GPA and recruiiting

[sbfan502]

My DD is a freshman taking as advanced a course load as possible in high school. Looks like first semester will end up at 3.5 (on 4.0 scale).

I'm sure the advanced and AP classes will help at ACT/SAT test time but a higher GPA would be nice. So we have the family discussion going now on "taking it a little easy" versus keeping the course load at a high level.

What have those that have went through the recruiting process found that colleges focus on in the recruiting process? What point does a high GPA help? Low GPA hurt? Do test scores play a large part? Just what can we expect in general.

I'll end by saying if my daughter plays in college the goal would be to play somewhere that the educational reputation is a plus.

[Nzane]

Thats a very good question. My DD is loaded up at school too. I am interested in the answer...

[aubsdad#6]

My DD has 2 honors classes too, I've wondered about that also.
Is it better to get As in college prep classes of B in Honors?
I would also like to hear about this question,
Thanks

[Hawk17]

My DD is a freshman taking as advanced a course load as possible in high school. Looks like first semester will end up at 3.5 (on 4.0 scale).

I'm sure the advanced and AP classes will help at ACT/SAT test time but a higher GPA would be nice. So we have the family discussion going now on "taking it a little easy" versus keeping the course load at a high level.

What have those that have went through the recruiting process found that colleges focus on in the recruiting process? What point does a high GPA help? Low GPA hurt? Do test scores play a large part? Just what can we expect in general.

I'll end by saying if my daughter plays in college the goal would be to play somewhere that the educational reputation is a plus.

I will speak from my daughter's perspective. She just signed with a Division 1 school. My daugher has been taking Pre-AP and AP classes since her Freshman year. She maintains a 4.0 GPA. It has not been easy. Balancing homework, practice, working out, etc. is no easy feat. In our school, the choice is Pre-AP, AP or academic. We also "weight" grades in the Pre-AP and
AP classes.

I guess it depends on which schools you are interested in. The better schools want to see a challenging high school schedule along with a strong GPA. They want to know that students will be able to handle the college work load, and the best way to show that is through AP classes or honors courses.

The bottom line is that the focus of this whole process is to have the option of going to a really good academic school AND play softball. I think the stronger schedule gets is the better option.

Good luck!

[Intel]

As a team manager and the one who discusses the academics with the college coaches this is what I have found.
1. Ivy league type schools what to see AP classes to see if the student can handle the class work. The more Academic the school, the higher the classes need to be.
2. At the start of the recruiting process in Freshman and Sophomore years, most coaches just focus on the total GPA. Most coaches will lower the GPA by 1/2 grade to see where this puts you in college. This is why most coaches will drop players with lower than a 3.0. By their Junior and Senior year coaches are looking at types of classes and NCAA clearinghouse requirements. Remember, NCAA does not weigh GPA by AP or Honors classes.
3. Some colleges look for talented players with lower GPAs because they have an academic support plan for these players.
4. Most coaches will ask if player is on track to meet NCAA guidelines. I usually have this calculated for my players and recommend you also keep a running worksheet also. Be cautious in this area, a HS my wife worked at was hurting athletes by splitting a one year course into 2 years but they would only get 1 year for NCAA clearinghouse.
5. Balance in work load is critical. I have seen excellent players burn out because class load, homework, practice and games became too difficult to manage. You must balance the class by if it is challenging enough without consuming the player.


Side notes, Coaches verify GPA. Make sure the grade on your profile is accurate. I carry player's transcripts to show coaches.

[kls_hittingacademy]

One of the things we look at when we are scouting girls is, if they do not have a ACT of 26 or higher and a gpa of 3.8 or higher they won't even get a look at. That's because of the college is education first at this college.

[Tucson]

When my kids were in HS, a B in an AP course counted as an A. That is how they averaged the GPA.

My middle son always put in more work than was required and his grade point average was 4.6 out of a 4 point.

What that got him, was the private university of his choice and placement in courses that were above freshman classes.

Also, by taking AP course you can "clep" out of some courses and get college credit for them.

That said, I know some D1 athletes that are carrying a 2.8 in college. If you are a stud, all you need to do is stay eligible, at least at this state university.

And I agree with kls. When I was coaching, I was told "If the girl has a 25 ACT score, take her."

[Blind Squirrel]

That said, I know some D1 athletes that are carrying a 2.8 in college. If you are a stud, all you need to do is stay eligible, at least at this state university.

"

You might be surprised at how many big D1s will take a kid with a HS GPA under 3.0. Not the Stanfords, CALs, Ivy Leagues, etc., but many nationally known schools in the PAC-10, BIG-10, etc. will take such kids.

John

[sftball1]

Regarding the GPA on the profile, I was told most schools look at the GPA without the freshman year. My DD had a freshman year that was not the greatest, but has done much better since then and scored well on her ACT and SAT. I always give any interested coaches a copy of her transcript but I've wondered what GPA we should put on the profile.

[sbfan502]

My daughters high school does NOT give a bump up for AP classes...All classes are equal. Part of the reason for the question.