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I realize that most people that apply to these Ivy leagues do the academic related ECs. However, I was wondering how much playing three sports would help me in the application process? Now, I know that most of the people that go onto these sites play things like tennis that don't require any real physical ability, you're not running miles out there. Also, people tend to be mathletes with other academic related "sports". How would the average jock who is also smart (yes I am a rare breed) do in admissions to ivy? Here are my sports:

Freshman:
JV Soccer
Indoor Track
JV Lacrosse

Sophomore:
JV Soccer
Indoor Track
JV Lacrosse

Junior:
Varsity Soccer
Indoor Track
Varsity Lacrosse

Senior:
Varsity Soccer
Indoor Track
Varsity Lacrosse

P.S. I also do It's Academic team to show that I am somewhat like those other applicants.

By Anothersuitcase (Anothersuitcase) on Wednesday, June 04, 2003 - 07:30 pm: Edit

You'd be surprised how common atheletes with high GPAs are. The co-valedictorians (3 of them) of my school's graduating class have all been playing competitive sports on the varsity level (crew/rowing, soccer, etc.) since their freshmen year. If you've done outstandingly well in those sports (and, as a result, received major/local recognition, etc.), it can make a difference in your application.

By Crazyandy (Crazyandy) on Wednesday, June 04, 2003 - 08:05 pm: Edit

I know at my high school almost everyone plays varsity sports and we have more valedictorians per class than any other school in the area. (this year we had 79 graduate and 7 valedictorians) I am also glad you realize that sports and sports only are not going to cut it for the Ivies. And i also resent that remark about people not running miles ... we have some track stars in here (i suck at track and CC but i can run 40 miles a week) hehe. Good luck with your sports this year ... and with your admissions!

By Chim_Chim (Chim_Chim) on Wednesday, June 04, 2003 - 08:14 pm: Edit

How good of a hook would All-state in football be for an Ivy?

By Troy (Troy) on Wednesday, June 04, 2003 - 08:50 pm: Edit

Chim,

Put together a highlight tape of your best plays and include a stats/awards sheet. Write a letter (include your contact info and your head coach's info as well) to each positional and head coach in the ivy league discussing your interest and send out your tapes. Follow up with an email or phone later. If they want you, odds are they'll call you.

Try to get your coach to help you if you can.

By Soozievt (Soozievt) on Thursday, June 05, 2003 - 11:21 am: Edit

I do not agree with you that top colleges want to see ECs in the academic realm vs. the athletic realm! I think any worthwhile devoted EC is worthy! Our school doesn't even have all these academic related type clubs I see people posting of here. Also, it is not as unusual as you seem to think that a top student also excels at sports. To the contrary...just as one teeny example, my own daughter is currently ranked number one in the junior class and plays soccer, alpine skiing and tennis teams. (by the way I disagree with the person who does not think that tennis involves athletic ability!). I can think of numerous top varsity athletes at our school who also are the top kids in their grades academically. It is rather common, not unsual as you are saying (though I understand if it is not common at your school). I find often the very best students at our school are the ones who are the most involved extracurricularly as well, which to me makes them more impressive that they can pull the grades in difficult classes when they have less time available to do homework after hours of EC per afternoon and evening and weekend. I venture to say that the best kids in our school in the performing arts areas also are usually are top students as well (my kids do both sports and performing arts).

I think the colleges will look very favorably toward your sports committments which I know from experience require a great deal of time. Contacting coaches is also something that cannot hurt. Whether or not you ever even go on to play those sports for college, I am sure a college admissions committee will value the hard work, committment, team work, dedication, training, sportsmanship, leadership and so forth that are entailed in these activities. They also want kids who will contribute to all aspects of the EC life of the college and they will want kids not only for their teams but even on the club sport level or for intramurals. They do not just want kids who compete in math, science, literary competitions (they want those kids too!) but all types to build a diverse student body. Do not underestimate the value of being a three sport varsity player....I am sure it will look good!
Susan