I don't know what to do

Applying to College
1

I’m going into Junior year and have the following schedule:

AP Biology
AP Psychology
AP English Language
AP Calculus AB
AP US History
Business

I also was planning on joining 3 clubs:
National Honor Society, Science National Honor Society, Keys Club(community service), and Debate Club.

My question is, I wanted to know whether it would be worth it to also try out for the basketball team, and whether or not it would make a difference on my college application. The reason I just don’t do it is because I really like weightlifting and bodybuilding and I can’t really do both to the fullest extent.

My schedule is already set and I am for sure doing those clubs, but what should I do about sports and my weightlifting?

Thank you in advance for any responses or suggestions, and have a great summer!

2

By the time you apply, basketball might not even be starting yet, I would continue with weightlifting if you enjoy it.

3

@mommdc I just mean joining the basketball team so I can say I played for them when I apply to colleges… would that be any different than just saying I’m an avid weightlifter but just do it outside of school?

Thanks again for the response

4

Do what you want to do. Unless you have been playing basketball avidly for a long time, you won’t be good enough at it for anyone to care.

If you are 7 feet tall and very athletic, of course the answer will be different.

5

Usually they look at EC activities and how much time you devote to them. You will want to show a passion for something, not just something to pad your application.

Since you have been doing the weightlifting for a while and enjoy it, it would be better to mention that, than an activity you plan on joining senior year.

6

Weightlifting and bodybuilding are both typically considered sports so I’d just stick with those since you like them more. No one’s going to give you more $ or accept you just because you played basketball for less than a year to an unknown degree of success.

7

Don’t do anything just so you can put it on a college application.

8

I mean, yes and no. Most people recognize that the SAT is not a great indicator of really anything other than the ability to study for the SAT, and yet again most people recognize you gotta put a lot of effort into it. I think a similar thing applies to ECs: you need ECs to get into colleges, whether you happen to find those ECs interesting or not. My high school didn’t offer much that was very interesting to me, as most high schools don’t for many kids (very niche subjects, etc), and we just all kind of suck it up and join the expected National Honor Societies and leadership positions and such. It’s paying dues to get to where you actually want to be.

9

But anyway, it’s too short of a turnaround to join Basketball just 'cause. And even then since you’re already doing sports I doubt it matters.

10

I would join a team sport, it will show you can handle your grades and also outside activities. I don’t know why the previous response was that it isn’t enough turnaround time to make a difference, two seasons (years) is better than nothing. Of course if you don’t really like basketball pick something else. I am just picturing you hanging out in your basement with a weight bench (old school, I know). Do you do it competitively?

11

Oops sorry, for some reason thought this was a rising senior. I mean that’s enough turnaround time but I still think the benefit of having a team sport vs. an individual sport on your app is kind of negligible at this point. Do you do anything else in a team? If so you’re fine.

12

I don’t think this is a financial aid question.

13

Keep going with the weightlifting!

I’ve watched more than a handful of friends do team sports just for the EC boost and they were absolutely miserable not even halfway through the season. Spend your time doing what you’re interested in. Weightlifting will look fine on an application.

14

Is it even likely you would make the basketball team if you have not been playing up until this point?

But know, don’t join an EC just because it “looks good” unless you are applying to a Service Academy because there you kind of do need to play a Varsity sport.

15

As far as college admissions go, being passionate about weightlifting is as good as being passionate about a team sports or anything else. It’s too late for you to become recruitable in basketball anyway and if you’re not recruitable, sport is just another EC of your choice. If you really really want to join a sport, you may want to look into jv wrestling in the Winter/Spring, but it’s not really necessary. Do you have any external recognition (prize, medal…) for your weightlifting?