<p>Does Harvard recruit the students, based on their achievement in sports, only IF the students would continue playing that sport for Harvard?
Harvard does not have a team for skating.. Does that mean that my achievements at skating would play only a little role in helping me get in?
Really worried :(</p>
<p>I’m really worried as my academic stats are good but not extraordinary! :(</p>
<p>I would assume that since Harvard does not have a team then skating would be similar to other extracurriculars such as dance. For your skating to help you beyond a good EC, I would assume that you would need to be exceptional - which I assume would mean a national/international type ranking. And if that were the case then you probably would be putting together a plan to continue the skating with a boston area coach for those 4 years.<br>
Either way, I think “recruiting” only applies to team sports but skating will certainly not hurt your application.</p>
<p>
Why else would they recruit said student? They certainly aren’t recruiting them for their academic potential/performance (To clarify, I’m not saying that all athletes are stupid, just that they are recruited for their athletic ability, not their intelligence).</p>
<p>In my admittedly limited knowledge on the subject, I would say that you won’t be ‘recruited’ in the traditional sense. There is no skating coach with slots to fill and likely letters to offer. However, if you’re really outstanding and have garnered some national or international acclaim in skating, that would be a strong hook. Adcoms seem to love people who are at the top tier of their particular niche, no matter how obscure. Not that skating is obscure…okay you get the idea.</p>
<p>Sorry, my bad. 
I did not mean “recruit” in the traditional sense… I’m meant accept students? Sorry! I’m really confused 
Varska, skating IS kinda obscure so no offense. 
Anyway, Thank you!
Yes… I’ve been a national champion since last 10 years and have participated in 2 asian championships and have won two silver medals at Taiwan, plus I have participated in one world championships…
I’ve won 100+ medals, quite a few overall championship trophies, the highest award given by my state to sports people and the best player of the (national) tournament award…
My academic stats are decent… Since the 7th grade, I’ve stood first in a class of 240…
And I’ve taken up IB with 4 subjects at the Higher Level and have scored a 41/42 on my IB-I (11th grade) final exams…
My SAT score is pretty low for Harvard (2010… CR-590 M-750 W-670) I’ve appeared for SAT this June again and I hope a score a bit better, if not more.
So, what I was trying to say was with decent academic scores, would skating give me that “push” so that I can get into Harvard even though the University itself isn’t involved in the sport?
I think I’m pretty clear now Thanks :)</p>
<p>*no offense taken!</p>
<p>I don’t think that your skating would give you a “push” into admissions unless your scores were stronger, since they do not have a skating team. But good luck with the retake in June.</p>
<p>bump10char</p>
<p>Emily Hughes went to Harvard. I’ve noticed that a lot of amazing skaters get into really amazing schools. Skating can be a truly outstanding extracurricular. Rachel Flatt is going to Stanford I think. You have a chance, don’t give up.</p>
<p>If you can raise your SAT score I would say you stand a great chance at being admitted.</p>
<p>In response to your initial question, sooner or later we’re all doomed, but meanwhile you have a shot at Harvard. Particularly if you have the prospect of continuing to compete successfully at the national and international level, your skating will help you. Harvard likes stars – people who show extraordinary talent in whatever they do (arts, athletics, etc.). Do as much as you can to improve your academic record, and put together a stellar personal essay. If there’s another applicant who’s a comparable skater and better scholar, you might lose to her, but there probably aren’t too many people like that.</p>
<p>OP - I think your chances are good. I think admissions will realize what your schedule has been like and take test scores in context. Nothing is certain however, so make sure you like the other schools on your list - Harvard shouldn’t be the only “reach” you apply to either. Good luck!</p>
<p>What kind of skater are you? Rollerderby? Skateboarding? Figureskating?</p>