I was wondering if I need to play a sport during high school to get into a good college. My parents want me to but I think it takes up too much time. My goals are either Harvard or Stanford and I was wondering if I really have to play a sport. Real life examples help.
Thanks!
No, you don’t have to.
No but your desire for Harvard or Stanford is absurd. I doubt you’ll end up there so it probably makes sense to learn more about colleges beyond the names of a precious few. If you know so little about college that you have to ask this question, you are in no position to choose a college. You’re unlikely to be going to either of the schools you named. When you are ready to attend college, you’ll be going for the education not the bumper sticker.
No, there are lots of kids that have passions elsewhere…performing arts, visual arts, music, volunteering, etc. The important thing is to do something you are passionate about.
What did you have in mind to do with all that time-- study? The American school day is scheduled to accommodate some kind of afternoon extracurricular activity.
Sure, but some activities definitely take up more time than others. And some are more flexible than others.
I never played a sport in high school and I’m going to Penn in the fall. However, I didn’t choose not to play a sport because I thought it would take up too much time. Instead, I was using the time I could have spent playing a sport participating in other EC’s that I was interested in. What’s important is that you’re spending your time productively, doing activities you care about. Rather than forcing a sport you’re not interested in, dedicate your time to something that means something to you.
@thedawgboss you should instead focus more on being physically healthy.
I have to agree with lostaccount; if you are asking these types of questions, perhaps you should expand your college search beyond Harvard and Stanford.
Do something athletic for your health and long-term well being. It doesn’t matter if it is a school sport or something outside. Don’t worry about the college admissions impact. Pick your ECs (sports or otherwise) according to your interests.
allen cheng (check out blog.prepscholar) got into 5 or so ivys, including harvard, without mentioning his participation in swimming, so no.