junior son recruiting

Question
QUESTION: My son, currently a junior (16 1/2), is in 1st boat 8 heavyweight in a competitive program.  Rowed since 9th grade and has many regional races.  
Prefers starboard but rows both sides (4's and 8's)- is this beneficial?
2k 6:45, 6k 22min - what pace to be competitive for div 1 recruitment?
When should he contact coaches and what should he highlighted? erg or races?
How do you know if a college coach is serious and when do they typically commit to you that they will support you in admissions  - if they are interested?

6'1", 175 lbs (probably will grow 1-2 more inches)
gpa - 3.6 unweighted with 6 AP's by graduation (4 so far) 2100 sats

ANSWER: Hi Parent: Your answers --

Prefers starboard but rows both sides (4's and 8's)- is this beneficial?
ANS: Yes, rowing both sides is an asset.  The last seat up for grabs in a college varsity could be a seat on port side.  Now your son has a chance of making varsity because he can adapt to either side.  Not too many rowers can do this.  I used to detest rowing starboard.  But my summer coach made me row it all season and it turned out to be my best season of my career.

2k 6:45, 6k 22min - what pace to be competitive for div 1 recruitment?
ANS: 2K time is in the 75th percentile.  6K is a bit above the 60th percentile.  Both times are competitive.

When should he contact coaches and what should he highlighted? erg or races?
ANS: Junior year, spring season is a good time to start.  Racing record is most important, followed by erg scores.  Other athletic achievements and grades should also be mentioned.

How do you know if a college coach is serious and when do they typically commit to you that they will support you in admissions  - if they are interested?
ANS: If the coach responds back, he is interested.  But interest does not necessarily mean he'll get a scholarship.  It could be that the coach will invite him as a walk-on and consider him for a scholarship as an upperclassman if he makes varsity.  I don't know how much influence a coach has in the admissions process if he is not a scholarship candidate.  That's the problem if you try to apply to an Ivy League school -- they don't give athletic scholarships and there's not too much a coach can do if the grades aren't up to Ivy League standards.  

Your son has the grades to get into just about any school he wants to.  I wish him luck.

Regards/AP


---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: does not need scholarhsip, just using for admission edge and because he loves crew (i don't think you can do it well if you don't).  Is there a height/weight  "minimum" for competitive ivy programs?

Answer
Hi Again: 95% of College admissions officers will look at your son's grades, SAT scores and crew activity and will put him in the "Highly Selectable" category.  Ivy League schools are all tough to get into.  But some (Penn, Cornell, Dartmouth) are a bit easier than others (Harvard, Yale, Princeton).

The only other thing I'd suggest is that your son get some volunteer hours on his resume, like at a hospital or some community organizations.  At least that's what they are telling us and my 10th grade son.  But I know any side activities are tough to do when you are on crew.

Your son's height is good for most any major varsity crew program.  He might be a bit lean for a top-flight heavyweight crew.  Maybe 10 pounds of muscle through weights and a hi-protein diet could help. But if that is his optimal weight in terms of power-endurance, then that's fine too.

Regards/AP