Varsity Letter

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westpointdreamer2004

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Feb 8, 2021
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Hi everyone!

I have heard and read different definitions of having a "varsity" letter, some being participation in a varsity season and others being winning an award as a varsity athlete.

What is West Point's definition or classification of having varsity letters? Sorry if this is a dumb question but I just don't want to get confused and end up putting something inaccurate on my application.

Thank you!
 
westpointdreamer2004 said:
Hi everyone!

I have heard and read different definitions of having a "varsity" letter, some being participation in a varsity season and others being winning an award as a varsity athlete.

What is West Point's definition or classification of having varsity letters? Sorry if this is a dumb question but I just don't want to get confused and end up putting something inaccurate on my application.

Thank you!
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I actually have had the same question and never got one anwser. At my school everyone who participates in varsity sports gets one however I've seen other schools give them only to those with achievements so I'd be interested to know how WP classifies it
 
My take on this is that a Varsity letter is given to an individual that participates/plays on a Varsity Team. So, if you are a Junior and on the roster of the Varsity baseball team and play in Varsity baseball games - you get the Varsity letter. If you are a Junior and sit on the bench of the Varsity football team and actually play on the JV Team, you do not get a Varsity letter for football.

Just my 2 cents.
 
check your HS athletic department info. I am sure they spell out how a Varsity letter is earned. for example our hs, must participate in at least 50% of the Varsity events to qualify. XC is the only caveat...3 seasons of participation will earn since only top 8 ever place...
 
And what will be important to know in this question, is that your school administrator will certify your activities record. At least USNA does this process, I would assume it to be the case for other SA’s (at our school, for example, coaches will confirm athletic activities to the counselor that is certifying the overall activities record).

As mentioned, checkwith your coach if you are not certain. Most actually receive a varsity letter (or pin to add to a existing letter). And most receive this letter for being a member of a varsity team. One example where this is not the case, is at our school, varsity football pulls up sophomores to the remaining varsity season, after sophomore season is over (to prepare for state play). These kids are usually scout team, and it is very clear that they have not earned a varsity letter. Even though they participated on the varsity team.

So if you are not clear if you have met your school/team requirements for “varsity”, just ask your coach.
 
To offer a contrasting opinion, I believe that the Varsity Letter requires you to earn a sports "letter" in your activity. My school had a point system to determine who would earn letters, I believe it was 10 points that was required in order to earn your letter jacket, and then 10 to earn subsequent letters on the letter jacket. I believe this is what USMA means, but I cannot be certain. Email your RC or your FFR if you want the most accurate description of a Varsity Letter.
 
professorm804 said:
To offer a contrasting opinion, I believe that the Varsity Letter requires you to earn a sports "letter" in your activity. My school had a point system to determine who would earn letters, I believe it was 10 points that was required in order to earn your letter jacket, and then 10 to earn subsequent letters on the letter jacket. I believe this is what USMA means, but I cannot be certain. Email your RC or your FFR if you want the most accurate description of a Varsity Letter.
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I suspect each high school has their own standards.

In our high school, one varsity letter is given to a student who participates in his first varsity sport. For each varsity sport they participate in, they get a separate pin and emblem.

In order to qualify for a letter or a pin, you need to finish the season on the team in good standing.
 
Criteria for earning a varsity letter varies by sport as well as school. For some, it may be as simple as being on the team. Typically, it involves playing a certain amount or earning a set number of points for achievement in varsity competition.Your athletic director/coach would be your source of information for your school.
 
yes each would have their own requirements. for example, freshman for us can earn letters but an athlete must earn 2 letters, 1 at least sophomore year or later and they earn a jacket as well...
 
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