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This question concerns athletics in the college admission process. I am a sophomore, and I am a fairly good in running and swimming, but I have not participated on these sport teams. I also realize that I am most likely not good enough for collegiate athletics, and that my academics come first. My rationale is that even though I am decent at these sports, I had other activities which I had more passion for, such as debate and orchestra. Often, the preparation for some of my activities conflicts heavily with the sports schedules, so I decided to devote myself to the activities I enjoy most. Indeed, orchestra rehearsals for various ensembles I am in take up several hours 5 days a week. During the week leading up to important Debate tournaments, I find myself preparing almost constantly. Am I shooting myself in the foot by not participating in athletics? The rest of my record is quite strong, with A's and a B in Pre-IB and IB courses. By devoting myself to what I enjoy most, will that cost me a shot at a hyperselective school like Harvard, Yale, or Swarthmore?

By Dadster on Thursday, May 23, 2002 - 06:59 pm: Edit

Athletics aren't a necessity for elite admissions, particularly if you have other good ECs. Adcoms would prefer that you excel at something you enjoy rather than be an athlete of no great distinction. Athletics are likely to give you a boost only if:
1) You are good enough to get the college coach to support your application;
2) You are a team captain (not likely to be a huge factor, just some evidence of leadership);
3) You have no other non-academic interests, and the athletics can demonstrate you aren't a complete geek.

It sounds like none of these apply to your situation, SAAT, so I wouldn't worry about it.

By MG on Sunday, June 02, 2002 - 02:50 am: Edit

Another athletics question: I attended one school from K-8, then went on to a different high school. At the first school, lacrosse was not an offered team sport. However, during high school, I became interested in it...My school has a state-champion team, so I could not play even as a freshman. For my first year, I managed the varsity team in order to be able to practice with the JV. During my soph and jr years I have played on the JV level. Would this show any type of athletic dedication? I really, really love lacrosse (if that helps!). Sports are definitely not my hook; I was just wondering if my involvement with lax could be a good EC, since my "hook" is an academic one. Thanks!

By sexy sadie on Sunday, June 02, 2002 - 01:12 pm: Edit

I have a similar problem, MG! Lacrosse is relatively new in my state so my school's team is only 2 years old. I joined this year (its 2nd year) and played JV. All the returning people played Varsity. I reallly want to move up, but everyone that is part of Varsity will still be at the school next year (they are juniors)! How can I do this? How can I explain to colleges that I would be on Varsity if some people graduated? BTW I also really love lacrosse and my team was state champs this year.

By Domer97 on Sunday, June 02, 2002 - 01:25 pm: Edit

A team of sophomores was state champ? That's pretty good, or the competition is pretty bad!

My advice is to kick some butt on JV. If you get the coach's attention, maybe you'll get a shot at moving up. Some coaches like to move people up & down, and at some schools it's possible for a player who isn't working hard enough get sent to the JV squad, at least for a while.

By sexy sadie on Sunday, June 02, 2002 - 11:39 pm: Edit

Oh, they were juniors THIS year. The competition is upper-middle (I don't know how to say this--it's all relative), but should increase every year because the sport is growing.

Thanks for the advice! I'm doing a summer league to keep up my skills.

By alex (Nitronic) on Thursday, June 06, 2002 - 08:39 pm: Edit

i know the feeling, in 10th grade i came in third for my league in my track event, behind a junior and senior - in j.v.!