Does excelling in HBCU track and field improve my chances?

I'm a track star at my high school and considering continuing at an HBCU. I’ve been doing really well, with several state championship titles. Will my achievements in HBCU track and field stand out on my college applications, or should I be focusing more on academics?

Your achievements in track and field, especially with several state championship titles, are impressive and can positively impact your college applications. Excelling in sports at that level shows colleges your dedication, time management, and ability to succeed in competitive environments. These titles might place your extracurriculars in Tier 2, which can make you stand out among applicants.

However, it's still critical to maintain strong academics. Remember, colleges seek students who show excellence both inside and outside the classroom. Balancing athletics with rigorous coursework demonstrates you're well-rounded in terms of time management and prioritization, which are important skills for college success.

Ensure you're taking challenging courses and keeping your grades up to show colleges you're prepared for the academic rigor you'll encounter, especially at an HBCU where both academics and extracurricular contributions are valued.

Also consider the institution you're applying to and what they value in their student athletes. For example, some HBCUs might highly value your state-level achievements in track and field, especially if they have competitive programs in those sports.

Showcasing your sports achievements alongside strong academics can enhance your application, making it clear that you could contribute to both their athletic and academic communities. Make it a point to highlight your leadership and teamwork skills gained through sports; these are transferable to many areas in life, including academics and extracurricular activities in college.