I’m a fan of transparency with coaches. I think there are two ways to look at doing this. First, telling a coach (or a coach telling a recruit) puts one in a weaker negotiating position. If getting the largest scholarship is your aim I don’t think telling them you are their #1 choice would help that. However, if you are just trying to get a spot at the best place for you or one of your top choices it would be good to let them know they are your #1 choice.
Sometimes you have to take less scholarship to go to the school you really want. By telling a coach they are your #1 choice you will quickly get a feel of where you stand with them and it may happen quickly.
By no means am I saying that telling a coach they are your #1 choice will keep you from getting a great scholarship. I’m just saying that from a negotiating standpoint it isn’t the best strategy.
For me, I’m more interested in getting the right guys than getting them on the least scholarship possible. So I don’t hesitate to tell a recruit if he is my #1 choice. I know that may hurt my negotiating position, but I’m fine with that in most cases. I’m really not into the negotiating part anyway. We try to be as fair as possible.
going on an unofficial visit to a stretch school - but it wold be my first choice - should I tell them they are my first choice if my scores were in-line for them?
