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Nor did anyone say that you could get into the elite schools with "mediocre academics". The fact is that not every recruited student athlete needs the same academic credentials even at the top academic schools. The number 1 recruit does not need the same grades and test scores as the number 9 recruit.

The number 1 recruit does not get into Princeton, Yale, Harvard, Penn, Stanford without at least a 1300 SAT and A average in honors classes. If someone “told you” different, they are not being truthful. You do not get into the best academic schools with mediocre academics no matter how good you are at lacrosse. You do realize that students with perfect SATs, 5s on all APs and 4.0 GPA are turned away from these schools in droves. A kid should consider it a gift to be admitted with a weak 1300 and A- average.

--------- "The number 1 recruit does not get into Princeton, Yale, Harvard, Penn, Stanford without at least a 1300 SAT and A average in honors classes. If someone “told you” different, they are not being truthful. You do not get into the best academic schools with mediocre academics no matter how good you are at lacrosse. You do realize that students with perfect SATs, 5s on all APs and 4.0 GPA are turned away from these schools in droves. A kid should consider it a gift to be admitted with a weak 1300 and A- average." -----------

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The above is just the opinion of someone who paints with a broad brush, it is not fact. They seem to focus on the same 1300 SAT score as if it is a "fact" that no recruits get into elite schools with SAT scores below 1300 (they do) They also keep repeating that you do not get into the top schools with "mediocre academics" which of course there has not been a single post suggesting that you can get into a top school with mediocre grades. My guess is that the poster has either not gone through the recruiting process but if they have they have not gone through it with a legitimate Top Tier recruit. Remember, as an earlier post points out: Every school has a top recruit (number 1 recruit) and a bottom recruit (number 8,9,10 or whatever). Recruits are not all considered equal by the coach and the number 1 will not need the same academics as the number 9. The Ivy's use their "academic index" the index is based off of each schools overall student body and the "index score" required varies from school to school. (if you are not familiar with the Ivy academic index and how it is derived and how it is applied to athletic recruits I suggest that you google it. Duke works off of "Athletic Slots" the coach gets a certain number of "slots" (most likely around 8) the slots are used for athletes who fall below the normal academic requirements for admission. Below 1200 would be cause for concern but not a deal breaker. Northwestern (at least a few years ago) could pretty much bring in whoever they wanted with no set number of slots (obviously the coach does not bring in students who have not demonstrated that they will be able to handle the workload as that would not benefit the player of the team). All of the Top Tier academic schools have their own way of dealing with admissions for student athletes, they also have different academic requirements for their recruits. One athlete might be able to get into Princeton with a 28 ACT score while an athlete in the same recruiting class may be required to have a 33 or 34 ACT score. Remember, there is always a Top and Bottom Recruit in each recruiting class.

My older daughter was a top recruit. She was contacted by several top programs Sept 1 and made 6 (5 official) visits before committing. She was told she was first on the depth chart was offered a spot at each visit while there. Three coaches made home visits. She worked very hard and we are proud and blessed. Princeton and Yale said they were looking for 1400 SAT and an A average with honors classes, but they would work with my daughter. Northwestern did not seemed at all concerned with her grades. Stanford said if you get a B, it could be a big problem and some recruits have not gotten in with a B, they do not currently require SATs, so that is new there. UNC and UVA were not super concerned about grades. Every school is different, but this was our experience as a top tier recruit. The very top academic schools are very concerned that all their recruits meet a certain criteria. I also have a son who played at an Ivy who was a top tier recruit, with a home visit as well, He was told he needed a 1300 minimum. He eventually was admitted with a 1290. It’s academics first, sports second. If you really want to believe your daughter is getting into a top 5 academic school with a 1200 SAT, good luck with that!

Below is from when my oldest son went through the process, it was shared with us by Duke a number of years ago. (for top recruits it may be easier at an Ivy because they work off of an "average AI" so if the coach brings in a few kids with perfect scores it will bring the average AI up helping an athlete that is below the average). Pay close attention the the last section "Red Flags".

Duke Lacrosse Recruiting Prospectus

As a top academic school that is committed to competing for the ACC and NCAA Championship every year, we choose to take a very calculated approach to the recruiting process.
We feel strongly that our approach has played a major part in the success of our program as well as the academic, athletic and personal success of our many players.

We are highly selective in our recruiting process and take enormous pride in the team culture and chemistry that exists within our program.
We place tremendous emphasis on getting to know our prospects and their families during the recruiting process. This experience has proven critical in finding players who will be happy and successful
student-athletes at Duke University.

When evaluating prospective student-athletes for our program,
there are four major components that we factor in:

Academic Fit
Athletic Fit
Personal Fit
Interest in Duke.

ACADEMIC FIT

Our admissions process plays a critical role in our recruiting process. We have between 7-10 spots to work with each year. Prospective student-athletes must fall within the parameters set by our admissions office to be considered for an athletic admissions “spot".
These parameters are as follows:
3.2-GPA or higher
1200 SAT
26 ACT

GPA: Our admissions office prefers prospects with a GPA of at least a 3.2 in a challenging curriculum where students are enrolled in honors/AP courses or are on track to take these courses in their senior year.

SAT's: Again, with the recruiting process beginning so early, we recommend that prospects consider taking the exam earlier as well. In addition, it has been our experience that writing component of the exam makes the test longer and therefore more challenging for most students. We recommend that prospects plan to take their standardize tests THREE times--Fall, Winter, Spring—in their junior year. Options include taking a combination of SAT's as well as the ACT exam. Information as well as testing dates can be found at the following websites:

The sooner prospects take these exams, the sooner we will know if they will be a good academic fit for Duke. 

Red Flags:  Two issues that would be considered "red flags" in the admissions process would include:
Multiple C's in core courses (Math, English, Science, History)
A score below a 550 in either Critical Reading or Math

I thought many schools, even some of the Ivy's are test optional? Additionally I have heard some 2023s did not take SAT or ACT and still committed. These might be anomalous but interesting none the less. I would love for someone with good info weigh in on this.

This is laughable, I know for 100% fact as in, without question that the number 1 & 2 recruits can get in to at least 2 of the 5 schools named without a 1300 SAT and an A average in honors classes. Not sure how you would even claim to have such precise information on those 5 institutions. The admissions process is very fluid year to year and it is constantly evolving. If you think you can make an impact on the field and cut it in the classroom at the top institutions mentioned, then keep putting your best foot forward and see where you land.

This is 100% accurate

get off your high horse or quit smoking that stuff, you contradicted yourself with the 1290 which leads me to believe the rest of your story is not 100% accurate either. Coaches tell more than 1 kid they are the top recruit and I really don't think it is likely for someone to number one every one of those school's list. My guess is, if your story is accurate, then Princeton & Yale probably had her marked a little farther down the recruiting list list than they told you. Same for Stanford with the "B" - come on, you really think all their athletes have straight A's without a single B? that is absurd. I call BS here or at a minimum highly exaggerated.

What is a “home visit” all about? You said both your daughter and son had these. We’re these On 9/1 or after the official school visits?

Agree, I call BS as well.

Everyone knows that student athletes need excellent grades to get into a top academic school. However, every situation is different, every recruit is different, every recruiting class is different, every school is different, every coach and their relationship and credibility with admissions is different.

These are the Top 20 Universities (US News... Yeah I know there are other rankings) that field NCAA Division I Women's Lacrosse Teams:

1 - Princeton
2 - Harvard
5 - Yale
6 - Stanford
8 - Penn
9 - Duke
9 - Hopkins
9 - Northwestern
13 - Dartmouth
14 - Brown
14 - Vanderbilt
17 - Cornell
19 - Notre Dame

13 of the Top 20 Universities have opportunities for your daughter don't let some joker on here discourage you or your daughter. The above list is impressive but those schools are not the end all be all. There are many great opportunities for young women who want to play in college. Help your daughter find the right fit and do not get hung up on a particular school, there is a good fit for everyone.

Let the College Coaches tell you and your daughter what grades and test scores she needs, don't listen to what some parent says on here.

Good luck to everyone.

The coach or coaches come to your house and sit with you for a while trying to convince your daughter to come to their school/program. It is done by many coaches to try to lure their top ranked recruits to show how serious they are. They will call and make an appointment usually in the first week of September. We served some light food water/coffee

These are the Top 20 Universities (US News... Yeah I know there are other rankings) that field NCAA Division I Women's Lacrosse Teams:

1 - Princeton
2 - Harvard
5 - Yale
6 - Stanford
8 - Penn
9 - Duke
9 - Hopkins
9 - Northwestern
13 - Dartmouth
14 - Brown
14 - Vanderbilt
17 - Cornell
19 - Notre Dame


I’m pretty sure Columbia has D1 lacrosse and is ranked higher than Yale. At the D3 level you have top ranked MIT and U of Chicago as well

I have a child at a top Ivy school now. I would assume in a class of ~8, they were mid-tier w regard to desire from the coaching staff (they played/contributed as a freshman and continue to play). They attended a very highly regarded academic high school and when they gave their verbal, there was a call scheduled immediately between someone in the college admissions office and my child's academic advisor. A minimum 1350 SAT was required and my child was required to move, mid-semester, from one or two honors classes to the AP sections. From that point forward, it was AP all the way and A's were expected. I am talking about a consistent top 5 USN college here. Schools with big time athletic programs, FBS Football, D1 Basketball, etc with big budgets - UNC, ND, MD - have WAY more flexibility w regard to admission for their athletes. I would expect schools like Duke, Hopkins, N Western, Stanford to have expectations that fall somewhere between the highest Ivy's and a UNC, BC, etc.

Plus Berkley is usually top 20, fell to 22 last year. They have D1 lacrosse and will likely get better fast with their coaching change

Thank you! You confirmed my experience with recruiting . However, Stanford is the hardest school in the world to get into, so they are more on par with Princeton/Yale/Harvard/ Penn as admissions go. Duke, Hopkins, Northwestern, Cornell,Dartmouth, ND are quite a bit more flexible but still require high grades and scores, after that if the school really wants you, they can get you in

These are the Top 20 Universities (US News... Yeah I know there are other rankings) that field NCAA Division I or Division III Women's Lacrosse Teams:

Columbia has been unranked for 2022 by US News.

1 - Princeton
2 - Harvard
2 - MIT - DIII
5 - Yale
6 - Stanford
6 - University of Chicago - DIII
8 - Penn
9 - Duke
9 - Hopkins
9 - Northwestern
13 - Dartmouth
14 - Brown
14 - Vanderbilt
17 - Cornell
19 - Notre Dame

16 (including Columbia) of the Top 20 Universities offer opportunities for young women to compete at the college level. In addition to the schools listed there are many many great opportunities. Your job is to help your daughter find the right fit.

I'm sure the revenue sports like men's basketball and men's football get the most wiggle room at the top schools. Football coaches at Notre Dame have complained for 20+ years about expectations of national championships with rigid admissions relative to other top programs. These top universities are well aware of the SAT and grades of each incoming class because they are all ranked against each other. Lacrosse absolutely helps with the admissions, but the top academic schools work with sliding scales that varies for every girl and every year.

Thank you so much for those that have posted about their personal experiences! Keep the recruiting stuff coming!

While I agree with comments about leeway being given to a schools #1 vs #8 recruit, they still need to be a good student. At the end of the day D1 Lacrosse, if that is your daughters goal is a full time job. If your daughter is struggling to do well academically in high school, even if the rules are bent for her admission to a top school, how long do you think she will keep her head above water at a top academic school.

Good post. Only disagreement is around UVA. Their standards are nowhere near the other schools mentioned but they do care about grades. On the boys side, our high school had a great kid, all-american, 3.3 GPA, 1120 SATs who coach couldnt get in despire being on of his top 3 or 4 prosepcts.

Anybody here with older kids who went through this surprised by the schools that reached out/showed interest in your kid? Especially on Sept 1?

There are always surprises. Usually 5 or 6 you didn't expect and didn't write to and maybe 1 or 2 you expected but didn't reach out. The better the club director, the fewer surprises on 9/1. Oldest played on YJ and there was only one who we though would reach out, but didn't.

The real "surprises" usually come a week later when you find out who doesn't follow up after initial calls and don't make either offers or try to set up a visit.

Yes. Many surprises from schools that she was not in touch with at all. House visits were a big surprise too. You see that in the movies but you really don’t expect it until it happens. And it happens immediately. The coaches are in hotels on Long Island and want to come on sept 1.

I wouldn’t really call that a surprise. The coaches call or email their first 3-4 choices for each position on Sept 1. They obviously try to land their first choice, but as girls begin to commit, the list changes. No school gets all their top picks. So if a coach calls Sept 1 and seems very interested and sets up a visit, chances are other girls they’re interested will also be on that visit. Coach usually make an offer at the visit to her top, and tells the others that they will be in touch. If top girl commits, you will never hear from that coach again. My daughter had several offers but wanted to see a bunch of schools before she committed. This can be risky and extremely stressful too because coaches don’t want to lose other top choices while her top keeps her hanging, so taking multiple visits can backfire. Good luck!

You are right about Stanford. They have dk'd several girls from the mid-Atlantic region over the years. Girls who were committed and found out late first semester sr year that they had not gotten in. That is a tough spot to find oneself in.

They now don’t early admissions so athletes know where they stand before starting Sr. year. They give what is similar to a likely letter. I know one commit who was literally freaking out because she got one B, she eventually admitted with conditions.

Exactly. Many schools don't offer visits. They have all their committed girls take their official visit during their fall or winter camp.

Reality is, it is rare for a top school to offer a girl who has never been on their campus or a camp or prospect day.

Exactly. Many schools don't offer visits. They have all their committed girls take their official visit during their fall or winter camp.

Reality is it is rare for a top school to offer a girl who has been never on campus for a camp or prospect day.

My daughter went to two camps and played just okay at both. Wasn’t prepared for the ball hogging. One of the schools called Sept 1 and wrote a letter. She was probably the 2nd or third choice. Their first choice committed so that was that. The other school never contacted her, but several other much better lacrosse and academic schools did. She was offered official visits at 5 schools that people told us only recruit from camps, so that was a bit of a surprise. My daughter did email these schools regularly to express interest, so maybe that was a factor. She eventually committed to what was her first choice, so everything worked out. I would say that you really can’t listen to what other people tell you, because recruiting is different for everyone. These coaches are looking for very specific things, and you don’t know who may have been watching when your daughter caught their eye. My advice is to keep emailing the top 10 choices, have your club director reach out to the schools. Prioritize schools and try to set up visits in that order if possible (sometimes its, not which becomes tricky) If your daughter gets an offer at one of her top three, take it, because if you don’t it may be gone!

Great post. There is a big difference in timing between top 15 or so schools and everyone else. Top schools make offers first week of September because they don't want to lose recruits. Lesser schools will wait more, maybe have more camps, but ultimately want to see which top girls don't get a big time offer.

Some very Good post(s) on here regarding recruiting. Thank you to all the parents who have been through it, for taking the time to post and share their experiences and wisdom. It’s very much appreciated! As a parent trying to help my kid navigate recruiting, it’s been helpful in hearing your experiences. Thank you.

My daughter went to two camps and played just okay at both. Wasn’t prepared for the ball hogging. One of the schools called Sept 1 and wrote a letter. She was probably the 2nd or third choice. Their first choice committed so that was that. The other school never contacted her, but several other much better lacrosse and academic schools did. She was offered official visits at 5 schools that people told us only recruit from camps, so that was a bit of a surprise. My daughter did email these schools regularly to express interest, so maybe that was a factor. She eventually committed to what was her first choice, so everything worked out. I would say that you really can’t listen to what other people tell you, because recruiting is different for everyone. These coaches are looking for very specific things, and you don’t know who may have been watching when your daughter caught their eye. My advice is to keep emailing the top 10 choices, have your club director reach out to the schools. Prioritize schools and try to set up visits in that order if possible (sometimes its, not which becomes tricky) If your daughter gets an offer at one of her top three, take it, because if you don’t it may be gone!

Thank you for the post. A question regarding the emails. My daughter is a 2024 and she has been emailing about 15 schools regularly. The emails are basically updates on highlight videos, where her team is playing during tournament season, attending prospect camps and she sent an email regarding her school transcripts. Are there other emails she should be sending?
Thanks

You are definitely doing the right thing! Keep saying that the school is your daughters first or top 3 choice. Maybe add something about the school and how she sees her self fitting in. Ultimately, if they want her they will call even if you don’t do any of that. When the coaches she’s interested she contact your daughter, be extremely proactive in setting up the visit asap. When you are there, as a parent, be a little bit of a salesman. explain how your daughter will help the program, let them know they’re several other schools interested in her. Tell them why they need your daughter. Be knowledgeable about the current players and strengths and weaknesses of the program. With my daughter we had a good idea of who would call based on sports recruits hits, but there were a few surprises. Don’t rule anything out, and don’t appear desperate. If possible try to see a few schools before you decide, my daughter committed to the 5th school she visited which was a risk that worked out for us, but I don’t know if I would recommend that. If you see a bunch of schools, you definitely get a better idea of where she will fit in best. Good luck to all!

Thanks!

What was the correlation between sportsrecruits and phone calls? was there any distinguishable pattern? did the coaches look at profiles? watch full games? watch highlight videos? contact the club coach/director?........how many profiles views from the same school is a good sign? will/do any of the schools that only looked at your profile 1 time have serious interest?


also what do the short questionnaires from the coaches mean? - not the ones from the standard forms from the websites or they send. My daughter has received a small handful of very short questionnaires that ask for name and all contact info, a question or 2 about potential area of study, what she wants to get out of college, and they they all finally asked the same 2 questions....... where their school ranks on her list and then asks about availability for a visit & lists a few sept. dates with check boxes?

short questionnaires mean a higher level of interest. In terms of how high, it really varies school to school. Some send to 90, others send to 25 or 30.

We found sports recruits profile hits didn't mean much. Almost everyone she email went to sports recruits at least once or twice.

However, my daughter (per our recruiting director's recommendation) hosted her videos on a YouTube channel, not sports recruits. For sports recruits, she posted one video and a link to her YouTube site.

However, my daughter (per our recruiting director's recommendation) hosted her videos on a YouTube channel, not sports recruits. For sports recruits, she posted one video and a link to her YouTube site.

That's interesting. Did the Director explain why?

--- "When you are there, as a parent, be a little bit of a salesman. explain how your daughter will help the program, let them know they’re several other schools interested in her. Tell them why they need your daughter. Be knowledgeable about the current players and strengths and weaknesses of the program." ----

Telling is not selling... and if you think college coaches want your opinion on how your daughter will help their program or why they "need" your daughter you are delusional. Coaches do not want the opinion of parents when it comes to their program, their players or of the parents daughter.

Why? Because you said so? Worked out pretty well for us. Immediate offers from 5/5 official visits. But of course, you do you.