<p>I REALLY want to row in college (my dream school being Princeton), but I'm only 5'3"!!!! I'm a sophomore, so I suppose there is a chance that I could get taller, but I wouldn't count on it. I started rowing spring of my 7th grade year and went to nationals as an 8th grader, but I didn't row freshman year because I had a back injury. Thus my 2K erg scores are from spring of '10 (8:00), and I don't think they accurately represent my fitness now. My most recent 6K is a 25:00, and from my understanding that's not very appealing to colleges. Additionally, I weight 140: much heavier than a lightweight. If I really tried, I think I could loose 10+ pounds, but my coach has recommended against it. I'm strong academically: I have a 4.0 and am on track to get an IB diploma. I've never taken the SAT, but my ACT score was a 30. I realize to get into an ivy, one usually needs a 32 or higher, by I think I can raise it by senior year.
Do you think I have any chance of being recruited at all (as a LW or HW)?????
I would greatly appreciate any helpful tips or suggestions, especially if you have had a similar experience!</p>
<p>Well, never say never, BUT you should spend a bit of time researching the rosters of Princeton and other schools that interest you to see if other girls are at your height. You should continue to work on your academics (which are fabulous) because clearly if you’re trying for Princeton you know you won’t get any athletic money - so you’re not necessarily trying for a scholarship based on erg times etc. Even if you don’t get recruited to row, most schools accept walk ons, and that may be your ticket.</p>
<p>Get on an ergo and time yourself for 2k… compare to the numbers on the rosters. Also check the hight/weight limits for coxwains. Usually cox’s are short. However 140lbs is frankly a little heavy for 5’3", unless you’re really strong (muscle is heavy!).</p>
<p>Honestly, your erg score is the most important factor, and it is something that you can work on. You can’t change your height, but you can train and get faster. While doing this, you may loose weight and get into the LW without trying. Then you can reassess. Another option is to try sculling in small boats. If you can show that you can move a boat and beat tall girls, coaches will be much more interested.</p>
<p>Update!
At Head of the Hooch this year my 4x got 1st. My new 6k split is 2:04.7 and my new 2k is 1:58.9
What times are going to get colleges to ignore my height? I’ve checked some college’s rowing recruit forms, and more than a couple actually had height requirements of 5’8" and
above!</p>