Does the type of sport matter

[936642]

---

Members do not see this ad.

Does it matter what kind sport we play? For instance, would a varsity table tennis or archery player that competes nationally be treated differently than a varsity tennis or rowing player when it comes to how the EC is viewed by admissions?

 

[DrRiker]

Does it matter what kind sport we play? For instance, would a varsity table tennis or archery player that competes nationally be treated differently than a varsity tennis or rowing player when it comes to how the EC is viewed by admissions?

Curling is a hit with McGill

 

[LizzyM]

I do think that team sports are better received than non-team sports. There might be some snootiness that puts some sports above others (tennis > table tennis> bowling). Besides teamwork and leadership, sports are a way to blow off steam or decompress or enjoy something outside of "work" (of course, this doesn't apply to professional athletes). So, in that regard, med schools are just curious what you do for fun and to be assured that you do have some fun in your life (it is healthy).

 

[936642]

Also, is being a student athlete a way to stand out as being different in admissions? I personally enjoy my sport and have been playing for years at this point, but I wanted to see how common it is from an admissions perspective.

 

[ndafife]

Also, is being a student athlete a way to stand out as being different in admissions? I personally enjoy my sport and have been playing for years at this point, but I wanted to see how common it is from an admissions perspective.

It doesnt make up for a bad GPA or MCAT or a lack of volunteering/research/shadowing.

Assuming the rest of your application is reasonable, yeah its a good way to stand out

 

[OneTwoThreeFour]

Also, is being a student athlete a way to stand out as being different in admissions? I personally enjoy my sport and have been playing for years at this point, but I wanted to see how common it is from an admissions perspective.

If you're a DI athlete it goes a long way with my adcom (then again, maybe that's because we have former athletes on the committee) if you have sparse research or leadership activities as it explains where your time was spent. Lower than DI loses the glossy finish, though. And club sports belong in the hobbies section.

 

[JPmoleymole]

It’s more likely an interviewer is a fan of your sport is you’re an SEC football player versus an Ivy Leauge Rower

Take that as you will

 

[CazadorFalconry]

“Unusual” sports can be interview talking points. My “unusual” sport (nationally competitive plus coaching others) was of interest to most of my interviewers.

 

[trobinsonmd]

I think it is viewed differently in the sense that it shows extreme dedication to your craft... it shows that when you have a passion and are interested in something, you go for it and strive to be the very best at it. Definitely viewed in a positive light, but if you are the best golf player in the country, and your stats are not there, it won't work... gotta make sure the whole package is present.

 

[LizzyM]

It’s more likely an interviewer is a fan of your sport if you’re an SEC football player versus an Ivy Leauge Rower

Take that as you will

Very geographically dependent. I know of regions where the rower will get more respect than the SEC football player.