Sports Importance

I

iwannabeapiolut

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Oct 5, 2019
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12
Hello,
I was just wondering the importance of a sport to the academy. I am heavily involved in my JROTC program and hold a leadership position. This takes up at least an hour everyday after school. I am also in the NHS and Math NHS which take up time here and there. Academics is also a major time consumer. One thing I’ve never really gotten into though is a sport, mostly because of the time commitment. My sophomore year I went out to tennis but was never good enough to compete. I haven’t gotten any better so if I continued going out it would be unlikely I would get a varsity letter. My question is should I still go out and show sports participation? I want to learn tennis at some point in my life but I’m not sure if the time commitment is worth it right now. Even though I don’t play a sport I am still physically fit and can pass the CFA. Hopefully that makes sense and thank you for any help
 
iwannabeapiolut said:
Hello,
I was just wondering the importance of a sport to the academy. I am heavily involved in my JROTC program and hold a leadership position. This takes up at least an hour everyday after school. I am also in the NHS and Math NHS which take up time here and there. Academics is also a major time consumer. One thing I’ve never really gotten into though is a sport, mostly because of the time commitment. My sophomore year I went out to tennis but was never good enough to compete. I haven’t gotten any better so if I continued going out it would be unlikely I would get a varsity letter. My question is should I still go out and show sports participation? I want to learn tennis at some point in my life but I’m not sure if the time commitment is worth it right now. Even though I don’t play a sport I am still physically fit and can pass the CFA. Hopefully that makes sense and thank you for any help
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You will need to do more than "pass the CFA", I suspect. According to the USAFA website, 82% of the last class admitted were Varsity Athletes. Academics and Leadership, alone will not likely get you in. You need to do really optimum on the CFA-better than the averages, I suspect. The USAFA website also shows detailed information on the CFA. Don't settle for "average" or "Passing".
 
Sports are important. There’s a reason that a vast majority of candidates selected for admission are athletes. It’s not just about fitness.

Remember that your competition for a spot in the class at USAFA found time to do all those activities and more.

Stealth_81
 
Look up Christcorp's "Sports and your Academy Application" which is a sticky but for whatever reason, housed under the DoDMERB threads.

Agree you are a bit "light" on activity. You go to school and stay 1 hour after for JROTC. I don't think NHSs are that time consuming. Everyone does a smattering of volunteering, a few projects, but it's rarely an anchoring activity. My own DD also had an officer position as well as captain of JROTC PT Club for 3 years. She was on swim team and that was before school. So a typical day, which I think is typical of most high candidates, was 5am to 5pm everyday EXCLUSIVE of travel, and then to 9pm on Thursday for volunteering. That also excludes special group projects, tutoring, swim meets, JROTC competitions, parades, etc. Where there is a will, there is a way, especially between 5am and when school starts, so maybe find a sport or physical activity in that time slot.
 
Accepted into West Point with zero sports. I think one year only 10 out of the whole class didn’t play sports. Crush the CFA and get ready for some tough interview questions. Like Stealth said, why should they pick us over the varsity athlete? Work on your answer now and early.
 
Stealth_81 said:
It’s not just about fitness.
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Agree with @Stealth_81. The CFA will tell SAs how fit you are. Sports— particularly team sports — build leadership, teamwork, discipline, grit, persistence, communication, time management, resilience. Yes, these traits can also be gained via non-athletic endeavors. But sports, especially when played at a highly competitively level, have a way of elevating each of these traits significantly and simultaneously.
 
I agree heavily with posters above. There is always time to fit things in. My school did not have JROTC, although I wish they did. I am a three sport letterwinner, two of which are during the same season and am captain of two. I also work a part time job, and have collected over 250 community service hours. Alongside this, I am also Vice President of the National Honor Society.

This was a huge point during my interviews, I have developed strong time management skills. Much like other posters have mentioned, I would definitely say my sports experience have developed my leadership skills much more than holding an office in the National Honor Society.

It is very well possible for you to make it, crush those test scores and academics. My advice to you that I have learned through high school is to try something new. It’s a great experience to be the “stranger” in a club and sport and overcome the challenges that come with it. I’m not sure if it is a possibility for you, but when I got my own car and was old enough to drive it became much more possible for me to maintain such a busy life. Good luck, and definitely practice that CFA!
 
I agree with all the statements above. Sports is important because of all of the things you can learn from it. I am also heavily involved with my JROTC unit. I didn't have any sports though, but I got an appointment for USMA. An appointment to a SA without sports is harder but not impossible. There is a reason why it used to be required.
 
I think you get the point- sports are important and you better have something pretty amazing if you don’t have sports. Now for tennis- I was a high school coach and now teach lessons at a club just for fun. Tennis is a sport you can improve rapidly at with real commitment, but it’s a significant one. You are unlikely to get much better without that. I’ve seen players rise from beginner to top varsity in less than a year, but all really went for it (I held 6am practice even in summer for the kids committed enough to come). It’s also very important to get some good lessons early on to make sure you have the right basics.
If not tennis, look into cross country or track- you may be more competitive there if you are a natural runner and don’t have the time or strong desire to improve your tennis. Side note- if you don’t have access to good lessons/know what to do to get better, but want to, message me. I have plenty of tips and would be happy to help you virtually. Tennis is an awesome sport and I am always willing to help get more people playing
 
My ds did not think USAFA was a possibility in high school because he didn't have team sports. We were both told at separate times that he needed team sports by Admissions so even though he was interested in USAFA he thought it wasn't a possibility. It isn't true though. Later I was told thar team sports is to show you can work with others not about athletic ability and other groups can also demonstrate that. The information came kind of late unfortunately.
 
lipton_hot_tea said:
My ds did not think USAFA was a possibility in high school because he didn't have team sports. We were both told at separate times that he needed team sports by Admissions so even though he was interested in USAFA he thought it wasn't a possibility. It isn't true though. Later I was told thar team sports is to show you can work with others not about athletic ability and other groups can also demonstrate that. The information came kind of late unfortunately.
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Yes good example, there are exceptions ...but the vast majority that attend the big 3 played one or more varsity sports (approx. 90%). A large majority of those were Captains and Co-captains. The data speaks for itself.
 
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rickdunnjr said:
Yes good example, there are exceptions ...but the vast majority that attend the big 3 played one or more varsity sports (approx. 90%). A large majority of those were Captains and Co-captains. The data speaks for itself.
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Most who attend have this versus telling potential applicants you need to have this to be considered or to apply are two different things though.
 
Not everyone may have the opportunity to participate in sports. Some students work after school and/or are caretakers, some schools may not have sports, some cannot afford the fees that go along with sports or have transportation.
 
Trackkid2021 said:
I agree heavily with posters above. There is always time to fit things in. My school did not have JROTC, although I wish they did. I am a three sport letterwinner, two of which are during the same season and am captain of two. I also work a part time job, and have collected over 250 community service hours. Alongside this, I am also Vice President of the National Honor Society.

This was a huge point during my interviews, I have developed strong time management skills. Much like other posters have mentioned, I would definitely say my sports experience have developed my leadership skills much more than holding an office in the National Honor Society.

It is very well possible for you to make it, crush those test scores and academics. My advice to you that I have learned through high school is to try something new. It’s a great experience to be the “stranger” in a club and sport and overcome the challenges that come with it. I’m not sure if it is a possibility for you, but when I got my own car and was old enough to drive it became much more possible for me to maintain such a busy life. Good luck, and definitely practice that CFA!
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This approach is also great essay material. Personal growth. You see sports/fitness as a challenge for you presently. How (and why) did you overcome this challenge? Find a way or make one. That creative, committed, determined mentality is what they need to see in you.
 
lipton_hot_tea said:
Most who attend have this versus telling potential applicants you need to have this to be considered or to apply are two different things though.
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The example quoted, was at a school that ‘didn’t offer sports’. That will be looked at differently than at a school that offers them, but the student doesn’t participate. For sure there can be reason (like you stated...fees, caretaker, etc). And I believe what’s being stated, is that not participating will have to be addressed. Either outwardly, or via their application. For example, a BGO/ALO will inquire during an interview. I know I would ask.

Every candidate is evaluated for their own situation. That’s why no one can offer solid advice for a ‘chance me’ type question. But sports participation is also factual via the data of class profiles. 90 pct of the class participate. Also means 10 pct don’t. If you have the option, which pool increase your odds of an appointment?

No one is saying you MUST have sports. But what people are saying, is if you don’t, you still have to be physically fit (it’s a requirement), and, will have to address it at some point. Sports and captaincies are important enough to be line item boxes that are checked on the applications. There is a reason for that. And a large percentage of appointments contain that piece.

If a candidate is missing a significant piece? Just be prepared to address it. Imo, there are good reasons. Also imo, there are bad reasons. Not making time falls into this category for me, unless there is a significant reason there I sn’t time. BC everyone is busy, and still made/found time.

If you have seen my posts, one thing I often point out, is that readers shouldn’t get sucked into thinking they don’t stack up to the best of the best resumes here on the forums, and not apply. I feel like readers can be discouraged by the resumes here, and maybe not apply. My own two Mids aren’t the top of the top in every category. They still applied and are Mids! So don’t give up. Continue to shore up every piece you can. Don’t leave anything within your control untouched. Present your best self, knowing you did your best. Whatever that looks like. And areas where you are weak? Find the positives and where the rest of your resume makes up for the weakness. You ‘only’ have to first win your local competition. You aren't initially competing against 15k other people. That comes later, if on the NWL (and it’s not that many by then), or ROTC national competitions from the git-go.

Good luck, do your BEST!
 
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The other consideration is your specific competition on your slate.

What if you don’t have sports and your competition does and has better academics?

It’s a competition. Can you make it without sports? Sure. Ten percent do.
 
justdoit19 said:
The example quoted, was at a school that ‘didn’t offer sports’. That will be looked at differently than at a school that offers them, but the student doesn’t participate. For sure there can be reason (like you stated...fees, caretaker, etc). And I believe what’s being stated, is that not participating will have to be addressed. Either outwardly, or via their application. For example, a BGO/ALO will inquire during an interview. I know I would ask.

Every candidate is evaluated for their own situation. That’s why no one can offer solid advice for a ‘chance me’ type question. But sports participation is also factual via the data of class profiles. 90 pct of the class participate. Also means 10 pct don’t. If you have the option, which pool increase your odds of an appointment?

No one is saying you MUST have sports. But what people are saying, is if you don’t, you still have to be physically fit (it’s a requirement), and, and will have to address it at some point. Sports and captaincies are important enough to be line item boxes that are checked on the applications. There is a reason for that. And a large percentage of appointments contain that piece.

If a candidate is missing a significant piece? Just be prepared to address it. Imo, there are good reasons. Also imo, there are bad reasons. Not making time falls into this category for me, unless there is a significant reason there I sn’t time. BC everyone is busy, and still made/found time.

If you have seen my posts, one thing I often point out, is that readers shouldn’t get sucked into thinking they don’t stack up to the best of the best resumes here on the forums, and not apply. I feel like readers can be discouraged by the resumes here, and maybe not apply. My own two Mids aren’t the top of the top in every category. They still applied and are Mids! So don’t give up. Continue to shore up every piece you can. Don’t leave anything within your control untouched. Present your best self, knowing you did your best. Whatever that looks like. And areas where you are weak? Find the positives and where the rest of your resume makes up for the weakness. You ‘only’ have to first win your local competition. You aren't initially competing against 15k other people. That comes later, if on the NWL (and it’s not that many by then), or ROTC national competitions from the git-go.

Good luck, do your BEST!
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Well said.
 
You can also look into local community clubs/sports. Almost everywhere I've been has some sort of running club that has teams and racing all year round. While not school sponsored, they still offer the same benefits and team dynamics.

Demonstrating initiative and thinking outside the box is an admirable trait that can easily be leveraged for good standing in places.
 
IronmanDaremo said:
You can also look into local community clubs/sports. Almost everywhere I've been has some sort of running club that has teams and racing all year round. While not school sponsored, they still offer the same benefits and team dynamics.

Demonstrating initiative and thinking outside the box is an admirable trait that can easily be leveraged for good standing in places.
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exactly - schools don't have a monopoly on sports, and for many sports, the high school level is much much lower than the club level. If you want it bad enough, you find a way.
 
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