Esports in Higher Education

I'm a gamer and I've heard that some universities are starting to form official esports teams. Any idea when this might become more widespread? Do colleges see this as a legit extracurricular? Would love to hear your thoughts.

Sure, I can provide some insight on this! Many universities, including some traditionally sports-focused schools, are indeed recognizing esports as a valid and valuable extracurricular activity, in and out of scholarships.

Esports as an organized, competitive activity has seen exponential growth over the years. Even more so, universities are starting to form official esports teams and programs. In fact, there are currently hundreds of institutions in the U.S that have varsity esports programs. The National Association of Collegiate Esports (NACE), was established as a governing body for such programs, and as of now, hundreds of U.S. colleges are members.

In terms of it being seen as a legitimate extracurricular by colleges outside of those with official esports teams, it definitely can be. What matters most in extracurricular activities is the level of commitment, passion, and leadership you display, which can be demonstrated through esports just as it can with other activities.

However, keep in mind that with any extracurricular, the key is not just participation, but also involvement. If you're part of an esports team, you can show this through things like teamwork, strategy development, or even developing youth programs or events related to gaming. If you're simply spending a lot of time playing video games, this may not translate as well to an admissions officer; the key is to demonstrate how your involvement in gaming or esports adds to your personal growth and impacts your community.

Esports can also serve as an interesting topic for your admissions essay, if you spin it the right way -- maybe you've learned a unique skill, or developed a particular perspective, from your time playing video games. Just remember to stay away from more cliche elements and focus on your unique story.

As for your question about when esports might become more widespread in higher education, it's a bit challenging to predict exact timelines. However, given current trends and its growing popularity, we can anticipate that more colleges and universities will consider it in the near future. Do keep in mind, though, that the decision to form an esports team is not one that every school will make, and the timeline can vary significantly between various institutions.

I hope that this information is helpful for you as you navigate your college journey and consider how your passion for esports fits into your experiences. Good luck!