The Highest Profile Tournaments Are...

Very true but . . . .

Having worked in higher ed for the last 30 years I assure you this can be double-edged sword. Remember that in every class the 'athletically qualified' child sits she will likely be in the bottom quartile in terms of SAT/GPA. Many argue that these metrics mean nothing . . . . "my child doesn't test well" . . . . but they do. Like it or not SAT scores do predict college GPA. Add to this the physical and mental challenges of college athletics and the child may have a steep hill to climb. Oh, it can be done and many do but it will be challenge.

 

Yeah, I understand what you mean about an athlete that is not "academically talented", but I was referring to two equally academically gifted kids, one who has done everything right - clubs, community, etc.. and one who is sought by a coach at the school... the athlete will win almost ever time. Unfortunately there are a lot of smart kids with good credentials appying for limited slots at many schools like UNC but if one of them is an athlete, that makes a world of difference in admission.

 

With a sport like football where the BIG money is involved I would agree about athletes getting preferential treatment. But not softball unless a coach missed out on some recruits and is in dire straits. First thing coaches look at are grades. So many good athletes to choose from with 4.0's and above.

I'll give this to you, but don't forget that when you have two academically gifted kids looking at a school, the one not playing sports has community service, clubs, and other personal qualities that have great value that schools look for, as opposed to an athlete with no free time playing a non-revenue sport. Lots a value on both sides of that fence that should not be overlooked. I would think with non-revenue grades win out, because if that absolute is equal another student down the list on grades just got bumped to another school.

 

Admission Decisions

"With a sport like football where the BIG money is involved I would agree about athletes getting preferential treatment. But not softball unless a coach missed out on some recruits and is in dire straits. First thing coaches look at are grades. So many good athletes to choose from with 4.0's and above."

Believe me, schools like UNC have admission exceptions for almost all of their sports including softball. The coaches don't have to be in 'dire straits' to use them. The number is fewer than football but they are there, none-the-less. You're correct, coaches like kids with good grades, but they will 'bend a little' for a 6' pitcher with a 67 mph rise ball.

 

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PS: Keep your grades up for YOUR good!