Running as an EC?

<p>Alright, XC and TRack are 2 of my major ECs. My best mark is a 4:39 mile. However, being the distance powerhouse that it is, will this look less impressive in admissions at Stanford? And I dont mean the difference between a recruit and a non-recruit. I'm talking the difference between maybe an ivy (where I can't recruited either, but might be able to walk on) and Stanford (where I can't get recruited but probably have no way of contributing to the team).</p>

<p>Also, say I got into Stanford. How would I be able to continue running? Even as a hypothetical 4:25-30 miler by senior year, I'm sure that wont cut the team. Could I still practice with them without competing, or somehow walk-on after a year or two?</p>

<p>Thanks</p>

<p>First off, I don't think a particular time in the mile will help you get in per se. I think if that time won you a state or district meet or whatever, then I would put that on there instead, as that is a more tangible achievement (and also emminently more proveable). The only way that time by itself would make a difference is if you were a recruited athelete who had talked to the coach, and the coach was vouching for you with the admissions people, otherwise, that time doesn't mean anything more than, say, someone being first chair in their school orchestra, etc.</p>

<p>There are several ways you could continue running on the farm. There's a running club that meets all the time with people that run at your pace (and any pace, for that matter), so that's always an option. If you're dead set on the track team, when you get to school, try and settle in for about a month, and if you still want to do it, go and meet with the coach, in his office, IN PERSON. Tell him straight up what it is you want, why you want to walk on, what you're times are (don't lie), and, this last part is very important, tell him you will work your butt off to try and improve, get better, challenge people already on the team, etc. If you're not willing to do everything short of killing yourself, don't bother meeting with the coach. If you merely want to join the team to get the free stuff, to improve your own self, and not to help Stanford win, don't bother meeting with the coach.</p>

<p>Stanford Track recently cut a bunch of people from the team - these were people who had been recruited, many even had some for of scholarship. That said, if you're willing to bust your butt to try and make the team and ultimately run at meets, you might have a shot, but I wouldn't count on it. Even if you are allowed to walk on, all you would probably do it practice and not run in meets for at least a year, probably two. After that, you might get your shot.</p>

<p>I'm not trying to discourage you or sound harsh, but that's just the reality.</p>

<p>very insightful, thanks man</p>