Whats more important : Academic excellence or Athletic Excellence?

Question

I am currently a high school junior, deciding if I should focus more on extracurricular academics and its benefits for college prep, or swimming for a partial scholarship in college. I am quite sure I can attain a swimming scholarship, but only if I train hard enough for the next two years (and I am motivated to do it). I appreciate knowledge and wisdom very well, but reality is, I can only swim for perhaps 10 more years, but I can learn anything after that. So, should I risk academics for training?

Answer 1

No, Par...You should focus on your academics.....Your athleticism can only take you so far.....Knowledge equals power and where the mind goes, the body follows

The strength of the United States is not the gold at Fort Knox or the weapons of mass destruction that we have, but the sum total of the education and the character of our people.
-Claiborne Pell

Man dude, your diction and syntax makes you sound proficient in the english language [does "Man Dude" seem redundant?]

I think this is the better answer.....You have been swimming since you were in the second grade...You are a full time student and full time swimmer......What you have been doing for the past 10 years must be working, cuz unlike me, you have not been suspended, you have not failed a class, and you havent been put on academic probation....Just stick to what you have been doing for the past 10 years cuz I'm sure its working out fine....You have been able to balance things out, and you just gotta keep it that way....

Answer 2

I don't know what you mean by "extracurricular academics."
I would train hard for swimming, study your butt off IN CLASS, study hard outside of class, and let the chips fall where they may. Most athletes who do well academically in high school have a reigimented study and workout schedule.
The "extracurricular academics" you mention, I need more details on what you are referring to before having a strong opinion. What is more important to you?

Answer 3

Apply to go to Boys State, which is the summer preceding your senior year, it's run by the American Leigon. Your father seems to be career military, that's a guaranteed nomination right there. You DO NOT need to personally your Congressman. I have never met my House of Rep. member, but I still got my nomination for USMA. Join CAP, if possible join JROTC too it also opens another nomination if it's an AF unit (if it's any other branch they have to be a Distinguished Unit with Honor or whatever that particular branch refers to it as). CAP and JROTC really expose you to military customs plus open up the oppurtinity for PLENTY of ledership roles. Also apply for the Academy Summer Seminar, it's a good way to see the academy. It's a week-long and you get a light taste of cadet life. Best of luck!

Answer 4

Academic excellence is always the more important of the two. Think about it. Suppose you are hurt in your senior year and can't pursue your athletic career? You will need your education.

Answer 5

For getting the scholarship, may be you should train hard enough. Once you get it, if you can concentrate on studies that will be good. Whether it is possible I don't know. Talk to your teachers and coaches etc. Good luck for a bright career.

Answer 6

Focus on both. You may not have a social life other than swimming or school, but colleges look also for a well rounded student.

Answer 7

You `ve said u are in college, focuss on what u went to study for first and others later or during your free time. Everything has it`s time, remember u won`t split into two.

Answer 8

It really depends on what your priorities are. For me, it's academics. It's really up to you to decide. Just ponder on what you really want and the answer will come to you.

Answer 9

Academic... because strength always fades or injury comes along

Answer 10

To me,its academic excellence......