Hi! I have a decent arts/community service extracurricular load but I am lacking sports. I used to swim competitively but I quit a year ago. I can always start again but I am applying for Exeter/Andover in September 2015 for 9th grade. Will this greatly decrease my chances even if my “hook” is related to the arts? Thanks!
No
If you want to swim because you enjoy it, by all means start again. If you plan to restart to increase your chances of admissions to Andover/Exeter (and later to college) don’t bother; admissions sees right through the obvious ploy.
@skieurope : Yes, well, I do want to either continue swimming or take up a new sport like crew or fencing because I am a part of a program where I am required to focus on a specific sport and work towards a goal. It’s just that I can’t decide what sport to do… It’s just that I already started swimming and it would be easier to continue again although of course the idea of taking up a new sport to also tempting. :-S
I hope your list of schools is longer than just those two. Due to the sheer volume of applications, Exeter/Andover are a long shot for ANY applicant, regardless of their amazing stats and test scores. If your end goal is to attend boarding school, it would be wise to expand your list.
@cameo43 : Well, the only schools that I can apply to are Andover and Exeter, for reasons I can’t say…
Do you have a specific hook? (something that you’re really talented at)
@rachh019 : well, I have piano and violin on my side, I guess. I’m not sure if they qualify as my “hook” though
Well not having a sport won’t hurt your chances. However if you are a national/international level athlete + great stats + the coach wants you then you have better chances than the average applicant.
@sgopal2 : what about good stats but not nationally ranked sport?
Andover and Exeter already have enough applicants with perfect SSAT scores. They do have trouble filling their sports teams with athletes who are smart enough to keep up with the workload.
So if you have high stats but just mediocre level of proficiency in a sport it won’t help at all. They are looking for athletes who are ‘varsity ready’ in 9th grade.
If your swim times are good enough it might be enough to tip you over the edge. The only way to know for sure is to look and see if your times are competitive with the current crop of varsity swimmers. Look on the website for times. If you are then contact the coach and have a discussion.
@sgopal2 : what about crew? I’m curious… How did you know I swim?
" I used to swim competitively but I quit a year ago. I can always start again but I am applying for Exeter/Andover …"
ohhhh!!! *facepalm
sorry @sgopal2
thanks for the reminder @PhotographerMom
I’ve built a spreadsheet for my swimmer child and listed the recent top times for his or her best events and legs of relays – based mainly on last spring’s championship. I also noted the year of graduation of swimmer as that talent will need to be replaced for the team to remain competitive. My child has yet to take the SSAT (tour or apply!) but times are very on par with current swimmers at all of the division 1 NE prep and falls in the all-time top 25 times for a number of events at Andover (www.andoverquatics.net). Definitely doesn’t guarantee a single thing admission or athletic wise as we’ll need considerable financial aid.
@maandmemom: that’s great news. As long as your child does well on the SSAT he/she should be in good shape.
Definitely contact the coach. The coach’s interest can really help nudge the admissions committee.
Thanks @sgopal2 – it’s such an overwhelming process! And, we’ve barely started.
Your lack of sports will not decrease you chances if you are strong in all other parts of your application. If you have a hook, even better.
It really shouldn’t hurt you at all honestly if you have another hook in another area. Schools needs strong students in all areas with diverse strengths and interests. Just focus on what you’re good at to show passion (make it genuine, of course), but also show interests in other areas. Volunteering (for a cause you believe in) is one great way to bulk up your application while also doing something really awesome for your community.
Good luck!