Essentially, student-athletes have 3 choices in the college application process. They can 1) apply early decision or early action, 2) Consider a rolling decision option or 3) Choose to apply in the regular decision pool of applicants. Deciding which option to choose depends mainly on college admissions policies, one’s readiness and comfort level to apply and how far along the prospect is in the recruiting process.
Early Decision/Action should be considered a viable option for prospects that have their ducks in a row in the college search. Based on early and proactive communication and providing Coach the opportunity to do a thorough and complete evaluation, prospects and families should have a strong feel for where they stand from a scholarship, walk-on and admissions support standpoint.
Typically early applications are due on or about November 1 of the senior year and prospects are bound to applying to only one institution. If a prospect is admitted early decision, she will be committed to attend (as long as the family is in agreement with the financial aid package). On the other hand, a positive response in admissions for the early action applicant allows the prospect the opportunity to apply to additional colleges during regular decision. Final decisions are mailed in mid-December of the senior year.
Rolling Decision provides prospects with the chance to get their applications in for an early read by admissions without being bound to commit. Simply stated, the sooner your application is received, the sooner you receive a decision from admissions.
Regular Decision applicants are read by admissions with a larger pool of students and applications are due on or around January 1. This is a fine option for prospects who might be a little behind or unable to pinpoint the “perfect fit” just yet! Final decisions are typically mailed in mid-April of the senior year.
Strong consideration should be given to the fact that the recruiting process has advanced considerably and in certain cases, especially with blue chip athletes, verbal offers of athletic scholarships are being made as early as the sophomore year in high school. Should this statement cause a sense of alarm or anxiety for athletes and families who have not received an offer? A sense of urgency perhaps, but remember…We control our level of anxiety…We control our playing field.
When navigating the college search, prospects and families should ground themselves in the fact that although the college gymnastics experience will most likely be 4 very memorable years, the “brass ring” is far more important. More to point, the college decision you make will most likely shape your professional life for the next 40 years. This is a powerful statement…One that will help us see the bigger picture when making a major life decision.
Walk-on opportunities are fabulous options for prospects to strongly consider when analyzing their top college choices. Although walk-on athletes may not receive an athletic scholarship in a given year, they are treated on equal ground in the eyes of the college coaches and by their teammates. The walk-on athlete has every opportunity to prove herself worthy and step up and contribute strongly and regularly to the total team effort. In many cases, coaches who witness walk-on athletes as “impact” athletes will, in many cases, reward their effort with an athletic scholarship, if available in the next recruiting cycle.
The college athletic landscape has shifted during the past 10 years and so too has the recruiting process. It’s downright competitive and early decision options are becoming more popular. Committing to a well-defined recruiting plan that is executed proactively and passionately will give prospects and their families a clear edge over the competition and position them best to determine the right and best admissions option moving forward. Juniors and sophomores should begin planning early in an effort to be best prepared for the right and most comfortable application period to choose.
About Tom Kovic:
Tom Kovic is a former Division I college gymnastics coach (Penn) and the current director of Victory Collegiate Consulting, where he provides individual advisement for families on college recruiting. Tom is the author of “Reaching for Excellence”, an educational guide for college athletics recruiting. For further information visit: www.victoryrecruiting.com
Editor's Note: Publication of this article is not an endorsement of any recruiting service. Always check with the NCAA or your school's compliance officer for any questions regarding recruiting rules, the latest timelines, or other issues.