Award Advice

[bball24]

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Hello everyone. I have a rather unique question that I could not find the answer to when I searched. I know that typically it is unwise to put awards/ECs from high school onto your application, but I read somewhere on SDN that there may be some exceptions. I was wondering if this might be one.

In my senior year of high school, I was named 1st team All State in Basketball, and my state's largest newspaper named me the MVP of that year. Obviously this award required a lot of work, and could be impressive to some ADCOMs.

However, I feel that it is important to add... The state I went to high school in is certainly not extremely athletically competitive. So despite the fact that I won this award, I was not offered a Division I scholarship to play basketball. Instead of going to a DII or DII school to play, I decided to attend the institution I most wanted to, where I received a substantial academic scholarship, but likely would not be able to compete basketball-wise (Mid tier DI).

I have just finished my first semester and am really enjoying school. I got a 4.0 this semester, have volunteered some, and found a research position starting in January. I am perfectly happy not playing team basketball (Although I still play regularly with friends). But, my one concern is that ADCOMs will look down on me for not continuing to play competitively. I could possibly make the team if I tried to walk on, but I do not think that the amount of sacrifice necessary to do this would be worth it to me.

Down the road when I am applying to medical school, should I list these two athletic awards on my application? Would I need to explain why I did not continue to play?

Sorry for the long post, and thanks for your input.

 

[chiapet874]

Hello everyone. I have a rather unique question that I could not find the answer to when I searched. I know that typically it is unwise to put awards/ECs from high school onto your application, but I read somewhere on SDN that there may be some exceptions. I was wondering if this might be one.

In my senior year of high school, I was named 1st team All State in Basketball, and my state's largest newspaper named me the MVP of that year. Obviously this award required a lot of work, and could be impressive to some ADCOMs.

However, I feel that it is important to add... The state I went to high school in is certainly not extremely athletically competitive. So despite the fact that I won this award, I was not offered a Division I scholarship to play basketball. Instead of going to a DII or DII school to play, I decided to attend the institution I most wanted to, where I received a substantial academic scholarship, but likely would not be able to compete basketball-wise (Mid tier DI).

I have just finished my first semester and am really enjoying school. I got a 4.0 this semester, have volunteered some, and found a research position starting in January. I am perfectly happy not playing team basketball (Although I still play regularly with friends). But, my one concern is that ADCOMs will look down on me for not continuing to play competitively. I could possibly make the team if I tried to walk on, but I do not think that the amount of sacrifice necessary to do this would be worth it to me.

Down the road when I am applying to medical school, should I list these two athletic awards on my application? Would I need to explain why I did not continue to play?

Sorry for the long post, and thanks for your input.

ADCOMs won't look down on you not playing- college athletics takes a tremendous amount of time and commitment.

With regards to your awards- I don't think you should list them purely because you did not continue into your college years. You can certainly mention them within a slot on the AMCAS primary app dedicated towards hobbies and such, but I wouldn't dedicate an entire slot towards each award.

I also doubt you really need to explain anything, but I am less aware on that point.

 

[plumhill]

I don't think people usually list high school awards on med school applications. It's not a huge deal if you don't play a sport in college. If you really want to stay in touch with basketball, look for other opportunities, like coaching middle school kids or something.

 

[bball24]

Thanks for your opinions. Are there any ADCOMs who care to respond?

I understand your points, but I feel as though these two awards are sufficiently impressive that they should be noted on my application, especially since there will be no other mention of my athletic prowess considering I am not playing in college.

Any thoughts?

 

[bball24]

bump

 

[NinersFan0]

Thanks for your opinions. Are there any ADCOMs who care to respond?

I understand your points, but I feel as though these two awards are sufficiently impressive that they should be noted on my application, especially since there will be no other mention of my athletic prowess considering I am not playing in college.

Any thoughts?

Yeah, but what does your "athletic prowess" have anything to do with you being a good physician?

I know you want to talk about playing ball because it shows hard work, dedication, etc, but there are a TON of relevant activities you can do as an undergad that demonstrate similar qualities.

Personally, I think putting high school basketball on your med school app is a definite no-go, because there (hopefully) should be other, more relevant activities that could take that spot on your application. Mention it as a hobby/interest, but don't lean on it.

 

[StoicJosher]

bump

When you apply, put basketball in the hobbies section and mention the award from high school (if you really want to). I wouldn't give it an extra specific spot or focus on it too much because of the reasons mentioned by the other posters.

 

[LilKangaroo]

If it is really that important to you, why don't you join an intramural team? You could put that down in your application and mention everything you just told us in your description. I really don't think adcoms will find you high school accomplishments impressive unless you show that it still is really important to you when you are applying.

Speaking of which, you have two and half years before you apply!! You have plenty of time to get other meaningful activities. I'm sure that when you actually apply, all the amazing things you have done in college will put these awards out of you mind. Wait and see!

 

[bball24]

"I know you want to talk about playing ball because it shows hard work, dedication, etc, but there are a TON of relevant activities you can do as an undergad that demonstrate similar qualities."

I guess I just thought that being named the top high school player in the state showed hard work and determination to a higher level than other activities in college might be able to.

I am not familiar with the format of the application, but the hobbies section sounds right. I think I should list basketball as a hobby and note the award, indicating that I played at a high level of skill, and that it wasnt just a fun diversion

 

[bball24]

Thank you all for your advice. I really appreciate it!

 

[NinersFan0]

I mean... if you're Gatorade player of the year from your state then mention it. First team all- _______ will mean very little to the admissions committee (especially as a high-school activity)

 

[bball24]

I mean... if you're Gatorade player of the year from your state then mention it. First team all- _______ will mean very little to the admissions committee (especially as a high-school activity)

I was runner up for Gatorade player of the year. While maybe I shouldn't mention the first team all state, the state MVP award is on par with Gatorade.

I have been playing intramural, so I might just work this award into my description of my activity.

Thank you all!