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Kicking Your Way to College: How Taekwondo Can Boost Your Admissions Profile

Junelly Osses • April 15, 2023

As college admissions become increasingly competitive, students are always looking for ways to stand out from the crowd. While strong academics and extracurricular activities are important, some students may overlook the benefits of participating in a sport like taekwondo. Not only can taekwondo help students develop important life skills, but it can also boost their college admissions profile in a variety of ways. From demonstrating dedication and discipline to opening up opportunities for scholarships and athletic recruitment, taekwondo can be a powerful tool for students looking to make an impact in the college admissions process.


Taekwondo has been an Olympic sport since the 2000 Sydney Games, which has greatly increased its popularity and visibility worldwide. This means that students who have achieved a high level of skill in taekwondo and have competed at the national or international level are not only demonstrating their athletic abilities but also their potential to represent their country on the Olympic stage. This kind of achievement can be particularly impressive to college admissions committees, as it shows that the student has already achieved a level of success that few people have. Additionally, being an Olympic sport can open-up opportunities for scholarships and other forms of financial aid specifically for Olympic hopefuls, which can be a significant advantage for students looking to attend college.


Admissions committees are always looking for well-rounded applicants who have demonstrated a commitment to their passions, whether it's in the arts, athletics, or academics. Participating in a sport like taekwondo demonstrates a level of dedication, discipline, and perseverance that is highly valued by colleges and universities.


Being on the national ranking also shows that you have achieved a high level of skill in your sport and have distinguished yourself among your peers.


Participating in a sport like taekwondo can also help you develop important life skills that are valuable in college and beyond. For example, practicing taekwondo can improve your time management skills, teamwork, and leadership abilities, all of which are important for success in college and in the workforce.


Many colleges and universities in the US offer support for taekwondo athletes in the form of scholarships, coaching, training facilities, and other resources. Here are some examples of colleges and universities that are known for their support of taekwondo athletes:


  • New York University (NYU): NYU has a highly competitive taekwondo team that competes at the national level, and the university offers scholarships to athletes who compete on the varsity team.
  • University of California, Berkeley: Berkeley has a strong taekwondo program that includes a varsity team and a student-run club. The university provides training facilities and coaching support for taekwondo athletes.
  • University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA): UCLA has a varsity taekwondo team that competes at the national level, and the university provides scholarships and coaching support for athletes.
  • University of Maryland, College Park: Maryland has a varsity taekwondo team that competes in the National Collegiate Taekwondo Association (NCTA), and the university provides coaching support and training facilities for athletes.
  • Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT): MIT has a student-run taekwondo club that competes in regional and national tournaments, and the university provides training facilities and coaching support for athletes.
  • Duke University: Duke has a varsity taekwondo team that competes in the NCTA, and the university offers scholarships and coaching support for athletes.
  • University of Arizona: Arizona has a varsity taekwondo team that competes in the NCTA, and the university provides training facilities and coaching support for athletes.
  • University of Texas at Austin: Texas has a competitive taekwondo program that includes a varsity team and a student-run club. The university provides coaching support and training facilities for taekwondo athletes.
  • University of California, San Diego: UC San Diego has a competitive taekwondo program that includes a varsity team and a student-run club. The university provides training facilities and coaching support for taekwondo athletes.
  • University of California, Irvine: UC Irvine has a varsity taekwondo team that competes in the NCTA, and the university offers scholarships and coaching support for athletes.
  • Cornell University: Cornell has a competitive taekwondo program that includes a varsity team and a student-run club. The university provides coaching support and training facilities for taekwondo athletes.
  • Stanford University: Stanford has a varsity taekwondo team that competes in the NCTA, and the university offers scholarships and coaching support for athletes.
  • University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill: UNC Chapel Hill has a competitive taekwondo program that includes a varsity team and a student-run club. The university provides coaching support and training facilities for taekwondo athletes.
  • University of Southern California (USC): USC has a varsity taekwondo team that competes in the NCTA, and the university offers scholarships and coaching support for athletes.
  • Virginia Tech: Virginia Tech has a competitive taekwondo program that includes a varsity team and a student-run club. The university provides training facilities and coaching support for taekwondo athletes.
  • University of Virginia: UVA has a varsity taekwondo team that competes in the NCTA, and the university offers scholarships and coaching support for athletes.
  • Yale University: Yale has a competitive taekwondo program that includes a varsity team and a student-run club. The university provides coaching support and training facilities for taekwondo athletes.


It's worth noting that each college and university has its own unique resources and level of support for taekwondo athletes, so it's important to research individual schools to determine what opportunities and resources are available.


In conclusion, taekwondo can be a powerful tool for students looking to enhance their college applications. By demonstrating dedication, discipline, and perseverance through their taekwondo practice, students can showcase their well-roundedness and unique skills to admissions committees. Being on the national ranking can open doors to athletic scholarships and opportunities to contribute to a college's varsity team. Additionally, the life skills developed through taekwondo, such as time management and leadership, can help students thrive in college and beyond. So, for those looking to make a kickstart to their college admissions journey, consider taking up taekwondo and see the benefits it can bring to your future endeavors.


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