<p>Are high school athletes getting their fair shake? I see many people have a huge list of ECs, and it looks great....BUT..A HS athlete probably puts in equal or more total hours. The kid who say plays soccer/footbal in the fall, basketball/indoor track in the winter, and baseball/lacross in the spring is obviously putting in a great deal of time. They probably are practicing a few hours every day, games, travel time, ect...not really time for much else.</p>
<p>I guess my question would be..would it be a negative to have 3 sports as ECs, and not much else? If so, I wouldn't find this to be fair. I guess the argument would be that colleges are looking for more well rounded individuals? If so, is a kid supposed to not do a sport that he loves and/or is good at and to something else just to look more well rounded?</p>
<p>As far as ECs, my understanding is that colleges try to look at what the individual can provide for the college community and the local community.</p>
<p>I'm sure it would be fine if the student was captain of all three sports, and planned to pursue a similar interest in college. In that case, said student should work to become a recruited athlete.</p>
<p>However, if the student loves sports and does them only out of his love, he has done nothing to show (such as volunteer work or research work) that he can contribute to the college community or the local community unless he plans to coach a little league team or something of that sort.</p>
<p>As far as ECs, my understanding is that colleges try to look at what the individual can provide for the college community and the local community.</p>
<p>I'm sure it would be fine if the student was captain of all three sports, and planned to pursue a similar interest in college. In that case, said student should work to become a recruited athlete.</p>
<p>However, if the student loves sports and does them only out of his love, he has done nothing to show (such as volunteer work or research work) that he can contribute to the college community or the local community unless he plans to coach a little league team or something of that sort.</p>
<p>a love of sports is great, bbut like the person said above me, you need things on your app to show that you'd be an asset to the college. If you're looking to be a recruited athlete, having 3 sports and nothing else will be fine. But if not, it prob will hurt you when colleges are comparing you to someone else who founded some club or did an internship/research. For me, I decided to do both. I do 2 sports a year (winter and spring) and other extracurriculars like st. govt, community service, etc. </p>
<p>It also depends on where you are applying and how selective they are. For ivies, you def need other activities, bc there are a lot of ppl to excel in academic, ec, and sports and it will be hard to compete with them. But some less selective schools wont be as picky.</p>
<p>It could also work to your advantage though. It could be a hook if your like a super math, high sat genius who is also athletic. You never know what colleges are lookin for.</p>
<p>I swim 2 hours daily (seven days a week) year round because I love it and it is good for me. I am a decent swimmer and would be able to swim in college but definitely could not be recruited. Is that bad?</p>
<p>I disagree with those who suggest that sports as an EC is only beneficial if an applicant intends to become a recruited athlete. HS Athletes get credit for leadership roles on their teams, dedication, hard work, commitment, and other qualities. And colleges DO like athletes... someone has to be good at intramural sports, which seem to be very popular at most universities. Fitness is a good thing. People who like to exercise are healthier and less stressed. Colleges want healthy students. Many athletes have shown they get along well with their teammates/peers. Not every musician, actor, athlete, or math team member will compete/perform at the college level. Being an athlete is good. There are definitely opportunities for HS athletes to shine in the admissions process.</p>