<p>I've been in the swim team for the past 2 years (freshman & sophomore year) and now I'm a junior. This year I'm starting to think twice about joining again because it'll be physically draining and I don't want my grades to suffer because of it. I've maintained a good gpa in high school and also if I give up swimming, I can do more volunteer work. What do you guys think? should i swim one more year for consistency? or just not risk it?</p>
<p>If you don’t like it, you shouldn’t keep doing it. That being said, if you’re aiming for more competitive schools you will need good ECs.</p>
<p>It all depends on what kind of school you are trying to get into. Albeit that junior year is hard, but there are soooo many kids that balance APs/IBs, sports, AND volunteer service without letting their extracurricular activities hurt their grades. If your looking into a competitive university, sports need not be your only option. Consider doing research or free lance photography (basically participate in ECs that are MEANINGFUL) I only say this because I don’t see how not doing sports will equate community service hours. Hours count for close to nothing seeing as many applications ask you to describe how every community service activity impacted you, not necessarily the total amount of service you have provided.</p>
<p>So one of my biggest regrets from high school is not running cross country all four years. I ended up quitting after sophomore year to focus more on academics. If you enjoy being on the swim team, I say keep doing it. It’s require a lot more work, but if you can maintain high academic performance, I think you’ll be happier in the end. With that said, is swimming all year round? Could you volunteer during the off-season or during breaks?</p>
<p>If you are tired of swimming, and have other activities that interest you more, then drop it.</p>
<p>If you do continue to swim, pay close attention to your physical condition. I know more than one former high school swimmer who has suffered permanent joint damage because they kept on swimming long after their bodies and their orthopedists told them it was time to quit.</p>
<p>^amen to that! I wrecked my back in middle school from doing too many sports and ruined my dream of being a pro soccer player because of it. Don’t hurt yourself.</p>