College Visit

[generaljhc]

We are taking my son on college visit. Meet the coach. Tour school. Tour facilities, etc.. I am assuming my role is to stay out of the way..is that correct?

[Golfer1659]

Your job is to guide him around to properly see the things that would be the deceiding factors like the dorms, see the size of the campus/college (might be too small or big for his liking), if the college facilities are in nice shape, find out if they have the major that he would want to persue, remember its not all about golf. Now if its an overnight stay for the weekend then you let him go on his merry way.

[generaljhc]

Yeah..they have his current intended major, as well as the ones he is most likely to switch to if he changes his mind. Viewing the facilites (dorms, apartments, classroom buildings) is high on my list, and I think he wants to see those as well.

[Golfer1659]

[quote name='generaljhc' date='12 May 2010 - 06:40 PM' timestamp='1273707658' post='2438011']
Yeah..they have his current intended major, as well as the ones he is most likely to switch to if he changes his mind. Viewing the facilites (dorms, apartments, classroom buildings) is high on my list, and I think he wants to see those as well. This school seems pretty interested at this point.
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I would research the golf team somewhat also. What division is it??

[JTI]

Now in know nothing about how the US College system works but having been through the University system in the UK recently and reading bits and bobs on various forums i would say its probably a good idea to get an idea of how the golf fits in with study, and what the standard (if there is such a thing) week involves both golf and study wise.

 

From a few things ive read, some Colleges will leave golf practice etc up to the individual with a bit of coaching and guiding here and there, whereas others are more intense with their interaction.

 

I know that if i was going to College i would want to find quite an 'involved' golf programme with a lot of interaction rather than the 'get on with it' approach.

 

I guess its about assessing whether your son will 'fit' with the colleges approach to things.

 

There is nothing worse than expecting to have x y z happening and then finding out things are done very differently to how you thought, especially as a kid going to College/University.

 

BUT as i say i know nothing about the US college system, so the above may be completely irrelevant

[generaljhc]

...

[PreppySlapCut]

For the most part, just be there. He's going to be anxious, and its an incredibly exciting time for a kid. Let him answer questions from the coach, don't speak unless spoken to (this isn't about you! haha). That said, I'm sure you'll have your own individual questions, so perhaps you can steal a few minutes with the coach alone.

[generaljhc]

I plan on "speaking when spoken to" but my son has a list of questions to ask that I have provided suggestions for...if you know what I mean..but in the end he has to feel comfortable with the school and the coach he will be the one going there for 4 (or 5) years.

[clc55]

is this an official visit where he stays with a player or are you two just going for the day?

I played soccer in college and did 5 or so overnights at schools and those were eye opening. A lot of NCAA rules and state laws were broken, namely coaches giving players cash to buy booze for parties, underage drinking .... but it is a really good way to meet the students in their "element." I must say those trips are as informative as you can get. I remember on paper, one school was a perfect fit, but upon visiting I hated their coach (arrogant ) and their student body was not my cup of tea.

Otherwise, you are basically a caddy in this situation, show up, shut up, keep up....

[highergr0und]

Is this college already done for the year? Part of the process is to actually talk with real students, not a student ambassador that will tell you all of the good stuff.

I was pretty much all set to go to a smaller school in Michigan. The facilities were nice, they had some great programs, etc. When I went to visit, everyone was walking around with their head down just looking unhappy. That's not what I wanted in a school.

If you prep him with questions and things to look for, for the most part you'll be keeping quiet. You're really more there for the car ride to talk to him about it before and after than anything. Asking a few questions is alright, just don't dominate. My dad just basically was there on my visits for anything I needed. The main thing he did was get a parking ticket taken care of at one school. I would have likely just thrown it away, but he went to the admissions department, told them we were on a visit, and they fixed it.

[Golfer1659]

[quote name='generaljhc' date='13 May 2010 - 11:46 AM' timestamp='1273769202' post='2439458']
I plan on "speaking when spoken to" but my son has a list of questions to ask that I have provided suggestions for...if you know what I mean..but in the end he has to feel comfortable with the school and the coach he will be the one going there for 4 (or 5) years.
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I dont know why you wouldnt speak up. Not sure if any of these guys besides the one Brit has been on recruiting trips for golf. Its a little different from other sports (i have done basketball and golf). I would ask questions but after your son. You are the father/adult in this situation and need to help guide your son but not be over bearing. I would speak up and ask quesitons that your son does not, because he will be so excited that he may not be thinking clearly.

Like I said earlier, the only time you let him go 100 percent on his own is for an overnight, thats it. Otherwise you are there to guide him like a parent should.

[OK_Golf]

Based on experience in football recruiting, I would say try and pay attention to the things a 17 year old might not: how much study time is left over after practice/play requirments? How far are practice/play facilities from campus? Try and read the coach ... is he interested in making your son better or interested in himself and his own career more than anything else? What is the program's graduation rate? You know the "boring" stuff.

If he's anything like I was (and most teenage atheletes) he'll pay more attention to the program's past success (its fun to see national or conference championship trophies and banners), how nice the coach is this weekend and how pretty the girls are than he will to anything else.

[Hookem Horns]

Yes and no. Yes to the point where your son tours the golf facility, bookstore, etc. But i'd ask the coach how much time golf is going to take up your sons time. Also does the coach know of tutors, study halls, etc to help your son with his school work. When I played college golf 2 years ago, we went to school from 8-12. Then we were at the course from 1-dark. When I got home, all i wanted to do was eat, shower and go to bed. Homework slid by the wayside.

[mills225]

Good luck with the visit. It is a fun time for your son.