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I want to apply to the Ivies; I have strong grades, decent test scores, and great extra curriculars, particularly in music and art. I was wondering how much weightage is given to athletics by the Ivies.

By Dadster on Saturday, February 02, 2002 - 08:19 am: Edit

If your ECs are strong and include some non-academic stuff, athletics won't be particularly important. The Ivies DO want well-rounded students with diverse interests, and athletics are one way of showing that. Other ECs do that, too. Putting in time on a team for a few years won't make much difference one way or another.

Athletics DO make a difference if the student is good enough to be a Div. I competitor and is desirable enough to the coach that the coach sends a letter to the admissions department. Being a team captain can also be useful as a leadership identifier.

If your question is, "Will I be hampered because I lack an athletic EC?" the answer is no. I'd focus on building a strong record in one of your music or art ECs. If you can receive state-level recognition, win an award, have your work exhibited, etc., this will help validate your accomplishments.

Music, by the way, can be as good a "hook" as athletics. Music directors often need to fill specific needs, and can also write a letter to the admissions office. When application time rolls around, if you think you have a skill the school might need, consider sending an audition tape to the appropriate person well in advance of your application.

By burningman on Saturday, February 09, 2002 - 08:28 pm: Edit

I agree with Dadster, maya. Unless you are a star, athletic extracurriculars serve mainly to demonstrate that you are a well-rounded individual and not just a bookworm. Your other pursuits should serve that purpose. At the most selective schools, you are probably better off having a primary EC in which you excel rather than a bunch of scattered ECs in which you achieve no particular distinction.