<p>Hi all. I'm a rising senior who has to make a decision soon concerning extracurriculars. I've been running for 7 years and have been fairly consistent in my performance (Varsity, not the top, but high up there). However, I am also involved in some clubs that meet after school that conflict with cross country practice. In past years, I've been forgoing the first few months of these clubs for XC, missing out on a few competitions and practices. I enjoy these clubs a bit more than running, but that's not to say I don't like running either. </p>
<p>My question is how my (hypothetical) dropping out of cross country would be viewed by admission officers. My parents believe that I should drop out so that I can perform better in my clubs and to free up time for college essays, but I am hesitant as I do enjoy cross country.</p>
<p>How many other clubs are you in? Strictly from an admissions perspective, long term commitment is good and I think it’s better to have the 7th year of XC and drop a club you’ve been in for 1-2 years rather than the other way round. That being said, is there any way to work things out? My club sponsors understood that I had other commitments and thus we managed to work some things out so that I could lead the meetings and participate in my other activities.</p>
<p>Here is something else to think about: Cross country keeps you in great shape and the extra energy you draw from running will enhance your energy levels to propel you through the admissions season. Run, thealt, run.</p>
<p>:) I might not get to have your choice. I’ve run XC for three years, and I’m currently injured. I’m a rising senior, and I ran varsity sophomore + junior year…</p>
<p>I know it’s a significant time commitment, and can be tiring. But running is also really good for relieving stress, and the commitment will look good. Take this from an injured runner: you might miss it more than you think.</p>
<p>Like Luminouzz, I’ve been injured for a while, since last October, in fact. But before that, I ran varsity and had great times. As much as it kills me, I will most likely not be running xc this year. Running is by far my number one, but given my condition, staying on the team would be a veritable waste of time.</p>
<p>I called a bunch of admissions officers/ deans (Princeton, MIT, etc.) to tell them my story, and they all advocated dropping xc this year to pursue some other interest. The way they phrased it though, they said something along the lines of it being a “unique opportunity.” They implied that had I not gone through my peculiar circumstances, I wouldn’t really have a legitimate excuse for quitting-- it would show lack of passion and comittment, etc.</p>
<p>That said, based on their opinions and general consensus around CC, I’d say quitting xc in your case, OP, would not be prudent.</p>
<p>It depends on just what other opportunities you are foregoing by running. I don’t think it makes sense to drop running to make time for college essays.</p>
<p>Well my parents maintained that I could just “run on a treadmill every day if * had the motivation” but they acquiesced. I very much appreciate all of your advice! Thanks again to CC.</p>