Importance of school sports?

36falcon36

36falcon36

5-Year Member
Joined
Sep 17, 2017
Messages
46
Hi everyone, I am a junior in high school and currently am not on any school sport teams. I did play JV soccer for two years but had to quit due to personal and family reasons. However, I do play for various rec and travel soccer teams in my community, and am also going to help assistant coach a middle school soccer team. Will all of this be valued the same way as being on a school sports team? I know that sports are an important part of your application, but I am just curious as to whether it has to come from your school JV or V teams to be competitive for admission.
If it helps, I am planning on either trying out for my schools tennis or softball team in the spring.
Besides sports, I do think that I have a good list of other things that will help my application, such as
• 3.9 GPA
• Taking the SAT in December, but I am very confident I will get a good score due to scores on practice tests I’ve taken (1400+)
• Being an IB diploma program student
• NHS
• Science Olympiad team
• Marching Band - auditioning for section leader or drum major next year
• Pep Band
• Jazz Band
• Concert Band
• Youth ambassador at my church
• Community Service

Any advice is greatly appreciated!
 
Organized school sports is shorthand for familiarity with teamwork, physical fitness, dealing with loss, time management, and for some, leadership. The sports aren't make-or-break, but if you don't have them, you need to emphasize in essays and other interactions that you understand and recognize those concepts. I'm not sure about the USAFA, but the AFROTC doesn't count anything past junior year, unless your ACT/SAT scores change. Your stats look light on demonstrated leadership. Academics are the most important thing, but all the academies and scholarships are 'whole person' evaluations, and excellence in one at the expense of others won't make the cut. Good luck!
 
Community sports are great - but don't think that playing with the old folks in a pick up game is equivalent to a competitive league.
 
Teamwork and leadership are the traits desired - not mere participation in athletics. Not knocking your resume but be prepared to show other evidence of these if your sports CV is thin.
 
Fencer, had to laugh at your response in this respect...My DS, current Firstie has been playing softball with a local ‘beer league’ team in the Springs. He is the ‘Kid’ by about 20-30 years (!!!).. so it CAN be done once you have the appointment [emoji3][emoji3]
 
Notice they say "Athletic Letter Award" as in Varsity Award as in School Sport. It is the easiest way for them to know the caliber of program you are in.
Leadership Profile: Class of 2017

ACTIVITY % OF CLASS
Athletic Letter Award 79
National Honor Society 69
Scouting 23
Class President or VP 18
Boys/Girls State or Nation 17
Valedictorian/Salutatorian 11
 
meganetzel said:
Hi everyone, I am a junior in high school and currently am not on any school sport teams. I did play JV soccer for two years but had to quit due to personal and family reasons. However, I do play for various rec and travel soccer teams in my community, and am also going to help assistant coach a middle school soccer team. Will all of this be valued the same way as being on a school sports team? I know that sports are an important part of your application, but I am just curious as to whether it has to come from your school JV or V teams to be competitive for admission.
If it helps, I am planning on either trying out for my schools tennis or softball team in the spring.
Besides sports, I do think that I have a good list of other things that will help my application, such as
• 3.9 GPA
• Taking the SAT in December, but I am very confident I will get a good score due to scores on practice tests I’ve taken (1400+)
• Being an IB diploma program student
• NHS
• Science Olympiad team
• Marching Band - auditioning for section leader or drum major next year
• Pep Band
• Jazz Band
• Concert Band
• Youth ambassador at my church
• Community Service

Any advice is greatly appreciated!
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