From Scholarships to Eye-Catching Applications, Squash Could Be Your Key to University
It’s not just hype. College admission is getting more competitive. Between more applicants, higher standardized test scores, and more students pursuing whatever extracurriculars are necessary to stand out, college acceptance rates have dropped. The good news? Squash could help you get into a competitive college.
Two Ways Squash Can Be Your Ticket into a Great University
In the college admissions process, squash can be your ticket to an athletic scholarship or it can round out your stellar application. Here’s what you need to know about these two avenues:
1. Getting Athletic Scholarships for Squash
If you’re a nationally ranked junior player, squash scholarships are an option. Just make sure to take these factors into consideration:
- Less competition but fewer slots. Yes, squash is a more niche sport. Far fewer students play squash than basketball, football, baseball, soccer, tennis, or the like. This does mean there’s less overall competition for the available slots, but it also means there are fewer slots to be had.
- Not every school offers squash scholarships. If you have your eye on an Ivy League school, be aware they do not offer merit, talent, or athletic scholarships of any kind. They award scholarships solely on the basis of financial need. Do Princeton and Harvard have squash teams? Yes. Do they offer scholarships for the sport? No.
- Many schools do offer squash scholarships. While Ivy League schools don’t give athletic scholarships, squash players don’t have to despair. Plenty of public and private universities do! If you’re applying to the right schools, a stellar squash career could be your ticket to a full or partial scholarship.
Explore your state-by-state options for squash scholarships with these interactive maps:
Men’s US squash scholarship opportunities
Women’s US squash scholarship opportunities
2. Improving Your College or University Application
It’s no secret that a stellar athletic career in high school can help pave the way to college recruitment. It happens all the time in football, basketball, baseball, and other sports.
Does it happen in more niche sports like squash? Absolutely!
Even if the school you’re interested in attending does not offer athletic scholarships, an impressive squash record could be that one factor that makes your application stand out.
If you’re not able to go the scholarship route with your squash career, gaining admittance to the school of your choice will come down to many factors:
- Grades and academic achievement in high school
- Standardized test scores, including the SAT and ACT
- Enthusiastic letters of recommendation
- Compelling essay or personal statement
- Varied, challenging extracurriculars
You’ll need to balance all these factors while competing in high-level squash competitions, but the dedication can pay off.
“If you play squash and have a junior ranking in the top twenty, squash coaches will look at you,” said Hunt Richardson, head pro at Play Squash Academy and former four-letter member of Princeton’s men’s varsity squash team. “Even if you don’t get a scholarship, competing and succeeding at that level will add to your reputation and strengthen your college application.”
Open Future Doors with Squash
Starting squash early is a great way to learn the game, to develop skill, and to excel at a high level.
Interested in enrolling your child? Whether your aim is a fun, healthy activity for your child or a way to open future academic doors, reach out today! We’re happy to answer any questions or to get your child signed up.
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