Hello all. I am a rising junior, and many of you have seen my past posts. I am struggling while deciding where to devote my time this year. I know there are some great admissions experts on here, so I’d like to get some advice. I am a very good student (1st in class, 34 on ACT, etc.) with many good EC’s. I will have a state position for student council, I’ll be active on the local School Board, etc. I am trying to determine where to spend my extra time next year. I have many low-commitment EC’s, such as an officer in NHS (this takes maybe 1 hour per week). I will be founding two clubs this year, so that will probably take a good chunk of my time. I know that colleges/scholarships will tell you that getting into their school or getting their scholarship isn’t about checking items off a checklist, but I also know that this isn’t completely true. Now, we finally come to my discussion point. I am a good golfer (I would probably be the best or second best on my school’s team if I join), but I enjoy golfing by myself or with friends on my own time. I hate the idea of high school golf and would only be doing it for the checklist purposes. Don’t get me wrong… I love golf dearly, just not the concept of team golf where I would be practicing or competing 5 days a week. I don’t think I’d be good enough to be recruited, although I’m not that far off (but this post has nothing to do with recruitment chances). Now, I know that many right now are scrolling down, already typing the comment, “If you don’t enjoy it, then don’t do it!” This does carry some weight. But I am hoping to get some honest answers from people that know a lot about admissions/scholarship chances. How much would adding a varsity sport spice up my application? Would this quality time be better spent pursuing my political passion and giving me more time to get involved with School Board committees, city politics, etc.? Thanks in advance for the responses.
I know you said not to say this but you admitted you are doing this just for admission purposes…
You do know it won’t help you at all if you join this late, you could spend the time volunteering. Don’t college pad! Do it if you like it!
If you’re not being recruited, playing will have little value admission-wise. Play only if you like it.
Also, the coach isn’t very good. I’ve improved greatly this summer by playing on my own (before the summer I probably wouldn’t have been able to make the team). So even if I were to strive to be recruited, I think golfing on my own would do much much more than getting overlooked on a high school team. Thanks for the responses.
If you don’t want to play golf on your HS team then don’t. It doesn’t sound like you will be a recruited/scholarship athlete since you won’t be the top golfer on your HS team so it would just be seen as one more EC.
I currently play on my high school golf team. Just curious, what do you normally shoot for 18 holes?
70s? 80s? 90s?
You have enough other great EC’s that I don’t think it will make a difference. Since it doesn’t sound as if the golf team is something you will enjoy, I say give it up and spend the time on your other interesting EC’s.
@koreankid227 I was in the high 80’s at the start of summer and have gotten it down to mid 70’s currently. 75 or 76 usually. Thanks to all for the comments. I think I’m going to use that extra time to pursue my other passions. Thanks again.
Wait, you’re in mid 70s? Is that on legit par 72 courses over 6600 yards? If so, you should consider playing competitively.
High school golf is a lot more fun than you think. If you have time constraints, ask your coach if something can be worked out. If you would actually be the top spot on the team, the coach will likely be willing to make some concessions.
@1golfer1 Yeah I’m at mid 70’s on a 6800 yard, par 71 course. I know that’s good enough to be the top or #2 guy on the team, I just like the relaxing nature of golf and the sense that I can enjoy it on my own time. It’s not that I have time constraints, I’d just rather spend the time elsewhere. Or use that time to golf on my own or with friends. I have a pretty unorthodox swing because I’m very light and need one to get the most power. I am pretty confident that the coach would make me change my swing so that’s another turnoff. I’m not completely closed off to the idea of joining the team, it’s just not something I would look forward to every day.
The thing to remember is golf is one of your EC’s, it’s just not a school based EC. If you don’t want to join the team, don’t join.
If you choose not to play on the team, you should compete in local golf tournaments and try to qualify for some AJGA events.
If the high school coach would make you take lessons or change your swing, then you should absolutely not participate. You could actually turn this into a great application essay.
Yes @1golfer1 ! My plan was to participate in some junior events. I decided that was the best course of action with my parents last night. As far as the swing issue is concerned, I completely agree that that is kind of the last straw for me to decide not to join the team. I hadn’t thought of using that as an essay… that is an excellent idea! Thanks so much; that’s one of the more helpful comments I’ve gotten on CC!