<p>I'm just wondering. How much do sports really help your acceptance into Columbia, or any other similar college? Do they put the same weight to working as they do to sports? I've been thinking of conditioning for next year's XC season, but I'm also getting a part-time job next year during the same period. If i dont have to do the sport, I might just skip it. </p>
<p>Also, how many of you guys who applied/got accepted by Columbia, or any other school, for that matter, played some type of sport during the school year, whether for the school or rec?</p>
<p>If your friend was at all worth his salt as a football player, it doesn't surprise me that he got accepted. Of course, other factors probably played a part in his acceptance, but with a fair GPA by Columbia's standards (albeit an SAT score that ranks considerably lower on the scale), most sports players could probably have a good chance getting into Columbia, since, from what I hear, Columbia has very dismal sports teams. </p>
<p>I myself played varsity soccer in high school and made a 30 on my ACT (which is equivalent to a 1360 SAT. I also did take the SAT, but made a 1240). However, my GPA was only a 3.1 (really bad math student, but for some horrible evil reason I'm still interested in science), I only played soccer for two years, and my SAT II scores were pretty bad, since I took those that were required for acceptance into the SEAS. </p>
<p>So I guess it's pretty much a crap shoot, but if everything else is strong, then I figure sports would definitely help in applying to Columbia. Also, if it's not a school sport (meaning you don't play it for the school), unless the league you play in is otherwise accredited and hopefully well-known, it probably won't help very much that you played it.</p>
<p>slicmlic2001 is right, try some sports out and learn to love them, make them part of your life instead of just for colleges. I played varsity tennis and some soccer, so I guessed that help in some ways in my acceptance.</p>
<p>Even though there are cases such as Jaug1 ;) where an applicant never played sports before - they usually have a passion for something else that takes up the time for sports.</p>
<p>One thing to keep in mind is that Columbia adcom have to make sure that Columbia students are not physically TOO out of shape and have the necessary upbeat energy for everyday life.</p>
<p>Then again, you are only 14, so relax SwordMaiden, and pick up some random sports, stick with something you enjoy, show commitment, and have fun.</p>
<p>It wouldn't help you much if you are not recruited. If you want to be recruited, make sure you get in contact with coaches.</p>
<p>I have played soccer at international level. I was invited to my country's U-16 national soccer team when I was 14. I assume that I can make the soccer team at Columbia, but since I'm not recruited, the whole soccer thing is just another EC.</p>