Currently, I’m a rising senior looking to apply to elite colleges. For the past 3 years, I have dedicated 17/week all year round to this sport. I have no leadership, major awards, or service from the sport. I just do it because I love it. Since I dedicate so much time to it, I feel like I haven’t really had much time to do a lot of other activities that might stand out more on an application. Will colleges recognize the time and effort I’ve put it despite the lack of results and leadership, or will it mean very little to them?
Will you be recruited for this sport?
No, that’s kind of the point. I was just wondering how a college would view an application where it’s clear that sports were the main extracurricular, but if the student didn’t really have any big accomplishments in the sport.
I have 2 kids that played sports in HS that are now Northwestern alums. Both played their sport for 4 years, neither was recruited heavily and neither was a captain, although both were recognized by their coaches for awards after their senior year - and well after college admissions. So, yes, you CAN get into elite colleges without being all-world - or even all-city. Sometimes schools are looking for an Athlete that can also be a Mathlete! Good Luck!
Colleges want to see students who participate enthusiastically in the activities they pursue. You should not be worried about colleges judging you for not having technical leadership- dedication to an activity over a period of time is important too.