Question about Athletics

WT5

5-Year Member
Joined
Jan 23, 2014
Messages
4
Hi all,

I am a prospective candidate for the Class of 2019. I have a question regarding varsity letters. I go to a school that is extremely competitive in terms of sports. I play baseball and intramural basketball. For baseball, my only high school sport, I will not make varsity until my senior year. However, the varsity coach has said that I am able to play Division 2 or 3 baseball in college if I wish to do so. How will I be able to show that I am capable athlete who has a chance to play college baseball even if I won't letter in baseball until the spring of my senior year? I am wondering because on the West Point's website it says that it does not want any additional recommendations.
Thanks for your help!
 
Well West Point is DI, so being capable of DII or DIII won't cut. Focus on developing yourself in the sport enough and maybe you could get Varsity. Explain to your coach how much you'll work for it, maybe you can strike up a plan with them. Otherwise, if you cannot play Varsity, make sure to shine in all other areas or at least on JV, get athletic recognition and awards. Like scholar athlete, MVP, etc,. Without a varsity letter, you should show your competence and leadership in clubs, and also make up for it with outstanding CFA scores.
 
Not having a Varsity letter is not a deal breaker, but being on a sports team is very important.

From the Class of 2017 profile:

Of the 1,183 appointments last year:
1,094 were on a Varsity team (92%)
1,040 earned a Varsity letter (88%)

If your coach will be writing one of your LOR, he could explain your situation.
 
Thank you, Jackie! Midwest Mom, I have a question, if he doesn't teach he can't give me a LOR, right?
 
You can send in additional LORs but I wouldn't send more than 3. And they should be strong recommendations. People who know you well in other capacities (sports, scouts, church, work, etc.) They can be scanned in once your application portal is live.
 
Thank you, Jackie! Midwest Mom, I have a question, if he doesn't teach he can't give me a LOR, right?

Not counting the SOEs (School Official Evaluations) that are required from your English, Math and Chemistry/Physics teachers, I recall DS getting two additional LORs to send in. One was from his swim coach of 3 yrs, the other was from his Biology/Genetics/Biotechnology teacher. Both knew him very well and thought very highly of him. I may be thinking of the nomination application that asks for LORs.... I know DS didn't send in anything to USMA that wasn't specifically requested. If USMA doesn't want additional LORs, and your coach can/will write a glowing LOR for you, you can always send it with your nomination application.
 
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