Football - to play or not to play?

Applying to College
1

My parents are urging me to quit my school’s football team in grade 12 (I’m a junior right now) so that I can study more, and perhaps volunteer more. I started in grade 9 during spring training, and it’s something that has made a lot of difference to me. For example, when you join football, you develop friendships that are impossible in the classroom or in debate clubs. It’s a big part of my life, and I do not want to give it up. On the practical side, I keep reassuring my parents that it’s a great EC, especially since it takes up so much commitment. Weight-lifting/film for 2 hours on Monday, and four two-and-a-half hour practices a week, not to mention gameday on weekends (usually takes up almost the whole day), and off-season training. They are not convinced however, especially because I’m pretty much a jobber on the team (a few minute of playing time when the score is lopsided). I guess my parents are worried because playing football gives you no awards or recognized leadership positions unless you’re some kind of a high school version of Michael Vick. Unfortunately, there is no “co-secretary” of the football team.

But I love being around my friends and they love having me around. And on my senior year, it will be very special because I’m going to be one of the veterans on the team. I look forward to helping out some of the fresh faces, like how the seniors helped me last season. But admittedly, yeah, it does take a incredible amount of time, and I’m pretty much hamstrung from doing any serious volunteering or club-joining when the season’s on.

So what’s your take on this? I think I would grow sick if I had to be one of those quitters, but nonetheless, I would still like your input on the value of an EC such as varsity football. BTW, my grades are like top 5% level even when unweighted(at least in junior year… my other two years are on the low end of the 10% decile), taking every honours course available except for Honours Bio as I had no room for it, which makes it 3 honours courses I’m taking. I’m also a hornist in my school’s band, and jazz pianist for the stage band.

The schools I’m looking into are like Brown, Middlebury, Amherst types. I have no ambitions to go to Harvard, Berkeley, etc.

2

<p>I think doing football all four years will demonstrate to the college dedidcation and love for one of the passions. I did football 9-10th grade years and I often regret stopping after my sophomore year, even though I picked up lacrosse. I think having sports like football will be able to differentiate youreself from the "typical" Ivy league applicant (debate club, model UN, etc....) and will make yourself unique.</p>

3

<p>If you love football you should continue to play. The schools know that it takes time and dedication to play a sport. It looks fine to have 4 years of your sport, especcially if you love playing.
Just to add afew hours of community service as a senior, don't you think the schools will notice that. If it is something you don't like and just threw in to look good, it will stand out for what it is.
The adcoms know what they are looking at, and can probably tell that you did it just senior year for the apps.</p>

4

<p>DO NOT QUIT</p>

<p>i quit 2 sports in high school due to conflicts that, looking back on, were nothing, and it was the biggest mistake of my life. seriously, football is a great sport and if i were you i would keep playing. you have the rest of your life to do community service</p>

5

<p>Okay, I was not much of a jock (x-country) and neither was my D (ballet) but I emphatically think you should stick with football. A few superflouous volunteer hours aren't going to mean much, while a four-year commitment to football will. More impressive the fact that you're not a star but someone who wants to stick with it anyway...there's a damned good essay buried there. (I remember one the director of admissions for Princeton liked that started, "I am the worst soccer player on the worst team in the state.")</p>

<p>Btw, about Amherst...the whole area and the Five College Consortium rocks. </p>

<p>Good luck to you.</p>

6

<p>Thank you for all your responses, it has been a great help. No way I'm quitting now. I just have to egg my parents on a little more.</p>