Hey guys!
I was just looking for some opinions, I’m currently a sophomore in high school. I plan on starting rowing next year (this summer to be exact), can I get recruited for this? Let’s just theoretically say that I meet the standards to be recruited for a top university (anyone actually know what those standards are or how they choose who to recruit?) Since I’ll be starting this sport in grade 11, will any colleges even want me? I know how they want us to have long term commitments to extracurriculars and I do, except it’s not something I can get recruited for. I’m really interested in schools like Yale, UPenn (biodental program), Brown, etc… (Harvard??! lolllll)
My grade 9 marks were not very good, yet not horrible, mix of As and Bs, grade 10 is getting better but there is still a mix. I’ve taken a few SAT mock tests and I’ve scored pretty high actually, (1500+) and plan on taking them in October.
And btw I’m from Canada so that would make me an international student when I apply.
Thoughts on this whole attempt at being recruited thing?
Thanks!
Sure, it happens, but in addition to meeting their recruiting standards (which you can read about in other posts here, or on Reddit), you’ll also have to persuade the coaches that you will stick with the team in college. To do that, It helps if you are transitioning from another sport due to injury, or if you can show that you have a competitive streak that just happens to have flowered in competitive rowing.
And yes, you can be recruited to the Ivies with a mix of As and Bs if you score very highly on standardized tests, AND you can also show that you have been taking the most challenging classes available to you. Don’t under-estimate this last point. Showing improvement in your GPA through high school is also very helpful.
If you can do all that while also spending the hours and hours of very demanding exercise required to row well and fast, in one year, and your coach will speak highly about your commitment to the team and your character, then you will have earned a place somewhere. Good luck!
Oh okay, it does actually happen to partly be due to injury. Thx! @wykehamist
There is a rowing recruiting thread that would be a useful place to start your research on this.
Some top athletes can get into Ivy schools with grades that are a little below perfect. Some good but not great athletes can get onto an Ivy team with outstanding grades (but have to be admitted to the school on their academic merits. You are trying to get onto a top team at a top school with grades that are below the requirements with a sport you haven’t yet started and have no idea if you’ll be good, never mind tops.
Assuming you’ll be good at rowing and like it, why not aim for a school and team more academically and athletically a match for you? You will only have one summer and one season to show off your athletic skills
I was just wondering theoretically if it would be possible @twoinanddone
Possible, but improbable. I just don’t want to see you get focused on one school and miss an opportunity at another.
As has been mentioned there is plenty of information about rowing recruiting on CC. I would agree with @twoinanddone that unless you distinguish yourself in a fairly short period of time (fast 2k, medal results etc) it would be very difficult to play catch up. It’s not impossible but as said “improbable”. Likewise you can have a B here or there but your transcript would need to reflect a very strong and vigorous academic record. Standardized tests also need to be quite high to compete.
I don’t mean to discourage you but I would broaden your view of what schools would be good matches. There are plenty of wonderful schools that have great rowing programs. Take some time and investigate, and talk to your current coach. Many times a HS or Club coach can be helpful in assessing where you stand and what work needs to be done.
Good luck!
Thanks, do you have a son or know someone that was recruited for rowing? (Just guessing based off your screen name) What were their stats like? I think my main question was that if any coaches would want someone who’s only been doing it for one year. @tonymom
My son rows and I know many who were recruited at the college level. It’s not impossible to be recruited if you are just taking up rowing but it’s not common. You would have to be exceptionally strong and distinguish yourself with a pretty competitive 2k or racing results to be recruited by the top D1 programs you’ve listed. But again…try it, see if it resonates with you and then research the benchmarks of each program. You can always reach out to coaches and email them.
Good luck!
My son is a recruited rower. To get recruited to the schools you are talking about takes dedication and love for the sport. Coaches will determine the seriousness of a potential recruits commitment to the sport. In addition, these schools look for and can get the best of the best.Grades matter…the better you are as a rower the grades can be a bit lower. Anything is possible but there is no replacement for results,skill and fast erg times.