<p>What’s it like to play a sport for a NESCAC school? Are the people who play only the really awesome kids from high school? I made varsity soccer my freshman year in high school. I’ve played for a private club (for one year), and I am a pretty good soccer player but not like an amazing one. My real passion in sports is definitely snowboarding. I’ve competed a bit, an have done okay-- but really I just do it for fun. Anyway, cause I know the NESCACs don’t have snowboarding (except maybe for a club), I think I want to play soccer. How does the system work? Can you only be recruited? I’d like to play, but I don’t know how much a commitment it is, and if I am ‘good enough.’ Thanks.</p>
<p>The ones that are automatically on the varsity teams at bowdoin are recruited. "Good" is relative, so I don't know how "good" you are. I believe that if you're not recruited, you can still try out to be on the soccer team. If you don't make that, you can always play jv soccer which you'd also have to try out on but it's not as big of a deal, but you'll still compete against other schools and I hear it's a lot of fun. </p>
<p>For track and field, the underlying note is that -anyone- can be a trackie, -anyone- can join in on practices, the coach just won't give you as many events if you're not that good, but technically, anyone can be on it.</p>
<p>That is not true. I was a recruited tennis player but even the recruited players have to try out....</p>
<p>Thanks, yeah... I'll just have to feel it out. I'll go to a few soccer games next fall. Are there any advantages to expressing you want to play a sport in the admissions process at Bowdoin? I think they kinda would expect me to play, having played on varsity since my freshman year.</p>
<p>YES, the advantages are very real. Definitely contact the coach and tell him you're interested in playing for Bowdoin. You should try to set up a meeting with him during one of your visits. This will help you decide if the team is for you. Making this connection will definitely help in admissions.</p>
<p>highschoolsr - it's different per sport (i.e what I said about track & field). If you're recruited (tennis for you), you'd still have to try out BUT it's pretty much walk on for the recruits. try outs for them is really just a technicality.</p>
<p>Yeah, okay I will. I assume that soccer is probably one of NESCAC's most competitive sports, but I'd like to see where I stand. It seems like it would be a lot of fun to play. And, of course, if it doesn't work out, I could always play at least intramural.</p>
<p>Oh okay .. gotchya. But yea.. definitely talk to the coach. If they are interested in you they will give your name to admissions and give you a little nudge in. It helps!</p>