Does it help my application to be good at a non-collegiate sport?

Applying to College
1

<p>I've been cyber-schooled since freshman year to focus on a sport that is not collegiate level, nor can I make any money off of it :) But so I'm wondering if it helps my application at all (or even significantly) to be a high-level athlete?</p>

<p>I have won age group nationals twice, made two junior world teams, and broke 6 (hold 2) national records since freshman year. I'm wondering if this would help my chances of getting into a decent college despite my so-so courseload and other extra curriculars.</p>

<p>If it helps to see what I'm kinda aiming for, my favorite schools are UPitt, American, UC Santa Barbara, U of Toronto, and Concordia in Montreal. My dream school is Georgetown, but, I don't think my academic history would hold up to that :) I have a 3.7 GPA, 1830 SAT (but I intend to take it again) AP chem & bio, honors American lit and world history. Those were the hard-ish classes anyways. </p>

<p>So again, question is, does being a high level athlete help balance out the downfalls of a so-so GPA and SAT, and a moderate course load?</p>

<p>Thanks :)</p>

2

<p>What colleges are you looking at? Like ivies?</p>

3

<p>My (realistic) favorites are Pitt, UC Santa Barbara, American, U of Toronto, and Concordia in Montreal, but Georgetown is my dream school.</p>

4

<p>It’s an EC like many others, but a strong one at that level. Presumably you put a great deal of time into it. That shows perseverance.</p>

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<p>Whatever it is, it sounds like you’re passionate about it and excel at it. Holding national records in things is a fantastic accomplishment that certainly will look ‘good’ on an EC list.</p>

6

<p>You won’t get into Georgetown with that SAT score unless you’re recruited for your sport. Even if the school has a club team, you can talk to the coach and it can help in admission.</p>