<p>Hi I was admitted ED for Columbia Class of 2015 and I was looking at ECs for college. I’m thinking about trying out for cheerleading there and I’m wondering how difficult it is to make the squad? I was a level 9 competitive gymnast and can do back handspring full, front handspring full, back whip handspring tuck, standing handspring and tuck.</p>
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<p>Having made careful observations of Columbia’s cheerleaders during my attendance at several football and basketball games over the years, it appears to me that neither talent nor gorgeousness is an essential requirement for earning a spot on the squad. As such, this has caused me to wonder what, if any, requirements do exist for making the team.</p>
<p>^ wow, …I was looking forward to joining, that is, if I am luck enough to get it ;)</p>
<p>Oh, it shouldn’t be difficult at all. As C02 says, our cheerleading team is not that great. Our official dance team (the one that also cheerleads and performs at basketball games) is also not that good. Our sports teams vary by sport, but are generally not that good. The one thing you may want to consider before you join the cheerleading squad is that you’ll be required to go to all home football and basketball games. At many of these games (especially women’s basketball), there will be no one in the stands except for the band. Cheerleading will give you a sense of belonging, and some cheerleaders are probably dating some sports guys, but generally speaking, cheerleading is not perceived as glamorous at Columbia. We are not a ****ing sports school ;)</p>
<p>Thanks for the info 
I know Columbia is not so good at sports, I’m just looking for something fun that will keep me physically active. Thanks!</p>
<p>the dance team won some competition back when, but they fluctuate with talent. and the cheerleading team is always looking for folks to join.</p>
<p>As a senior on the Columbia Cheerleading team, I can safely say that with good tumbling you’ll make it. I came on the team as a gymnast with no cheerleading background, and it’s served me well. About half the team comes on with no experience. If you’ll be around for Days on Campus, we’ll probably be holding tryouts (we’ve held a spring tryout during DoC before).</p>
<p>It IS a lot of fun. And we do compete, we went to NCA nationals last year and will be going again this year.</p>
<p>And yes, there is negativity here about it. There is some negativity about it at school. There’s a whole lot of people who don’t even know we have cheerleaders. But honestly, don’t join if you want it to make you well known - join if you want to have fun and make some friends and stay in good shape. It’s a good way to keep up tumbling at a school with no gymnastics, too.</p>
<p>You should definitely go for it if you’re interested. The key to having a great time at Columbia (in my opinion, at least) is to be involved in activities that you really love.</p>
<p>i was admitted ED to Columbia 2015 too! congrats
I spoke with the cheer coach, and she told me that “advanced” stunting skills were necessary: mainly extension libs and extensions, both with pop cradles; strong jumps (all kinds); sharp motions; and loud voice and high energy. she said tumbling is a plus, but not required.</p>
<p>the big thing for me is time commitment - i don’t want to lock myself into cheer, and therefore, away from other extra curricular activities. there are so many things i want to do at CU so i’m hesitant to join cheer and then have no time for anything else.</p>
<p>Columbia Cheerleading isn’t about popularity or about “dating sports guys”. It’s about school spirit and athleticism. The team is just starting to grow into a competitive team, and that takes time, and people with the skills/desire to be a part of a cheerleading program. The cheerleaders compete at NCA Nationals, and as the team advances, requirements for tryouts will advance as well. If you are interested, please don’t let people who are not informed sway your decision. Better yet, judge for yourself. Here are the cheerleaders last fall. [YouTube</a> - Columbia Cheerleading - Basketball Mania 2010](<a href=“Columbia Cheerleading - Basketball Mania 2010 - YouTube”>Columbia Cheerleading - Basketball Mania 2010 - YouTube)</p>