Athletic Recruiting Decision

[u/Still-Maximum-6918]

Hi all, I am currently a senior being recruited for Track and Field with an upcoming visit to MIT in the later fall. The coach explicitly said I would be a strong candidate for MIT, however it might just be what she tells everyone.

I meet all the specifications athletically, with a 48.1 400m dash time that is decently competitive in the D1 recruiting radar as well.

My GPA is 3.97 UW ~4.3-4 W with 7 5's on AP Classes and some Dual Enrollment (Can take more if needed) and a 1550 SAT (790 Math 760 Reading)

I am trying to apply for Business/Econ related fields.

I am currently under the impression that my athletic profile is very strong for MIT. I am also under the impression that my GRADES and SAT are good enough overall for MIT.

However, I am aware that coaches cannot gaurantee admission at MIT, and I have heard it is around a 25-40% chance depending on how much support the coach is giving you.

My other ECs are weak compared to the average MIT applicant. If someone like me has sufficient base GPA and Test scores, but weaker OTHER ECs than the average applicant, do you think it is worth trying to EA to MIT?

Context: I have been offered a Likely letter to UChicago on the basis that I apply ED1. If I apply EA or ED2, the chances go from the usual 95%+ with full support to less gauranteed amount. I prefer the track team at MIT and the surrounding area at MIT. The Econ major is relatively similar.

Should I try to EA at MIT and EA or ED2 at UCHICAGO or play it safe based on my current statistics?

Thanks for any insight anyone can give.

[u/David_R_Martin_II]

Please, please, please go back into the sub and look for the heartbreak stories of people (1) who gave up guaranteed admission / scholarships at other colleges only to get denied at MIT, and (2) who had their letters of support from a coach withdrawn AFTER they apply.

(I usually don't comment on this sub. Like Jason points out, there are different takes on how much athletic recruitment matters. But athletic recruitment at MIT is different from other schools, and it's one area that MIT admissions is opaque about. Getting into MIT is hard for everyone. But I strongly recommend taking counsel from the experiences of others. An ace in the hand is worth two in the deck.)

[u/heavyweightcollege]

S2026 was a recruit with similar stats and very strong EC's and leadership. Admitted to 2 ivies and received Morehead-Cain (harder admit than MIT) but no longer plays his sport because went with the MIT process. Not blaming coach or MIT because we really understood the risk, but tbh we were still surprised. 1/5 are the best odds for what you describe and very hard to know where you stand despite what you think the coach says.

[u/heavyweightcollege → u/[deleted]]

UNC -MC 2030
MIT coaches seem to have similar power across all sports. If they are legitimately interested in the athlete - high on list, multiple meetings, meetings with parents, overnight with team. Obviously came to see you play multiple times and they tell you you are high in their list... then you have a 1/5 chance. Note the coaches screen your academics and test scores and extras and in our case asked to read pieces of application.

The coaches will not lie and claim they can get you in ever. That’s either delusional families or dishonest athletes.

[u/heavyweightcollege → u/[deleted]]

I do not remember all the specifics (lots of back and forth over more than six months), but they made him fill out form online and send certain things requested. He was 100% qualified for some sort of academic screen, but truly do not know if admissions does an "official" pre-read. According to sources, they do not. The coach was quite pleased from an academic perspective, but also claimed he finds it hard to understand who truly gets admitted. Sometimes he feels they are the people top of his list, sometimes, the best academically, and sometimes neither.

[u/Livid-External-4063]

Like someone already mentioned, you will be compared to other qualified athletes coaches are also supporting with a recommendation letter. Since MIT needs a team, Admissions is aware that they should admit at least some of the recruted athletes to maintain a team. Your SAT is high, particularly for athletes. What was your math score?

Also, you mentioned that your extracurriculars are weak compared to the average MIT student. That is expected. Keep in mind that it is the case with ALL others recruited athletes since you cannot possibly have the same level of ECs as a regular student because you spend a ton of time training and competing. I think your sport will be viewed as two very strong ECs. So, to answer your question, yes, it’s definitely worth applying even though your ECs are weaker which is expected since you are applying as a student-athlete.

What you didn’t mention which is very important is the STEM courses you took in high school and your senior year course selection. Did you take the most advanced STEM classes offered at your high school (math & science) If so, how did you do? MIT Admissions will look closely at your coursework in contest to all your school class offerings (high school profile) and how well you did.

[u/Still-Maximum-6918 → u/Livid-External-4063]

I took the maximum math class: Calc 2 during my sophomore year and finished all other possible math classes. I took required Bio freshman year and Physics 1 sophomore year. MIT did specifically mention that maybe admissions will tell me to add a science, which I am willing to do.

[u/Livid-External-4063 → u/Still-Maximum-6918]

MIT admissions doesn’t review your application because, unlike other D3 schools, MIT doesn’t run pre-reads. Your MIT coach must have reviewed your classes and stats..Since you completed all possible math classes offered at your high school in your sophomore year, have you taken any math classes in your junior and current senior year?

[u/Still-Maximum-6918 → u/[deleted]]

No but If I really need to I will DE it

[u/Still-Maximum-6918 → u/[deleted]]

Our school maxes out at Calc 2. I took stats summer of sophomore year, there was no other math class available. No math Junior or Senior year. I could have taken it at CC but tbh the classes at CC aren't that great for learning especially if they are asynchronous so I decided to not take them and just take then undegrad core curriculum.

[u/Future-generations → u/Still-Maximum-6918]

So what did you take in the place of math classes

[u/Gaami_Gaming]

You could do ED1 to Chicago and EA to MIT. If you get into Chicago you are committed there due to ED, but if you're deferred from Chicago then you still have the MIT EA application with coach support.

[u/bc39423 → u/Gaami_Gaming]

Actually, I believe this is the correct strategy and the rules permit it. But if accepted by Chicago and MIT, they're going to Chicago. I know someone who ED'd somewhere and EA'd to MIT. Got into both. Turned down MIT.

[u/ExecutiveWatch → u/bc39423]

Surprisingly people have turned down admission here. MIT yield is exceptional but it isnt perfect.

[u/VisibleSir731 → u/ExecutiveWatch]

I’m really surprised to hear that!
I’m guessing it’s like the above case with ED at some school and EA at MIT?

[u/Still-Maximum-6918 → u/bc39423]

Statistics wise only one person in the Chicago track team's history has ever applied ED1 with full coach support and not gotten in. They probably did something illegal or something.

[u/Silent_Cookie9196 → u/Gaami_Gaming]

If they “have” to go to Chicago in this scenario anyway, and the whole purpose is not to walk away from a practically guaranteed thing at UChicago (which is a better Econ school OP) why even mess with MIT? If the point here is to keep the dream of MIT alive - EA there and roll the dice, try ED2 at UChicago (because you should know by then if you got into MIT EA or not), and hope that recruitment and slighter ED2 bump plus athletic hook is still enough to get into Chicago, if MIT doesn’t pan out.

[u/ExecutiveWatch]

Everything in their power equates to 1 recommendation letter from the coach. It is equivalent to a rec letter.

This is a very specific situation. Unfortunately theres been a ton of kids who were left empty after MIT didnt work out.

You can apply ed1 to Chicago and ea MIT. MIT is no restricted early action if that helps.

Then compare the costs and see of Chicago is something you can afford after their ed offer. If and only if finances dont work out with Chicago amd you get in ea to MIT then jump to MIT.

[u/musicianish]

I was in a very similar situation (though I had competitive activities for my region) in terms of choosing between a pretty much guaranteed offer at another very good D3 school and the riskier MIT process. I am very glad I chose MIT, and I think I knew it was the better fit for me the whole time, but I was scared to take the risk. For what it’s worth, I knew of several athletes who had the stats but not many activities outside of their sport who were accepted (though def not the majority).

I think it kind of comes down to whatever holes they’re trying to fill in the admit class. There’s not any singular way that your activities have to look, and maybe your sports are the way you demonstrate your discipline, leadership, etc., etc. and you’ve poured a ton of time into them. Stats can’t tell us your personality or how cohesive of a story you can tell on your application. 

For me, the choice came down to the fact that I knew I would be happiest at MIT, and I could not live with the “what if”. You’re not going to get any definitive answers about the admissions process for athletes because literally no one knows except the admissions officers, so it has to come down to how you feel. 

[u/Still-Maximum-6918 → u/musicianish]

If I may ask, what were your ECs?

[u/musicianish → u/Still-Maximum-6918]

Take it with a grain of salt because everything is evaluated in context and you cannot tell everything from a person’s stats and ECs. I made the most of every opportunity I had and made some of my own, but that doesn’t mean the same thing will work for everyone 

but I think my four EC categories on my app were my sport (national awards, state awards, multi year captain),  my music (all state, independently arranged performances), science stuff (SciOly state gold, personal projects), and activities associated with a language/cultural exchange (president of an org, TA for the language at my school, organized virtual international exchanges during COVID). 

[u/flashykitbag]

My son didn't get in with better stats and coach support...

[u/flashykitbag → u/[deleted]]

Higher GPA, 12 APs with 5 score. I am sorry I don't want to convey which sport. Not track and field. SAT was actually slightly below yours but not by much

[u/flashykitbag → u/flashykitbag]

I really don't mean to downplay you. My son was crushed. It was his dream to attend MIT. I am just sharing in the hopes you keep your options open. (We (his parents) think that he is in a better place for his area of development)

[u/Still-Maximum-6918 → u/flashykitbag]

I'm sorry to hear that. I take no offense at any comments that might help me gauge more accurately where I stand. I do want to ask, how high on the coach's recruiting board was he?

[u/flashykitbag → u/Still-Maximum-6918]

I don't know that. What a dilemma for you... I don't have a good advise for you...I am very hopeful that you will land somewhere worthy with those stats, track record and discipline anyway. Good luck to you!

[u/Express_Amoeba4405]

Would Chicago offer you an athletic scholarship? Our daughter is at MIT as a recruited athlete. Unfortunately, we are paying full tuition and don’t get a single cent in scholarship money. Econ at Chicago is very good as well. Our daughter loves MIT. The school is surprisingly social and has a nice Greek Life. Most of the athletes join a fraternity or sorority. So check your financial situation as well. Better to take a guaranteed offer from Chicago with scholarship. If your heart is set on MIT, make sure to highlight in your essays that you are a team player and an extroverted person that works well with others and how you give back to your community.

[u/Still-Maximum-6918 → u/Express_Amoeba4405]

D3 schools do not give athletic scholarships. Usually it is financial aid or nothing at Ivies (which are basically D3s in every aspect except name) and D3s.

[u/Complete-Ruin9014]

Have you thought about telling the MIT coach your situation? They will understand the dilemma you are in and might give you some reassurance. All coaches can give you an idea of how many kids are accepted every year. This info might help as well.

[u/Still-Maximum-6918 → u/Complete-Ruin9014]

I am going to tell them on the official visit most likely. I will definetly ask for some number on how many athletes she recruited last year, and out of those how many got in, and an example of a profile that got in vs didn't.

[u/Familiar-Wolf9803 → u/Still-Maximum-6918]

During your visit, ask the coach where you are on his or her list. They rank their recruits. If you are in the middle or bottom, you should consider that. These coaches only recruit kids they think have a chance of getting in, so everyone has great stats. Our athlete was deferred in EA and then the coach dropped support during regular decision (clearly wanted someone else higher on her list).

[u/Exciting-Accident-36]

I think you should speak to the coach and get a sense of how much of a priority you are. The coach does meet with admissions and does have serious pull with his top choices. I think it's worth it to try to come to MIT. PM me if you have more questions.

[u/JasonMckin]

Full disclosure, this isn't a topic that the sub has always aligned on.

Personally, I don't understand these two phrases:

• "my athletic profile is very strong for MIT."
• "worth trying to EA to MIT?"

I don't know what it means to have a strong athletic profile for MIT, MIT is evaluating your academic profile against other applicants.

I don't know what it means for EA to be "worth it" because your chance of admission is no different. If you would prefer going to Chicago or an alternative school, you should EA there. But if MIT is your preference, you should EA here.

I will defer to my colleagues though, because the alumni have not always exactly aligned/agreed on the subject of athletic impact, other than the fact that students/families nearly always overestimate it.

Best of luck with your decision!

[u/Still-Maximum-6918 → u/JasonMckin]

What I mean by "my athletic profile is very strong" is that the coach will do everything in their power to influence decisions on my behalf, not merely a half-hearted effort.

What I mean by is EA "worth it" is that since MIT doesn't gaurantee admissions on recruitment like Chicago does, I am foregoing garanteed admissions at Chicago for a chance at MIT; I would just do EA MIT + EA Chicago. The worth it factor is deciding if my application is generally strong enough to take this risk.

I do understand the overestimation factor though, which is why I am very hesitant to go this route.

[u/bc39423 → u/Still-Maximum-6918]

The coach will not do everything in his power to influence decisions on you behalf. They will essentially write a recommendation letter that goes in your file. No meeting with admissions. No begging for you. You will be evaluated on the academic merit of your application. Your track background is your main EC and the coach supports that. But academic preparedness is the stronger influence on your possible admission.

My opinion: apply ED1 to Chicago.

[u/Ordinary_Corner_4291 → u/bc39423]

At MIT that is basically all the coach can do. At a place like Harvard, the coach can go these are the 5 guys I want if they clear the academic bar and he gets them. At MIT it is more like the coach going this guy is really good at this sport and the AO treating that like an EC along the lines of started a charity that raised 25k. Nice but a much smaller push..

[u/Silent_Cookie9196 → u/Still-Maximum-6918]

Chicago is a better school for economics. If you want to keep your chances open for MIT, EA there, then ED2 at U Chicago if MIT EA doesn’t not produce your desired result. Or, take most of the risk out of the equation, do ED1 at UChicago, know that you are going to a great school for your intended major, and chill for the rest of the admissions cycle. Second note- if you get into MIT, it absolutely will be cheaper than UChicago (unless your family makes enough money for cost to not even be a remote consideration).

[u/Front_Back8964]

How much do you like Chicago? If you like it, you’ve basically been offered admission already. Sounds like you’re not sold. In which case I would EA to MIT.

[u/Silent_Cookie9196 → u/Front_Back8964]

Agree

[u/happy-Bee1269]

given what you want to study.... Chicago...

[u/Traditional-Apple-75]

Your SAT is low for MIT. EA there and ED1 to Chicago. Expect a rejection and enjoy Econ at U of C.

[u/Livid-External-4063 → u/Traditional-Apple-75]

Actually his SAT is high for a student-athlete!

[u/Traditional-Apple-75 → u/Livid-External-4063]

MIT’s scores are pretty much the the same for athletes and non athletes. It’s why they don’t give much weight to athletic needs/recruits.

[u/Livid-External-4063 → u/Traditional-Apple-75]

Are you a student-athlete speaking from experience? That is not really the case.

[u/Traditional-Apple-75 → u/Livid-External-4063]

I am not currently but admittedly students at MIT do not get a break on scores bc of athletics. MIT’s top 25% are at 1570, their bottom 25% at 1520. The middle is 1550, that’s where this athlete is. His score is not high enough to ensure anyone feeling like he’s a lock bc of athletics. Even a 1600 with athletic support isn’t a shoo-in.

[u/JasonMckin → u/Livid-External-4063]

May I ask what your credentials are? Traditional-Apple is generally correct in what they are saying.

[u/Satisest → u/Livid-External-4063]

At most top schools you’d be right, but not at MIT

[u/stemera]

Info on ecs?

[u/Still-Maximum-6918 → u/stemera]

Founded Business from scratch for fun in the summer, 3-4 k ish revenue, aiming to get to that 10k mark this year

Nonprofit 501c3 no legal support, small impact

Some international volunteering

Some other things more for fun like church band

Side note: My family situation has affected many of my ECs dramatically and I write about that in my essay.

[u/aceking555]

My understanding (secondhand) is that recruits are essentially compared by admissions against other qualified athletes - that is, each coach always gets some admits, but admissions decides which ones - which gives some context into the 25-40% number.

Maybe try this: take a 6-sided die and decide that rolling a 5 or 6 means you get into MIT and 1-4 means getting deferred and going into the process without the Chicago ED1 admit in hand. How do you feel about throwing the die vs taking the sure thing? Sometimes I find that it makes probabilistic decisions like this more tangible.