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Should I decide my college based on swimming or academics?

Many schools are offering athletic scholarship but those schools don't have the best academic programs #college-athletics #college-selection #swimming #college-advice #college

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Paul’s Answer

It is possible that you can do both, but it is going to take some effort from you to get the results that you want.

If there is not a college contacting you, that has a strong athletic and acadrmic program, you might need to reach out to them and express your interest in their institution.

I would go online, to the college you are interested in attending, and log into their athletics website. Most colleges have a recruitment form online, that you can complete, and have the coaches and staff send you more information on both academics and athletics.

At the same time, I would consider sending out an Athletic Resume, to the coaches at the college, that you would like to attend. The resume (see examples online), which outlines all your accomplishments, athletic achievements, and academic skills, can be sent via postage directly to the coach. Hopefully, these activities will generate the interest you are seeking from a strong academic and athletic college.
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Alex’s Answer

I agree with others that it depends on your goals for the future! In my own experience as a college soccer player, my coach would tell me "there is a reason that Student comes before Athlete in the term Student Athlete-- academics should be prioritized first".
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Danya’s Answer

This is your time to reflect on the importance of swimming and academics (respectively) in your college experience and in your career plans. Do you want to get out of college debt free and are getting a full swimming scholarship? Are you looking to become a teacher and as such want a school with a great teaching program? Do you not know your career plans yet but want to explore and thus need a school with great academics all across the board? Or do you want to be a professional athlete? All of these reflections are very very important for your decision, so take some time to get curious with your answers. Good luck!

Danya recommends the following next steps:

Journal about the importance of each (swimming and academics) in your college career. Don't forget the why.
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Jacob’s Answer

Hi, Teolio,


I agree with Sam's answer - you should base your decision on your goals. If you think swimming is the career path you want to pursue then strive to find the best swimming program you can. If swimming is just an activity that you enjoy, then I recommend considering colleges based on the programs they offer.


I think the most pragmatic way to think about your career aspirations is to backwards plan. Identify careers you think you would be interested in and work back to find a program that allows you to pursue multiple career interests. For example, if I think I might want to work at a think tank doing research but also am considering consulting for a professional services firm, I might pursue something like economics or math. Both of those majors would provide tremendous technical skills that are extremely attractive to employers and are well-suited for a wide range of career options.


I linked a career guide below and HIGHLY recommend you read the entire thing. I know it is long, but I can't overstate how beneficial I think it is. Read a section a day and you will finish in no time. The research is very interesting and it's very well written.

Jacob recommends the following next steps:

https://80000hours.org/career-guide/job-satisfaction/
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Rachel’s Answer

If you enjoy swimming and don't need to make straight A's in college, go for the swimming opportunity. Many jobs will look favorably on hiring a former college athlete.
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Richard’s Answer

Unless you are pursuing a career that really favors a degree from a top school (investment banking or politics) then take advantage of the athletic scholarship opportunities. Many former athletes look back on their college career as one of the most rewarding times of their lives.
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Sam’s Answer

Hello Teolio,

The answer depends on what your future life plans are.

For example, if you want to be an Olympic Swimmer, then you would want to select the college with the best swimming program.

On the other hand, if you are hoping to use your swimming scholarship to pay for your edcation such that you can graduate debt free, then you should pick the college with the best academic program.

Sam
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Taylor’s Answer

Hi Teolio - I think this is a great question to ask but will depend on what your goals are. Similar to the other responses that people have provided, I think your decision will depend on what goals you have for yourself in college and after college.

If your career path involves competing competitively in swimming, then I would prioritize finding an excellent swimming program, with a great academic and educational offering.

On the flipside, if your career path involves graduating from college and starting a non-athletic job, then I would prioritize finding a school with an excellent academic program and a great swimming program.

I do believe you can find a happy medium, and should not have to sacrifice one of the other - there are so many amazing colleges with wonderful swimming programs so I feel confident you'll be able to find the right balance.

Other factors that can help you "tie-break" if needed ... which colleges offer the major/feild you want to study? Which colleges are a better location to travel to/home from? Which colleges have other extracurricular activities that you're interested in?

Best of luck to you!
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