<p>I am not a competitive person, so I got into rock climbing. I'm pretty serious about it and, since I've been rock climbing since kindergarten, I can climb fairly challenging routes. If you're a rock climber, I can climb upwards of 5.10+ to 5.11-. I currently just take a class, but my gym has a rock climbing team targeted towards people in high school. This would be competitive, but perhaps, since rock climbing is an individual sport in that you don't have a team, it would be more fun than, for example, basketball to me. Would colleges like to see this sort of involvement in comparison to just taking a class? My class in weekly and team would be twice a week. I know this is a rather specific question, but any answer will help me! Well, MOST answers. :) Thank you!</p>
<p>Marvilles congrats on climbing 5.11s You should definitely join the team - my child competed for 3 years and loved it and she had also avoided all team sports because she disliked “competition.” I think colleges do like climbers and a small handful even have competitive teams. I know Tufts and I think Wesleyan have teams, also some of the Colorado and Texas schools. The sport is growing super fast, and for the few schools who have teams it can be a hook. Many many more schools have climbing walls and if you know how to belay etc. they also will be happy to see this on your apps. Finally, if nothing else, I think it makes your application easier to remember- you will stand out from the 5 million soccer players. Because colleges are larger, more diverse communities than high schools, they like to see quirky interests. Climb on! </p>
<p>oh and to answer your actual question - I think the team is slightly more interesting to colleges than a class, but my hunch is class vs team won’t matter much to the vast majority of colleges. In addition, the top kids on teams who are trying to make nationals (for example) tend to spend more than just 2 practice days in the gym - many coaches expect you to also train/climb on your own on the weekends. So I guess the right decision for you will also depend on what other ECs you have. Rock climbing comps are year round so it can be hard to compete in other sports while climbing. </p>
<p>In my eyes rock climbing team would be considered like any other EC sport and you should definitely do it. </p>
<p>@chemmchimney Thank you! That helps a lot! I’m glad a non-competitive person enjoyed team.
@TwoTravelin Thanks for your input!</p>