Does a College’s Football Record Matter?

How much impact does a college's football success have on a student's college experience? I'm not planning on being an athlete, but I've heard that colleges that do well in sports have more school spirit. Is that true? Does this matter when you're choosing a college?

Well, the prominence of a college football team can indeed have an impact on the culture and atmosphere at a school, especially if it has a strong sports culture. School spirit often runs high at these schools, especially during the football season, creating a sense of community and camaraderie among students. Tailgating, pep rallies, homecoming, and other traditions around football games can be quite a spectacle and a fun part of the college experience.

However, it's important not to overemphasize the role of football in your college experience. The presence of a successful football team won't necessarily enhance your academic experience or provide opportunities relevant to your specific interests and career goals.

To determine whether this is an important factor for you, consider your own interest in participating in these types of activities. If you love the energy of a big game and being part of a spirited crowd, then a school with a strong football culture might enhance your college experience. However, if you’re indifferent to or actively dislike large sporting events, you might find the heavy emphasis on football detracting from other things you value more.

Overall, football and sports should be just one piece of the puzzle when choosing a college — you also want to look at factors like academic programs, location, size, extracurricular activities, and the college's values to make sure it will be a good fit for you holistically. Remember, college is not only about having fun and building spirit, but also about achieving your academic goals and laying the foundation for a successful future.