What sports do colleges value for admissions?

Ok, so I'm a little bit stressed because I'm not a recruited athlete or anything, but I've been involved in a few sports at school. I'm curious about whether some sports are more appealing to colleges when they're looking at applications. Does being part of a team help your chances even if you're not aiming for athletic scholarships?

Absolutely, being part of a sports team can be a valuable aspect of your college application. While it's true that recruited athletes have a different admissions path, non-recruited athletes also bring qualities to the table that admissions officers appreciate. Participation in sports can demonstrate teamwork, dedication, leadership, and time management skills. These are characteristics that colleges value in their students irrespective of the specific sport played.

Colleges generally do not prioritize one sport over another in non-recruits. What's important is the level of commitment and achievement you've shown in your sport. Whether you're a cross country runner, a swimmer, or part of the crew team, what matters is how you've contributed to the team and what you've learned from your experiences. For instance, becoming a team captain, organizing community service projects with your team, or balancing a strenuous training schedule with academics are worthy of note.

Regardless of the sport, the key is to show how your involvement has shaped you and prepared you for college. Make sure to highlight these experiences in your application, perhaps in your activities list or an essay, if it has been a significant part of your high school life. Also, ask your coach or another team mentor if they’d be willing to write a recommendation letter on your behalf; they could offer insight into your character and growth through sports.