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Alternative to sports?

chuckles22chuckles22 1 replies2 threads New Member
in College Admissions
Hello,

I am a 10th grader student who has not participated in a sport thus far. I know that many colleges (especially service academies, which I am interested in) like to see sports because it is an indicator of discipline, leadership ability, and physical ability. I am trying to brain storm possible activities I can do in lieu of sports that help display these qualities in an application. I'm not talking things like debate, mock trial, or school engineering team (I already do those after all), but something that involves physical exertion and demonstrates competency in what I've described above.

Thanks for the help.
6 replies
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Replies to: Alternative to sports?

  • twoinanddonetwoinanddone 23666 replies17 threads Senior Member
    The service academies really want to see sports. It can be an individual sport like golf or tennis, or running. It doesn't have to be through school, so you could do marathons, triathalons, mountain biking.

    While at an academy, you'll have a sports requirement. Why not do something you like?
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  • chuckles22chuckles22 1 replies2 threads New Member
    Thanks for the reply. Unfortunately I've missed my school's deadlines for spring sports tryouts for this year, which would mean I could only start a sport as soon as fall of Junior year with maximum 2 years (J + S year) contribution.

    I am interested in exploring starting a sport this sophomore year spring through a league outside of school and then carrying it over to the next year. For USMA, I was checking a document that detailed their admission process (particularly sports, found on Page 10, Table 2.2 of the document:https://www.rand.org/content/dam/rand/pubs/research_reports/RR700/RR723/RAND_RR723.pdf )

    Would it not be as appreciated if it is not at school? It seems to emphasize having varsity letters.
    Also, where would I find sports outside of school? I've been trying to find other organizations in my area, not sure where to start.
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  • twoinanddonetwoinanddone 23666 replies17 threads Senior Member
    There are a lot of running clubs, mtn bike groups, etc. in communities. If you are thinking of golf or tennis for the fall, sign up for lessons. Some sports aren't offered in high schools (or many high schools) - fencing, crew, hockey, gymnastics. Look for gyms or groups that offer what you are interested in.
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  • intparentintparent 36291 replies644 threads Senior Member
    My kid club fenced starting in sophomore year, and finished 5th in the state tournament in her weapon senior year. Now she was at a club with a supurb coach in a state that is not a fencing hotbed.
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  • thebetterhawkeyethebetterhawkeye 104 replies7 threads Junior Member
    Archery leagues have flexible or rolling start dates and are open to all skill levels.
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  • sherpasherpa 4776 replies95 threads Senior Member
    It's interesting that @intparent mentioned fencing, as that is what I was going to suggest. My kids didn't participate in any sports in their school, but fenced at their local club, as well as nationally and internationally, and eventually in college. If you have the opportunity you should give it a try. Good luck!
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