As someone who coaches fencing, I understand the tremendous advantage that being a student-athlete can provide in the college admissions process. However, it’s important to acknowledge that not all sports are equal regarding recruitment and admissions success. In the following article, I’ll share my insights on which sports can provide the best opportunities for success. Of course, it’s worth noting that fencing remains a fantastic option for those looking to stand out in the college admissions process.

The impact of admissions varies across different sports.

Several factors are at play regarding the impact of different sports on college admissions. These include:

• How in demand is the sport at colleges: How many different schools recruit athletes for this sport?
• How many slots each college has for the sport: Are they recruiting a full team or a few select athletes?
• How large the talent pool for the sport is: How popular and widely played the sport is at the high school level.

These factors create demand for athletes and allow in-demand athletes to receive an admissions advantage. Conversely, the supply is determined by how popular a sport is at the high school level and how many potential athletes are vying for the limited number of college spots.

About Title IX

Title IX is a significant legislation that has tremendously impacted gender equality in education, particularly in sports. In certain sports, athletic recruitment may vary between men and women, as universities aim to maintain a balance between their male and female athletic communities.

Top Sports with High Demand for Recruitment

Sports popular in high school and college are highly competitive and attract the largest pools of talent. Getting recruited for these sports is challenging due to the intense competition. Some of the most competitive sports include:

• Football
• Baseball/Softball
• Basketball
• Soccer
• Hockey
• Men’s Wrestling
• Track and Field

Consider Less Competitive Sports for Recruiting Purposes.

While still competitive for recruitment, certain sports are less popular at the high school level. As a result, practitioners in these sports are contending with a smaller pool of candidates for college recruitment. Examples of these less competitive sports include fencing, which happens to be the sport that we specialize in teaching at our club. Despite being less popular, fencing offers unique physical and mental challenges that can prepare athletes for success on and off the field. With our expert coaching and guidance, we are confident that our students will be able to stand out in the competitive world of college recruitment.

• Fencing
• Women’s Crew
• Squash
• Sailing
• Equestrianism (including Polo)

Fencing has recently gained popularity among students due to the increased competitiveness of college admissions, as per a New York Times article. While it is not as widely practiced as other youth sports, it has grown recently. Despite its cost, fencing offers benefits such as setting applicants apart during college admissions and providing a support system. NCAA fencing is highly selective, with only about 40 colleges offering it. However, there are also numerous schools with club fencing for interested students.

Sports without official recognition

If you happen to be an Olympic-level athlete in a sport that colleges do not typically consider a team or individual sport, you may have an advantage in the admissions process due to your exceptional extracurricular achievement.

The Inequities of Sports in College Admissions

It is important to note that the sports that offer the most advantage in the admissions process often favor wealthy students. As the amount of equipment needed to participate in fencing or equestrianism far surpasses that needed for baseball or soccer, this process can favor students with the time and income required to pursue these more niche sports. College admissions aren’t always fair, but students with fewer resources looking to improve their candidacy can seek help from pro-bono programs.

The best age to start fencing 

When starting a sport like fencing, it’s important to consider the optimal age for children to begin training. While fencing can be practiced at any age, research shows that the best time to start is between 6 and 8 years old.

At this age, children have developed the necessary motor skills and cognitive abilities to learn the techniques and strategies involved in fencing properly. It’s also an ideal time for them to start developing good habits and discipline, which can be instilled through regular training and practice.

Fencing at a young age can also provide a wide range of benefits. Not only does it help children stay physically active and healthy, but it also promotes mental agility and improves cognitive function. Additionally, fencing can help young children develop social skills, as it encourages communication and teamwork during matches and practice sessions.

It’s worth noting that starting fencing later is still possible, but it may require more intensive training and practice to catch up to peers who started at a younger age. Regardless of age, it’s never too late to start fencing and reap its benefits.

If you’re considering enrolling your child in fencing classes, finding a reputable fencing club with experienced coaches who can provide proper training and guidance is important. With the right support, your child can develop a lifelong passion for fencing and enjoy its many benefits.

Conclusion

Engaging in sports can be a rewarding pastime, regardless of whether or not you receive recruitment offers. Nevertheless, if you participate in one of these activities, we advise exploring ways to leverage it during the admissions process.

Fencing is more than just a sport; it can also pave the way to college. There are 11 prestigious colleges with Division 1 NCAA-sanctioned fencing programs, as well as 17 other colleges that offer Division 1, 2, and 3 fencing programs, providing opportunities for fencers to pursue athlete recruitment. For fencers seeking to join a team, it’s important to express their interest and keep the coach informed about their fencing and academic performance over time.

It is recommended to start learning fencing between six and eight. Fencers as young as ten years old can already take part in tournaments.

Remember that the recruitment process for fencing athletes typically begins in their Junior year of high school. NCAA regulations permit coaches to communicate with fencers electronically and by phone during this time (starting September 1 of their Junior year). Still, it is required that the fencer initiates any contact.

Regardless of their ranking on the Junior Points List, demonstrating their fencing skills and meeting academic requirements are crucial for recruitment. Moreover, those who can gain college admission based on their academic merits alone can still request to ‘walk on’ to an NCAA-sanctioned fencing team with the coach’s permission. For those who don’t want to make fencing the center of their college experience, joining a club at their college could be the best option.

If you want to increase your chances of standing out in college admissions, starting early with fencing can be great. With our free trial, you can access valuable fencing training to help you get started and build the skills you need to succeed. Don’t miss out on this opportunity to gain an edge in the competitive world of college admissions – try our free trial today!