9 answers
LiLin
Student
Long Beach, New York
1
Question
Updated
2146 views
Do colleges care if you quit a sport in the middle of high school? What can I do to improve my application?
Do colleges care if you quit a sport in the middle of high school? What can I do to improve my application?
9 answers
Rian Alam
Student
136
Answers
Seattle, Washington
Updated
Rian’s Answer
Hi LiLin,
Most colleges will not care if you quit a sport in the middle, unless it was for disciplinary reasons. I'd suggest that with your newfound time, you find something that you're passionate about. That sort of personal development and growth is exactly what colleges want to see.
Most colleges will not care if you quit a sport in the middle, unless it was for disciplinary reasons. I'd suggest that with your newfound time, you find something that you're passionate about. That sort of personal development and growth is exactly what colleges want to see.
Bethelhem Agafari
1
Answer
Arlington, Texas
Updated
Bethelhem’s Answer
Colleges generally prefer to see commitment and consistency in extracurricular activities, including sports. If you quit a sport in the middle of high school, it could raise questions, but it's not necessarily a deal-breaker. To improve your application, consider explaining the reasons for quitting and focus on excelling in other activities, showing growth and dedication in those areas. Additionally, maintain strong academics, seek leadership roles, and engage in meaningful community service to strengthen your application.
Martha Kramer
Corporate Training, Communications
202
Answers
Stamford, Connecticut
Updated
Martha’s Answer
Hi Lilin. If you include an activity one year on your resume or Common App, but not the next year, colleges will know that you stopped. But I agree that it's not necessarily bad. Maybe you were injured or your academic load increased or your responsibilities increased in another activity. It would only be bad if you show a pattern of starting, then quitting activities without making contributions in between.
I agree with the points the others have made about showing balance in your life (not just academics) and demonstrating increased skill and/or leadership in at least one of your extra-curriculars. Note that you don't have to have a lot of extra-curriculars - just a few that you love.
Good luck!
I agree with the points the others have made about showing balance in your life (not just academics) and demonstrating increased skill and/or leadership in at least one of your extra-curriculars. Note that you don't have to have a lot of extra-curriculars - just a few that you love.
Good luck!
Barry P. Linder
Semiconductor Engineer
3
Answers
New York, New York
Updated
Barry P.’s Answer
If you are applying to your in-state school, extra-curriculars are of limited consequence.
If you are applying to a selective private school, extracurriculars do have impact on acceptance. The key here is to have significant participation in a couple of activities. No big deal if you quit a sport you don't like. Congrats on making that choice. Now, you just need to fill that time with a different activity that you enjoy more.
Good luck!
Stop doing activities you don't like.
Try to increase participation in a couple of activities
In junior or senior year, if possible, try to take a responsibility role in that club.
If you are applying to a selective private school, extracurriculars do have impact on acceptance. The key here is to have significant participation in a couple of activities. No big deal if you quit a sport you don't like. Congrats on making that choice. Now, you just need to fill that time with a different activity that you enjoy more.
Good luck!
Barry P. recommends the following next steps:
Miracle May
Curator
1
Answer
Cape Town, Western Cape, South Africa
Updated
Miracle’s Answer
No, they don't but it could be helpful to be consistent to a sport. It shows your ability to have a balanced life.
Brittany McDevitt
Account Executive
3
Answers
Columbus, Ohio
Updated
Brittany’s Answer
Most will not care nor know that you quit unless you choose to disclose that information yourself. However, it is important to colleges that you are well rounded individual so any extracurriculars or volunteer opportunities you can include, will be beneficial!
Margarita Mendy
orthoptist
10
Answers
New York, New York
Updated
Margarita’s Answer
You are not required to disclose this information unless you're going for sports scholarship.
However, you may disclose this information if it reflects positively on you.
For example, you had another responsibility added at that time. You used your analytical skills and reflected realistically on your abilities and made a conscious decision to prioritize another activity instead of sports. You are a team player and unless you are ready to give 100%, you are not willing to jeopardize your team. It was a hard decision to make since you were really into this sport and liked to be part of a team, however at that time it was the best decision you had to make for yourself and your team.
Something like this will make you stand out as responsible, structured person. Person who took their time to analyze all options and come up with decision based on facts.
However, you may disclose this information if it reflects positively on you.
For example, you had another responsibility added at that time. You used your analytical skills and reflected realistically on your abilities and made a conscious decision to prioritize another activity instead of sports. You are a team player and unless you are ready to give 100%, you are not willing to jeopardize your team. It was a hard decision to make since you were really into this sport and liked to be part of a team, however at that time it was the best decision you had to make for yourself and your team.
Something like this will make you stand out as responsible, structured person. Person who took their time to analyze all options and come up with decision based on facts.
Michelle M.
Entertainment Industry
1180
Answers
Updated
Michelle’s Answer
Hello, LiLin !
This is a good question, however, no one will care what you've done, but it will matter in acceptance selection. You should complete the whole year of the sport, however. The answer to your question has many conditions, such as the school you apply to and what your major will be. Schools have all different admissions requirements. Sports are an extra curricular activity but there are so many other activities that are extra curriculars, too. The key is to be long-term and have as many activities as you can handle.
Let's say that you are applying to a college that holds extracurriculars in high value and judges the applicants on their involvement in them. If an admissions auditor sees that someone did only one activity in their one year of high school and another application is filled with fours years of several activities, the one with the several long term activities will be stronger to the auditor. So, it's not a question of if they care, rather a question of which is more impressive. So even if you quit a sport after a year, fill the rest of your high school time with activities you want to stay with till you graduate. That's what you can do to improve your application. Fill your time with projects, activities, volunteer work and clubs and stay with the ones you choose until you graduate high school. It will show that you are serious about being active, that you are focused and have an interest in and something to contribute.
I hope this is helpful and I wish you the best ! ! !
This is a good question, however, no one will care what you've done, but it will matter in acceptance selection. You should complete the whole year of the sport, however. The answer to your question has many conditions, such as the school you apply to and what your major will be. Schools have all different admissions requirements. Sports are an extra curricular activity but there are so many other activities that are extra curriculars, too. The key is to be long-term and have as many activities as you can handle.
Let's say that you are applying to a college that holds extracurriculars in high value and judges the applicants on their involvement in them. If an admissions auditor sees that someone did only one activity in their one year of high school and another application is filled with fours years of several activities, the one with the several long term activities will be stronger to the auditor. So, it's not a question of if they care, rather a question of which is more impressive. So even if you quit a sport after a year, fill the rest of your high school time with activities you want to stay with till you graduate. That's what you can do to improve your application. Fill your time with projects, activities, volunteer work and clubs and stay with the ones you choose until you graduate high school. It will show that you are serious about being active, that you are focused and have an interest in and something to contribute.
I hope this is helpful and I wish you the best ! ! !
James Constantine Frangos
Consultant Dietitian & Software Developer since 1972 => Nutrition Education => Health & Longevity.
3855
Answers
Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia
Updated
James Constantine’s Answer
Hi LiLin,
College applications are like a jigsaw puzzle, with every piece, including your extracurricular activities, playing a crucial role in the overall picture. If you've stopped playing a sport during high school, don't worry, it's not a deal-breaker. Remember, each college has a unique perspective on what makes a strong applicant, so the impact may differ.
Colleges are on the lookout for well-rounded students who've shown dedication, leadership, and personal growth through their activities. Being part of a sports team highlights qualities like teamwork, discipline, time management, and commitment. So, quitting a sport halfway might make them wonder about your ability to stick with things.
But, they also consider these factors:
1. Why you quit: If you had a good reason to quit, like health concerns, family duties, or other big commitments, make sure to explain this in your application. Showing that you thought it through can help soften any potential negative effects.
2. What you did instead: If you quit a sport but got involved in other meaningful activities or took on leadership roles elsewhere, it shows your adaptability and ability to thrive in different settings. Highlighting these alternative engagements can help show your overall commitment and dedication.
3. Your grades: While extracurricular activities matter, colleges also care a lot about your academic performance. Keeping up good grades throughout high school can balance out any perceived gaps in your extracurricular activities.
To boost your college application, you can:
1. Get involved in other activities: Find activities that match your interests and passions outside of sports. This could be joining clubs or organizations related to your academic or personal interests, volunteering in your community, or exploring hobbies and creative pursuits.
2. Step up as a leader: Look for leadership roles in your chosen activities. This could mean becoming a club officer, planning events, or mentoring younger students. Showing leadership skills can highlight your ability to take charge and make a positive difference.
3. Grow personally: Take part in activities that let you grow personally and intellectually. This could mean attending workshops or seminars, joining summer programs or internships, or doing independent research projects. Showing a commitment to personal growth can show your dedication to self-improvement and intellectual curiosity.
In short, stopping a sport during high school might not be the best move, but it's not necessarily a big negative for your college application. It's crucial to give context for your decision and highlight other meaningful activities and achievements in your application. In the end, colleges want well-rounded students who've shown commitment, leadership, and personal growth through their extracurricular activities.
Top 3 Authoritative Reference Publications or Domain Names Used:
1. The College Board (www.collegeboard.org)
2. U.S. News & World Report - Education Section (www.usnews.com/education)
3. The Princeton Review (www.princetonreview.com)
College applications are like a jigsaw puzzle, with every piece, including your extracurricular activities, playing a crucial role in the overall picture. If you've stopped playing a sport during high school, don't worry, it's not a deal-breaker. Remember, each college has a unique perspective on what makes a strong applicant, so the impact may differ.
Colleges are on the lookout for well-rounded students who've shown dedication, leadership, and personal growth through their activities. Being part of a sports team highlights qualities like teamwork, discipline, time management, and commitment. So, quitting a sport halfway might make them wonder about your ability to stick with things.
But, they also consider these factors:
1. Why you quit: If you had a good reason to quit, like health concerns, family duties, or other big commitments, make sure to explain this in your application. Showing that you thought it through can help soften any potential negative effects.
2. What you did instead: If you quit a sport but got involved in other meaningful activities or took on leadership roles elsewhere, it shows your adaptability and ability to thrive in different settings. Highlighting these alternative engagements can help show your overall commitment and dedication.
3. Your grades: While extracurricular activities matter, colleges also care a lot about your academic performance. Keeping up good grades throughout high school can balance out any perceived gaps in your extracurricular activities.
To boost your college application, you can:
1. Get involved in other activities: Find activities that match your interests and passions outside of sports. This could be joining clubs or organizations related to your academic or personal interests, volunteering in your community, or exploring hobbies and creative pursuits.
2. Step up as a leader: Look for leadership roles in your chosen activities. This could mean becoming a club officer, planning events, or mentoring younger students. Showing leadership skills can highlight your ability to take charge and make a positive difference.
3. Grow personally: Take part in activities that let you grow personally and intellectually. This could mean attending workshops or seminars, joining summer programs or internships, or doing independent research projects. Showing a commitment to personal growth can show your dedication to self-improvement and intellectual curiosity.
In short, stopping a sport during high school might not be the best move, but it's not necessarily a big negative for your college application. It's crucial to give context for your decision and highlight other meaningful activities and achievements in your application. In the end, colleges want well-rounded students who've shown commitment, leadership, and personal growth through their extracurricular activities.
Top 3 Authoritative Reference Publications or Domain Names Used:
1. The College Board (www.collegeboard.org)
2. U.S. News & World Report - Education Section (www.usnews.com/education)
3. The Princeton Review (www.princetonreview.com)
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