Other Service Academy Discussion
Service Academy Parents
Sports or clubs
Thread starter proud dad
I (we) am completely lost as what to do. My son was recently kicked off from track team for being late to practice almost everyday after school. Sounds bad, I know.
While talking to his coach to try getting him back on the team, I found that he was always late because he was going to his NHS, Key Club and other club meetings after school and then to his required track practice. I'm guessing he was late about 30 minutes a day. Basically, it's either sports (any) or clubs and is a policy that all coaches at this school agreed on.
Obviously we are disappointed, but my son has a choice to make for his upcoming senior year. What I'm wondering is, what is more important to the academies? Is it sports or various clubs? Would not having one disqualify him from seriously being considered?
I would appreciate any input.
CadCandMateus
Recent Grad
I would personally choose sports for during school hours and gain leadership positions in that (captain, co-captain, etc.)
So I'm guessing it isn't possible to dedicate certain days of the week to club meetings and certain days of the week to track practice?
Stick with NHS if it's possible
I did sports during school and volunteered for my local congresswoman on the weekends.
Tried to gain leadership positions in both. (i also had clubs but we had our meetings at lunch)
The key here is to see if it is at all possible to balance both clubs and sports.
KaMiKaZi
Something for you to ponder. Here is the Profile for USNA Class of 2010.
School Honors and Activities
Student body/council/government
president or vice president ................................... 8.2%
Class president or vice president .............................. 10.1%
School club president or vice president .................... 34.4%
School publication staff ........................................... 23.9%
National Honor Society .......................................... 59.4%
Varsity athletics ....................................................... 91.5%
Varsity letter winner ................................................ 85.2%
Dramatics, public speaking, debating ...................... 87.7%
Leader of musical group .......................................... 10.3%
Eagle Scout/Gold Award ......................................... 11.3%
Boys/Girls State or Nation ...................................... 13.7%
Reserve Officer Training Programs .......................... 14.0%
Sea Cadets .............................................................. 2.3%
As you can see, many candidates do both. However, by your son just participating in those clubs already, he can count that on his application. I would stick with sports - keep up that physical fitness and he already has the club "check in the box" for the application.