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Hey,
I'm going into my junior year in hs, and am debating on whether or not to do a sport. I don't particuarly enjoy them anymore... I have played just about everysport my whole life until hs, when I just lost interest. I'm worried if I don't, colleges will hold it against me, or I wouln't get in or get a scholarship.
Freshmen year I did nothing, I was pretty intimidated with everyone being so big and older...
Sophmore year I ran cross country, joined the dance committee and newspaper. I have been on honor roll my whole time in hs, and my g.p.a. is about a 91%. I do go to an all male prep school which is considered to be one of the best around.. if they counts lol.
I also work as a lifeguard full time in summer, and part during the year. So basicly, I dont want to do cross country again, but I feel I should, for college. Will they look at it and see, he did it one year then quit, and think I'm a quitter? Or what? Just give me your input - thanks!!

By 1sttimecollegemom on Thursday, June 20, 2002 - 09:39 am: Edit

John,
I can't answer your question from an admissions standpoint, but I can from a parents standpoint.
No, sports are not any different from any other extra curricular. The reason I say this, is my son was somewhat the same way. He loves sports, but is one of those kids thats good but not great at them, so he played his freshman year. Took his sophomore year off and worked, then decided his junior year to play again. I don't know if it was for the college app or for himself, but he hated it. He stuck it out, earned his varsity letter, but in doing so I feel like he hurt his health. He lost 35 pounds in two months and became deathly thin. Will he play his sr. yr. No Way! He has many other interests and has found a job he loves, so I think he's a well rounded individual without doing sports again.

I say, enjoy the things you do, do them well and bring those qualities into your admissions essays. I can't say if it will work or not, as we are just now getting around to apply, but I know he's healthier and happier, and that's what we as parents want for all our kids. I'm sure that's what yours want as well.

By Cliff (Cliff_Wu) on Thursday, June 20, 2002 - 11:48 am: Edit

I was a swimmer my freshman year, both for school and a year round team, but I started getting tired of it. I was okay, not great, and the swimming schedule was really cutting into activities that enjoyed more (like debate). This year, I dropped swimming so that I could focus more on debate, and now I'm among the best in my state for my event.

The key is to find something you love to do; if you find something else and devote yourself to it and make yourself stand out, that is what counts!

By Dadster on Sunday, June 23, 2002 - 03:28 pm: Edit

I agree with Cliff, John. Most colleges that consider ECs as part of their admissions process would prefer a student involved and passionate about an activity - the student will excel in that kind of activity, compared to an activity that is intended to look good on an application.