Karate and college acceptance

f.Channell · Post by **f.Channell** » Sun Jun 08, 2003 4:01 pm

With all the graduating High School seniors lately I was wondering if a blackbelt grade helps a student in their acceptance to college.
I have heard that it does but I was wondering if any one out there knows for sure. Perhaps this depends on the college.
Fred

JaySal · Post by **JaySal** » Sun Jun 08, 2003 4:21 pm

Hi Fred:

I taught the karate program at U/Mass Boston for 9 years. (1991 to 2000).
I am sorry to say I have never seen one having earned a black belt in any style, help them get accepted into a college, or Grad school.

Over that nine year period I have had many students workout in my classes, that have already earned a black belt in another system. I have asked them that question, a few times. The answer was always the same. The answer was... No, it did not help.

Take Care...

f.Channell · Post by **f.Channell** » Sun Jun 08, 2003 6:42 pm

I was at my nephews graduation and the class valedictorian was a black belt and they mentioned it, he was going to princeton.
There are probably too many systems where the dans come too easy.
Fred

TSDguy · Post by **TSDguy** » Sun Jun 08, 2003 9:03 pm

It's my understanding that colleges look for well rounded people... involved in clubs and what not. Good grades combined with lots of extracurricular activities seems like a good shot at getting into a good school. I listed martial arts experience on applications to grad schools, and I really beleive it helped me get in. I've also seen people, and I do this too, list MA experience on resumes (2 or 3 lines about who you are). The pros all tell you not to talk about yourself on your resume, but I've had many many interviews go quite well because people were interested in that. Everyone wants a well rounded, socially adept, confident employee or student. Not a big dork.

TSDguy · Post by **TSDguy** » Sun Jun 08, 2003 9:31 pm

Another thought came to mind. Most blackbelts are required to do some teaching. Public speaking, instructional skills, and that kind of responsiblity are big pluses for anyone, whether seeking a job or entrance to a school (this time I know for a fact these got me a TA and a job).

Bill Glasheen · Post by **Bill Glasheen** » Sun Jun 08, 2003 9:47 pm

Fred

This is a difficult question to answer without the proper study - randomizing people to two groups and see who does best.

It's also difficult because there's a chicken-and-egg problem. Does the black belt do better because of his karate achievements, or are achievers more likely to get black belts?

I will tell you that when I think of those I've taught through the years that have made it to black belt, that elite group has a disproportionate propensity to succeed in life. I know of 3 Physics Ph.Ds. (at least...), many MDs (at least 5), a few lawyers (I won't hold it against them

), many engineers and nurses, and even some who have made the military a career. One could argue that success leads to more success in life.

I've even had more than a few "Uechi marriages" from the dojo, and they have a higher than 50% success rate (the norm in the population).

- Bill

Josann · Post by **Josann** » Sun Jun 08, 2003 10:38 pm

Unfortunately, a black belt is very common. So common that it is expected that any kid who practices for three years should have one. Any middle school today has a number of students that claim black belts. I'd have to say that a college wouldn't be impressed. We assume that a black belt means the same thing to other styles as it does to uechi, but obviously it doesn't. I have coached a number of kids who have been black belts, and have yet to have one that was a good athlete, aggressive, or even coordinated. Parents today look at karate the same way that they look at soccer i.e. something that their kid can do for immediate gratification. I have taught high school for 27 years and done hundreds of college recomendations and I have to believe that most colleges probably would want to see something other that a black belt, perhaps some teaching experience, but again in a bona fide school this is highly unlikely.

Thaws · Post by **Thaws** » Mon Jun 09, 2003 12:20 am

Not to rain on any parade, but what the heck would a black belt have to do with college acceptance? I would question any college that gave it weight. I mean really, the practice of martial arts is a self indulgent experience, you do it for personal reasons, not like you're benefitting a community, or that the world is a better place because you like to kick and punch. To assume that all blackbelts are upstanding people is naive. There are just as many jerks and knuckleheads walking around with ranks as not.

f.Channell · Post by **f.Channell** » Mon Jun 09, 2003 1:15 am

Thaws,
There was a time way back when, when a black belt was impressive.
Definately back in the 70's.
In fact, i've been told women used to bring their children by just to see and meet Master Uechi, he was respected that highly.
But I'm falling off topic.
F.

Post by **gmattson** » Mon Jun 09, 2003 1:32 am

when a black belt would help you land a better college. Back in the 60-80s I remember quite a few students who played up their karate experiences to help them in job and college interviews.

Today. . . well thats another story. Probably not much different than having run a marathon or getting a "hole-in-one" on the golf course.

f.Channell · Post by **f.Channell** » Mon Jun 09, 2003 12:46 pm

I've run 2 marathons but that lighthouse keeps me from that "hole in one".
F.