I am currently finishing my sophomore year and going into my junior year of high school. I thinking about quitting the track and cross country team which I have been in for four years(since 7th grade). It is important to note that I was on varsity and I did not enjoy it one bit. Also I have no chance at getting a scholarship from running. Next year I will be taking five AP or IB courses and I want to have time to study for them. This year I took AP Physics and I did really well however it was a tight schedule with these two sports, and I did not get any free time or enough sleep. Here is a list of the classes I will take next year.
Here would be a list of my ec’s
-Boy Scouts (Senior Patrol Leader), future Eagle Scout
-Debate Club(Vice President)
-National Honors Society
-Math Club
So my question now is, should I drop Cross Country and Track? Would it look bad if colleges see that I did not do the full four years of high school sports? Also how solid are my current ec’s and what should I add?
No. Trust me I was in your situation and I don’t regret my decision…plus cross country and track & field are one of the least lucrative sports sadly, harsh but true. I would suggest to do a sports club or intramural offered at your school; I currently do Cycling now and it reduces my time constraints significantly.
Also last summer when I had to make the decision, I listed every pro of continuing it but could be argued easily. I’ll give you 4 examples, (1. Pro: To stay fit. Argument: Several other ways to stay fit… (2. Pro: Impresses colleges. Argument: They want to know you and there are several other ways to impress colleges… (3. Pro: I’ll get known at school. Argument: Many, many other ways and who tf cares after high school? & (4. Pro: Scholarships. Argument: Many scholarships are available…this isn’t similar to the great depression and other economic struggles like our former generation had to go through.
I find the sport valuable for underclassmen high school students but not if it’s to the extent that it turns you into an egotistical individual. To answer your question, just add stuff related to your desired career and if undecided do things that would make you a well-rounded person.
If you think you can do it, the continuity is a good thing. Honestly I would try to stick it put. You don’t have to work the hardest, but I would participate. Since you’re taking 5 APs you probably want to be a competitive applicant right? This will help you with admissions.
If you really must quit, why not drop just one sport and keep the other? Maybe the season in which one falls is during AP testing, so quit that one for this year.
Hey man - not sure if you’re still checking this thread, but I thought I’d give you my 2 cents. I was in a similar situation as a rising junior. I had done XC and tennis since freshman year, and with a bunch of ec’s (mock trial, NHS, 3 ap’s, etc) I wasn’t sure if I should keep them.
My advice to you: do what you know you are capable of, because nobody can make that judgment but you. Personally, I refrained from all sports as a junior because I knew that, like you, I had no chance of getting a scholarship for XC or tennis. I prioritized AP testing and grades, and in my opinion the reduced stress (and extra sleep/social life!) was really worth it.
You seem like a pretty well rounded individual, even without those sports. I don’t think it will make or break your college apps. Personally, I quit for my junior year and am planning on resuming my senior year. Nothing wrong with that. Depends on where your priorities lie.
You already have 4 good EC’s, so I don’t see why you should continue cross if you don’t enjoy it. You shouldn’t do an EC just for college applications. If your worried about how it will look, I’m sure there are plenty other EC’s you could do that you actually enjoy
I’m quitting gymnastics, after being active for two years (10th and 11th, not long, I know) but will join another sport in winter or spring as things become less hectic.
Your EC’s seem strong enough, so you really don’t need XC
While this will be a personal decision of yours, I thought I offer a few points of my own.
The first thing that’s evident is your lack of passion in the track/cross country team. Not suggesting that is bad, but if you no longer hold an interest, allocate your finite time, resource and energy to other areas that will need your immediate focus and attention (i.e. AP/IB courses). You will find that having a healthy, competitive balance to your life will keep you level-headed as opposed to being stressed out.
This doesn’t mean you’re a quitter.
I personally wouldn’t think less of you. The fact that your admitting your limitations (but know what you are capable of) and that you accept them shows maturity on your part (possible essay idea here for you?) College students change majors over time, and even middle age adults will switch to different careers. It’s a fact of life, something that you are going through right now.
So take your time, think things through rationally and be realistic.
I don’t think colleges will mind if you drop it. If nothing else, I think it shows you tried something and had the maturity to realize it wasn’t for you. I think it’d look worse if you started cross country junior year, because then it looks like you panicked because you were halfway through high school and realized you didn’t have any ECs.
Plus, is it really worth being miserable for another two years for not even one line on your application?
You’re still involved, and that’s what’s important. There’s really no reason for you to stick with running. (I used to be a runner. Hated it, never understood how anyone could feel otherwise. )
I believe that sports are a great way of learning time-management and some of the more evasive aspects of good character, but that being said, if you had a tight schedule with just AP Physics, I dunno how you would balance this.
Something’s gotta give, and make it those sports. I am facing the same decision. Track&Field vs. 4 APs. XD
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