<p>I was wondering if playing a sport helps college admissions even if you are not recruited (or in my case don't plan on being recruited...). I've been doing crew for a while now, it is a huge time commitment and pretty much year round, therefore constricting many other possible ecs/hobbies/interest/outside of school life. I really enjoy crew, and I enjoy going to practice, but I don't see myself participating in college. My crew team rows on the same water as a top 20 University and they practice an insane amount of time, like I mean they're there all the time. I understand that the practice time is necessary but in college I don't know if I would want to make that big of a commitment to crew (if I did happen to be good enough to get recruited). Anyway, I was wondering if doing crew despite time commitment would hurt/help (I realize of course any EC would help, but it would possibly hinder grades/other opportunities) would drastically help my college app, or if sports played in HS by unrecruited athletes don't have as much as an effect on apps.
Information from anyone with any experience in this situation in any sport would be helpful
Thanks</p>
<p>Adcoms understand the commitment required of athletes, so participation in sports, either in HS or in a club, is viewed as a valuable EC. Yes, it helps with college admissions, but not moreso than other ECs, such as community service, debate, etc.</p>
<p>Good luck.</p>