<p>My S is going into sophomore year and I gather a lot of helpful information from this site. He is not inclined to continue a sport next year (he has other interests). I'm wondering how "necessary" a sport is to have an excellent shot at a top school (especially an Ivy), assuming one is otherwise a strong candidate. Thoughts? Experiences? Thanks!</p>
<p>It’s not necessary at all. It’s treated as an EC, unless he’s good enough to be recruited in which case it confers an enormous advantage. But if he doesn’t even want to play it looks like there’s no question.</p>
<p>I didn’t do either sports or community service, which people say is “required” to get into an Ivy League, so…</p>
<p>They like all sorts, and non-sports-sorts are fine.</p>
<p>Nor did my son. Kids who are very involved in other things (i.e. their “passions”) often don’t have the time. Harvard doesn’t need well-rounded kids to create a well-rounded class.</p>
<p>IKE has it exactly right.</p>
<p>Thanks all. I truly appreciate your responses.</p>