How important is playing a sport?

<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>Not necessary at all . . .</p>

<p>Yeah, it’s not even remotely necessary. I’m an incoming freshman at Columbia and I NEVER played sports after, like, 5th grade.</p>

<p>Soph in HS and you’re on this site, wondering about how to micromanage your sons life so that he ends up at an Ivy? Wow…</p>

<p>Anyways, from my experience so far at Columbia being an athlete would only be an advantage for him (here, at least; I assume that’s what you’re asking) if he ended up being good enough to play in college. Otherwise it’s easily replaceable with a comparable extra-curricular.</p>

<p>Sorry for stating the obvious, but there are other benefits of sports besides your college resume, so I would suggest not take this decision lightly.
Having said this, unless you are a Div I - level athlete or a captain of 3 Varsity teams, a sport would just another XC on your list…And those that count need to show commitment and leadership (at least in theory).</p>

<p>Thanks all. I really appreciate your responses.</p>