘hooks or standouts’.

No one considers ivy athletes as "intellectuals." Their average SAT scores hover around 1250.

Without being rude, this is kind of the point, OP. Your daughter is not the only person at the college being recruited for athletics (or whatever other hook the college feels they need in a given year). Think about it -- if her academics are enough, she's not the only one - someone else at the same academic level is "enough" too. It is a myth that every kid at these schools is a super intellect; some are, some are like your daughter. She'll fit right in and be fine, otherwise they wouldn't accept her. Go for it!

I was the one who asked if she was intellectual. Not saying she has to be a genius, but if she's not generally bookish and likes to talk about academic things, she might feel a bit out of place at an Ivy. And I know lots of Ivy athletes who were top of their class and went on to Ivy league graduate degrees. From what OP says, it sounds like her daughter would enjoy it and would fit in....unless it's a major financial pressure on you, I'd try to make it happen, especially if its HYP.