Effect of different sports?

<p>Bonjour,
As we all know, all sports aren't created equal in the eyes of colleges. I haven't seen many wrestlers here, so would being decent at wrestling (say a varsity regional qualifier) and other "rarer" sports be of more benefit in admissions? I do my sports because I actually enjoy them, but I was just curious.</p>

<p>Sports are most beneficial if you’re good enough to compete in college. Are you?</p>

<p>If so, then big-money, high-visibility sports are more helpful than other intercollegiate sports, which are more helpful than club sports. Being a standout in a sport so uncommon that there isn’t a forum for college competition may occasionally be helpful (if you’re, say, an Olympic-caliber figure skater), but I think the benefit there would be your celebrity, not your athletic prowess. Most of the time, however, I think being a top performer in a sport so obscure that there isn’t college competition won’t be extraordinarily helpful in college admissions, because your accomplishment in the sport won’t particularly do anything for the college.</p>

<p>If you’re not good enough to compete in college, then sports are good, but I’m not convinced that they’re particularly better than any other endeavor you’re committed to and spend a lot of time on–music or debate or social action or what have you.</p>

<p>To be honest, I don’t know how good enough to compete for college is. Would that be a state level or higher achievement?</p>

<p>To be honest, I don’t know either.</p>

<p>Your coach will know if you’re good enough. For cross country I think the top 50ish runners in the state can get recruited.</p>

<p>Wouldn’t that depend a lot on your state? It’s a lot easier to be one of the 50 best runners in Alaska or Vermont than in California or Texas.</p>

<p>I think that any sports participation is good. The more proficient you are the more impressive and regional recognition shows dedication and talent.</p>

<p>I’d suggest you start by doing the math. Research how many colleges compete in NCAA wrestling, then calculate the total number of college wrestlers in your weight class, then divide by four to see the approximate number of wrestling recruits per weight class per year. Whatever the number, I’ll call it “x”, if you’re among the top “x” in the country, you’re recruitable.</p>

<p>Good luck.</p>