Do sports help you get into college?

I know extracurriculars play a big role in college applications, but how much do sports, in particular, help? Are they considered more impactful than other activities, or is it all about the same?

Sports can definitely help with college admissions, but their impact largely depends on the level of achievement and commitment you demonstrate. Admissions officers evaluate extracurriculars using the 4 Tiers of Extracurriculars, which range from Tier 1 (rare, exceptional achievements) to Tier 4 (more common involvement).

For sports, if you reach the national or state level, it would be considered a Tier 1 or 2 activity. For example, if you're a nationally ranked athlete, it can have a significant impact on your chances of admission. If you're a team captain or involved at a regional level, it would be more of a Tier 2 or 3 activity, which still showcases your leadership and teamwork skills.

However, merely playing a sport without any significant achievements will probably be considered a Tier 4 activity, which is the least impactful on college applications. This doesn't mean sports participation won't enhance your application—it still demonstrates your time management and dedication—but it won't get you into college on your own.

Ultimately, it's more about the quality and depth of your involvement in sports rather than the activity itself. Similarly impactful activities that showcase exceptional dedication, leadership, or achievement (e.g., in the arts, academics, or community service) are just as valuable as athletic accomplishments. Admissions officers evaluate applicants holistically, and involvement in extracurriculars demonstrates personal interests, time management skills, and character traits, regardless of whether they're sports-related or not.