FB: Ohio Athletic Conference

[NCF]

newcardfan:

Excellent post and that is exactly the difficulties encountered and mentioned by many of the assistant coaches at the various DIII schools - at least from those I've heard from/talked to in our MIAA.

Thanks, but I did forget one thing (again I can only speak for NC). What you receive as a freshman is very close to what you will receive throughout your four years unless there is a change in circumstances (job loss, death of parent, divorce, etc). The financial aid office expects students to cover the increase in tuition each year without extra aid. For example if the tuition increases $1500 each year, a student (or their parent/guardian) needs to pay the difference. By a student's senior year, there is now a $4500 difference. That may be too much for some families to handle. Again, the coaches may plead your case, but they cannot give you any increases, that is all up to the financial aid director.

[emma17]

I'm still interested in the timing of the financial aid package to a D3 student athlete. Do D3 schools "present" financial aid packages this time of the year?  It sure would be helpful to kids trying to make decisions. I would imagine there are plenty of kids with enough talent to have options between a D2 school or lower level D1 school that may also have interest in a D3 school. If that kid doesn't know the amount of aid he/she can get from the D3 school- then I could see them signing w a scholarship school.  Just curious really.

Even for non athletes, it is not uncommon for financial aid 'offers' to come out by about now.

Since the d3 philosophy is NOT to penalize student-athletes (just give them no more benefits than other students), that should be the same for student-athletes.

For whatever reason I was under the impression financial aid offers weren't known until later spring or even summer.

[Bishopleftiesdad]

I'm still interested in the timing of the financial aid package to a D3 student athlete. Do D3 schools "present" financial aid packages this time of the year?  It sure would be helpful to kids trying to make decisions. I would imagine there are plenty of kids with enough talent to have options between a D2 school or lower level D1 school that may also have interest in a D3 school. If that kid doesn't know the amount of aid he/she can get from the D3 school- then I could see them signing w a scholarship school.  Just curious really.

Even for non athletes, it is not uncommon for financial aid 'offers' to come out by about now.

Since the d3 philosophy is NOT to penalize student-athletes (just give them no more benefits than other students), that should be the same for student-athletes.

For whatever reason I was under the impression financial aid offers weren't known until later spring or even summer.

Depends, When my son was going through the process we had one or two financial aid offers by this time. We filled out our FAFSA very close to to January 1. Once they had our FAFSA numbers they were very quick to get us the aid package. Of course this was only one or two schools the others we did not receive till February or March and in some cases (his choice school) we had to fill out the CSS Profile.

I suppose if it is the one or you did not apply to other schools you could "commit".

[formerd3db]

I'm still interested in the timing of the financial aid package to a D3 student athlete. Do D3 schools "present" financial aid packages this time of the year?  It sure would be helpful to kids trying to make decisions. I would imagine there are plenty of kids with enough talent to have options between a D2 school or lower level D1 school that may also have interest in a D3 school. If that kid doesn't know the amount of aid he/she can get from the D3 school- then I could see them signing w a scholarship school.  Just curious really.

Even for non athletes, it is not uncommon for financial aid 'offers' to come out by about now.

Since the d3 philosophy is NOT to penalize student-athletes (just give them no more benefits than other students), that should be the same for student-athletes.

For whatever reason I was under the impression financial aid offers weren't known until later spring or even summer.

emma17:

As Mr. Ypsi and wised3fan2 have mentioned, that varies from school to school.  However, IMO, those schools who wait that long to make a final "offer" in regards to a financial aid package to a prosepctive student-athlete probably are missing out on a good number of recruits.  Most families have to make that decision long before that time in order for planning and, moreover, I'm sure that most players will want to have made their decision well before then.  I know I certainly wanted to know that back in my day - in fact, my decision was made by February and that included a couple of scholarship level (DI) schools where an athletic package was in the mix for me. Of course, it is obvious that the coaching staff at each school wants to have those decisions made early as much as possible in regards to pre-season planning purposes for personell.  At the same time, we all know that at our level of DIII, the reality of a the situation is many times the final pre-season roster is not even set until you see who "shows up" i.e. reports the first day of practice.

By having such a late date for one to make that decision, I believe it makes it even more difficult.  As such, at least for me, I would be making my decision between January and March, unless, I really wanted to attend some particular school with the latter being one that has a delayed offer system as has been described.  I think that is less common, yet it obviously does occur.  Each person obviously would need to check with a particular school in that regard.   

[Raider 68]

I'm still interested in the timing of the financial aid package to a D3 student athlete. Do D3 schools "present" financial aid packages this time of the year?  It sure would be helpful to kids trying to make decisions. I would imagine there are plenty of kids with enough talent to have options between a D2 school or lower level D1 school that may also have interest in a D3 school. If that kid doesn't know the amount of aid he/she can get from the D3 school- then I could see them signing w a scholarship school.  Just curious really.

Even for non athletes, it is not uncommon for financial aid 'offers' to come out by about now.

Since the d3 philosophy is NOT to penalize student-athletes (just give them no more benefits than other students), that should be the same for student-athletes.

For whatever reason I was under the impression financial aid offers weren't known until later spring or even summer.

emma17:

As Mr. Ypsi and wised3fan2 have mentioned, that varies from school to school.  However, IMO, those schools who wait that long to make a final "offer" in regards to a financial aid package to a prosepctive student-athlete probably are missing out on a good number of recruits.  Most families have to make that decision long before that time in order for planning and, moreover, I'm sure that most players will want to have made their decision well before then.  I know I certainly wanted to know that back in my day - in fact, my decision was made by February and that included a couple of scholarship level (DI) schools where an athletic package was in the mix for me. Of course, it is obvious that the coaching staff at each school wants to have those decisions made early as much as possible in regards to pre-season planning purposes for personell.  At the same time, we all know that at our level of DIII, the reality of a the situation is many times the final pre-season roster is not even set until you see who "shows up" i.e. reports the first day of practice.

By having such a late date for one to make that decision, I believe it makes it even more difficult.  As such, at least for me, I would be making my decision between January and March, unless, I really wanted to attend some particular school with the latter being one that has a delayed offer system as has been described.  I think that is less common, yet it obviously does occur.  Each person obviously would need to check with a particular school in that regard.   

formerd3db,

Good post!

[SaintsFAN]

Just to let folks know, Garcon seems to be making the rounds on ESPN Radio today.  He was on Mike and Mike earlier, about to be on Simon Cowherd, and if he follows some of the others this week, my guess is he'll be on Scott Van Pelt or another show later as well.  If you miss them, each show typically links each interview segment pretty quickly after it airs.

Is that a combination of Simon Cowell and Colin Cowherd?

same thing --- they are snarky as hell... the both of them.

[SaintsFAN]

Tis the season, for High School players to "commit" to DIII Schools:

Jesuit's Ormsby commits to John Carroll

Picture of him signing his NLOI:

http://www2.tbo.com/list/natinoal-signing-day-2012/gallery/

maybe the admins at John Carroll decided that giving scholly's was the best way to compete with that machine in Alliance??

[Kira & Jaxon's Dad]

Not D3 Related but a local kid down here signed with Kent State today:

Zephyrhills' Roberts makes things official with Kent State

The team I coach had the non-pleasure of playing against this kid this past fall.  He was the QB and they ran a Georgia Tech type option offense.  The winner of that game claimed 2nd place in our district and qualified for the playoffs.  We ended up winning 48-42, but Roberts had 14 carries for 206 yards and 3 Touchdowns.  He also had a 60+ yard run called back for holding.  We were lucky to get out of that one alive.

He is on the smallish side.  Listed as 5'10" 170 pounds, but I would guess he is closer to 5'7" (I saw him get off the bus and I am 5'10" and he was no where close to that).  He was fast as heck and also has great hips (wiggle).

[formerd3db]

Thanks Raider68.  I'm just trying to cite my honest opinion.  I know perhaps others may have a different take on the same.

[emma17]

Thanks Raider68.  I'm just trying to cite my honest opinion.  I know perhaps others may have a different take on the same.

I'm sure you can tell by my questions that my kids are not at college age yet.
So, how does a school in January decide to offer academic assistance when the high school year is only half complete?  My inexperience tells me that a "final" financial assistance offer can't be complete until the high school academic year is complete AND any appeals have been made both by the family as well as coaches to the admissions dept.

[NCF]

Thanks Raider68.  I'm just trying to cite my honest opinion.  I know perhaps others may have a different take on the same.

I'm sure you can tell by my questions that my kids are not at college age yet.
So, how does a school in January decide to offer academic assistance when the high school year is only half complete?  My inexperience tells me that a "final" financial assistance offer can't be complete until the high school academic year is complete AND any appeals have been made both by the family as well as coaches to the admissions dept.

The schools can give you a financial aid estimate that may change depending on available funds from the state/federal govt. Your FAFSA must be complete and your tax return must be filed. Sometimes the school may ask for additional information as well or even more documentation of your financial situation. As far as the academic scholarships, those can be awarded early as they include ACT/SAT scores and your transcript as of the 7th semester in high school. Most colleges also require a final transcript at the end of the year as well. Changes can occur at any time, even during the school year and students are notified by mail/email.

[reality check]

Tis the season, for High School players to "commit" to DIII Schools:

Jesuit's Ormsby commits to John Carroll

Picture of him signing his NLOI:

http://www2.tbo.com/list/natinoal-signing-day-2012/gallery/

maybe the admins at John Carroll decided that giving scholly's was the best way to compete with that machine in Alliance??

Let me know what the "competing" begins.

[emma17]

Thanks Raider68.  I'm just trying to cite my honest opinion.  I know perhaps others may have a different take on the same.

I'm sure you can tell by my questions that my kids are not at college age yet.
So, how does a school in January decide to offer academic assistance when the high school year is only half complete?  My inexperience tells me that a "final" financial assistance offer can't be complete until the high school academic year is complete AND any appeals have been made both by the family as well as coaches to the admissions dept.

The schools can give you a financial aid estimate that may change depending on available funds from the state/federal govt. Your FAFSA must be complete and your tax return must be filed. Sometimes the school may ask for additional information as well or even more documentation of your financial situation. As far as the academic scholarships, those can be awarded early as they include ACT/SAT scores and your transcript as of the 7th semester in high school. Most colleges also require a final transcript at the end of the year as well. Changes can occur at any time, even during the school year and students are notified by mail/email.

Thanks Newcardfan.
Full ride sounds much better than "projected financial aid package subject to change pending government funding..."

 

[NCF]

Thanks Raider68.  I'm just trying to cite my honest opinion.  I know perhaps others may have a different take on the same.

I'm sure you can tell by my questions that my kids are not at college age yet.
So, how does a school in January decide to offer academic assistance when the high school year is only half complete?  My inexperience tells me that a "final" financial assistance offer can't be complete until the high school academic year is complete AND any appeals have been made both by the family as well as coaches to the admissions dept.

The schools can give you a financial aid estimate that may change depending on available funds from the state/federal govt. Your FAFSA must be complete and your tax return must be filed. Sometimes the school may ask for additional information as well or even more documentation of your financial situation. As far as the academic scholarships, those can be awarded early as they include ACT/SAT scores and your transcript as of the 7th semester in high school. Most colleges also require a final transcript at the end of the year as well. Changes can occur at any time, even during the school year and students are notified by mail/email.

Thanks Newcardfan.
Full ride sounds much better than "projected financial aid package subject to change pending government funding..."

HA HA You are so right. +K

[formerd3db]

emma17:
newcardfan outlined the general scheme/process very well.  Also, in addition to the various academic scholarships that are offered at any particular school, at most of those schools, there are other scholarships offered either by the school itself (such as alumni scholarships - i.e. if you had parent or grandparent who is an alum, some schools have outright (non-repayable) grants that are renewable each year to one's son, daughter or grandchild who attends that school - some of those are a good sum of $ such as up to $4,000 or $5,000 per year - or other scholarship opportunites include those through the school via the donating organizations, such as churches, community scholarships from that students particular area, etc. that are awarded, again, many on academic basis, some via selection processes after essay contests, etc.  Of course, all of the above scholarships/grants, including the alumni ones are subject to yearly renewal by the requirement that the student has to maintain a certain grade point average for that year.  So that may affect whether or not they might be able to return as a player the next year (IMO, it should be that way also at DI and DII, although it is my understanding that the NCAA is already looking at that as a possible requirement, if they haven't already - the NCAA has, of course, the rule that a student-athlete has to make steady progress towards their degree each year, although I don't recall if those specific stipulations require a specific grade point average - other than just passing the class and one that is above/beyond some minimum number like it is at many of the DIII schools.

So all of those are included in the financial aid packages that newcardfan talks about to eventually provide the "total package" that a prospective DIII student-athlete might receive.  Then, of course, as everyone has discussed, it comes down to which school's package is the most $ that will help that student and his family be able to attend that school, assuming he is equating his "final list" choices of those DIII schools all equal in regards to how he likes the campus, the academic program he is interested in, the football program and staff and, of course, where he projects himself (after talking and being recruited by the football staff) as to his chances for success as a player there.

As I have mentioned before, when the above totals bring down the yearly cost of an education at a DIII school for that player's family, it is an easy decision.  However, if those totals just don't "pan out" to meet the needs and abilities of the families even if the player really wants to go to that DIII school, then many times, those student-athletes then either go to a DII school if they are offered a scholarship (i.e. assuming they are good enough to play at that level by virtue of being recruited) or they choose not to continue their football careers and go on to a state university or college where they will still get a very good education at a much less financial burden on their parents (or themselves if they end up working and/or will be ulitmately responsible for paying for their education if their parents can't help them with the entire total amount).

So all that is a long way to say that, yes, the recruiting process does occur at DIII and it is, in many aspects, just as competitive and difficult for all involved as that same process for DII and DI and NAIA.  That is why I have to roll my eyes  when someone in the general public (not you, of course) makes a snide/jerk condescending comment about DIII football implying that no recruiting or financial considerations are involved.  The latter considerations may not be "athletic" in nature, but nonetheless they ARE involved in the recruiting process.

Again, a great discussion, everyone.  Thanks for everyone's opinions, comments, and sharing of knowledge on this.