<p>I'm an Asian in a very Caucasian community that has had a long history of tennis. As such, I got into the sport as a child. However, I've heard on CC that tennis is a stereotypical sport for Asians. </p>
<p>If I talk about how my affinity for the sport was not a result of racial background, will this affect how college admissions view me as a "typical" Asian? Thoughts?</p>
<p>If you like and play tennis, you like and play tennis. Race is not a factor here at all.</p>
<p>If you talk about your affinity for tennis not being a result of your race, admissions officers will be confused and put off. In fact, they’ll probably be offended, as you’re insinuating that they perpetuate racial stereotypes.</p>
<p>Don’t worry about stereotypes and just be yourself.</p>
<p>It doesn’t matter if thousand Asians do it
As long as you’re good at tennis</p>
<p>Our girls and boys tennis teams are nearly 100% asian- don’t be discouraged from playing tennis, but understand you aren’t really distinguishing yourself from a sizeable population of asian, tennis playing applicants.</p>
<p>Ours are all Asian too. The other sport Asian infested is swimming.</p>
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<p>So you are saying that people from Asia are bugs? Next step is to call an exterminator. Hey wait, let’s put them in internment camps.</p>
<p>WHO CARES.
adcoms aren’t going to look at your application and say, “Hmmm… this person played tennis. they should have done something more unique. REJECTED!” that just wouldn’t be fair. do what you do, and if you do well, you’ll have better chances. if someone has the exact same stats at you and did, say, judo, it wouldn’t make a difference.</p>
<p>I don’t know whether playing tennis will help or hurt college application. However I think tennis is the most practical sport to help people stay in good shape and make friends after college graduation. You only need 2 or a small group of people to go out playing after work or on the weekend. You can play at several places because tennis courts are everywhere.</p>
<p>It’s pretty Asian. By the way, do you go to Wootton? (addressing OP)</p>
<p>Wait?? I never knew that a lot of asians swim. im in new jersey and i only know a few asians (im asian, too) … is that really true?</p>
<p>@addymithas: No, I’m in Colorado.</p>
<p>@coolweather: Yes, tennis is an awesome sport. It’s unfortunate that tennis is regarded as a stereotypical sport though =(.</p>
<p>I don’t know that it is. Where i come from, most players are white. Don’t write an essay about this specific topic though, it would probably not be a great essay.</p>
<p>Ok, hate to stereotype, but here goes…</p>
<p>I think what some of the folks are trying to say is that if you look like every typical Asian candidate - tennis and a musical instrument, it is hard to distinguish yourself.</p>
<p>If you have another interest that could separate yourself from the pack, that is great.</p>
<p>But, if tennis is your true passion, stay with it.</p>
<p>I don’t think tennis itself will make you a stereotypical Asian applicant. Let’s assume that colleges absolutely don’t care about your race. Do you also happen to play the violin or piano? If the rest of the package, excluding your race, looks stereotypical in some way, then you are a stereotypical applicant in general.</p>
<p>Sorry if I made it confusing.</p>
<p>It won’t impact an iota on your application. If you’re good enough to play for college, they’ll welcome you. If you’re not, who cares about what sports you are playing in HS?</p>
<p>… you mean table tennis? :P</p>
<p>Is tennis stereotypical for indians as well.</p>
<p>indian = asian</p>
<p>Tennis sounds like a stereotypical sport for Ivy League applicants in general.</p>
<p>Yes, tennis is often associated with Asians only because students here know of Asians at their school playing it.</p>
<p>If you ask me, badminton, table tennis, and taekwondo sound more applicable.</p>
<p>Colleges do not racially profile you… You could be an Asian majoring in CSE, working at a dim sum restaurant while your parents sell roast pork all day. It doesnt matter.</p>
<p>Your grades, extracurriculars, awardd, and essay is what defines you.</p>
<p>Besides, a stereotypical Asian is generally having better grades than other races, and would be attractive to schools.</p>