High school Sophmore here planning on applying to USMA next year. Looking through the class profiles, I noticed that nearly every cadet in the class of 2020 (1,200 out of 1,210) participated in a varsity sport. I've been doing martial arts (BJJ, Taekwondo, Shotokan, Jeet Kune Do, and other arts) regularly at a local studio for nearly ten years, training 7-10 hours a week. I also earned my black belt there in 2019. Would this be considered roughly equivalent to doing a varsity sport for admissions purposes or should I seek to participate in a school sport?
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Sports Requirements?
- Thread starter Charlie W
- Start date
There are others on here far more informed than I, but I would assume, on the "sports" part of your admission profile, the academy is looking for:
- Individual achievement
- Leadership
- A willingness to strive physically as much as you do academically (warrior-scholar)
Combatives (BJJish) and other forms of martial arts are featured at the academy as clubs, intramurals and even mandatory DPE classes (combatives). So, I think your background will be very appreciated by admissions and you wouldn't HAVE to add another sport. That being said, it certainly doesn't hurt to be a multi-sport athlete.
My DS recently accepted his appointment and his only sport was swimming. His school was the whipping boy of the sport in our region and he didn't necessarily have great times that would garner scholarship attention either. But he swam all 4 years and was selected as team captain for both his junior and senior year. So, he showed leadership and that he put in the physical strife year after year. There's always the CFA to showcase raw physical ability.
This is anecdotal at best, but hopefully others can give you more assurance. Best of luck to you!
- Individual achievement
- Leadership
- A willingness to strive physically as much as you do academically (warrior-scholar)
Combatives (BJJish) and other forms of martial arts are featured at the academy as clubs, intramurals and even mandatory DPE classes (combatives). So, I think your background will be very appreciated by admissions and you wouldn't HAVE to add another sport. That being said, it certainly doesn't hurt to be a multi-sport athlete.
My DS recently accepted his appointment and his only sport was swimming. His school was the whipping boy of the sport in our region and he didn't necessarily have great times that would garner scholarship attention either. But he swam all 4 years and was selected as team captain for both his junior and senior year. So, he showed leadership and that he put in the physical strife year after year. There's always the CFA to showcase raw physical ability.
This is anecdotal at best, but hopefully others can give you more assurance. Best of luck to you!
Black Belt in Martial Arts = Varsity Letter - same number of WCS pointsHigh school Sophmore here planning on applying to USMA next year. Looking through the class profiles, I noticed that nearly every cadet in the class of 2020 (1,200 out of 1,210) participated in a varsity sport. I've been doing martial arts (BJJ, Taekwondo, Shotokan, Jeet Kune Do, and other arts) regularly at a local studio for nearly ten years, training 7-10 hours a week. I also earned my black belt there in 2019. Would this be considered roughly equivalent to doing a varsity sport for admissions purposes or should I seek to participate in a school sport?
Small Team Bacsi
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Instead of taking up a new sport to fill the resume if it were me I might consider doubling down on the MA.
When I was competing there were a fair number of local, state, and national tournaments to compete in , monthly if not almost weekly somewhere.
If you competed enough it starts to look impressive. It looks more impressive than it might should in some cases. My case anyway.
as a senior competing in the 30+ age group I did fight a couple of USNA mids that were representing the navy.
My own kids competed in the AAU State and National Karate Championships as youngsters.
Some tournaments , and maybe placing in a few , and it might end up sounding impressive to a review group looking for outstanding. Just the competing might say something to a review group looking for those that stand out from the crowd.
When I was competing there were a fair number of local, state, and national tournaments to compete in , monthly if not almost weekly somewhere.
If you competed enough it starts to look impressive. It looks more impressive than it might should in some cases. My case anyway.
as a senior competing in the 30+ age group I did fight a couple of USNA mids that were representing the navy.
My own kids competed in the AAU State and National Karate Championships as youngsters.
Some tournaments , and maybe placing in a few , and it might end up sounding impressive to a review group looking for outstanding. Just the competing might say something to a review group looking for those that stand out from the crowd.
In addition to just training and competing, have you then maybe volunteered to help teach classes to younger or less skilled students? As mentioned above, one of the key aspects for sports for most SAs is showing that you not only have athletic skills but that you are dedicated to something and that you are good with time management. Being involved in sports often leads to leadership positions, so I would look for a way to be a leader in martial arts.High school Sophmore here planning on applying to USMA next year. Looking through the class profiles, I noticed that nearly every cadet in the class of 2020 (1,200 out of 1,210) participated in a varsity sport. I've been doing martial arts (BJJ, Taekwondo, Shotokan, Jeet Kune Do, and other arts) regularly at a local studio for nearly ten years, training 7-10 hours a week. I also earned my black belt there in 2019. Would this be considered roughly equivalent to doing a varsity sport for admissions purposes or should I seek to participate in a school sport?