Athletics Vs. Clubs

<p>I was wondering, for a prominent university such as harvard, what does the admissions office weigh more, clubs (ex. Model UN, Debate Team etc.) or athletics, such as football. How much harder is it to get in without athletics but with excellent grades and frequent volunteering.</p>

<p>On a more personal note:
Next year I have the opportunity to be on my High School Football Team, but will likely not do too well, such as becoming Captain. Should I take the time and go for the team or try to add on another club or extracirricular activity, such as peer tutoring.</p>

<p>Thanks so much and I know that it is hard to give an exact answer to the admissions questions, but would just like to have your opinions :)</p>

<p>Are you Indian or Asian? If so, participation in football could set you apart from all the other top Asian students who participate stereotypically in tennis, swimming, Medical Futures Clubs, and orchestra!</p>

<p>Hahah actually I am Iranian (living in Canada), bug I hear that by race they mean more color than nationality, so I am brown :)</p>

<p>Do what you want to do. Don’t mold yourself so that you fit to get in, but choose a college that is the best fit for you. If you love football, do that, and if you do not love football, then volunteer or do something else that inspires you.</p>

<p>Hey man, I’m Iranian too.
I don’t know much about Harvard, but I would suggest that you do not take up an extracurricular that you are not going to enjoy. Especially one as time consuming as Football. Trust me, I used to play, Its a blast if you are into football. If you are not, you are going to hate life and may end up quitting the team.</p>

<p>Thanks compmom, yes I think I would prefer to do more of things such as Debate. I have also been competing in National Math Contests since Grade 7, usually placing in the top 25%, but I think that I could perhaps take it to the next level at high school.</p>

<p>Ejdeha, oh yes, the name is persian! thanks so much for the reply. my problem is that I would probably enjoy football, but not excel at it. I would be on the team, but not the star or captain, so it wouldn’t count for much college credit. How much would it hurt me though to have no athletics in my records, provided I excel at my other Ecs?</p>

<p>If you think you are going to enjoy football, you should give it a shot. If nothing else, do it for yourself. High School is the only time you are going to get a chance to play real, 100% contact, full pads football with the whole nine yards (well, a hundred in this case). I’m sure colleges will be impressed with you playing a sport as opposed to not playing one at all, even if you don’t start.</p>

<p>hahah thanks again Ejdeha! I will certainly consider it over the summer, as well as see how much time I have after my other clubs and organizations :)</p>

<p>Any other comments, anyone? They would be greatly appreciated!</p>

<p>don’t play football unless you want to play football.</p>

<p>football is not a sport for resume builders. it is a sport for warriors.</p>