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How Extracurriculars Like Fencing Influence Ivy League Admissions Decisions

Raman Arora • 25th August, 2025How Extracurriculars Like Fencing Influence Ivy League Admissions Decisions

1. What Wins or Loses an Ivy League Application?

Grades and test scores get you in the door. But your stories get you in.

It’s a line we’ve said to countless students at OpenAdmits. And if you’re aiming for Harvard, Princeton, or Yale, your resume better tell a story far richer than just GPA and SAT scores. In fact, in the increasingly holistic admissions landscape of Ivy League universities, extracurriculars like fencing can be the very thing that tilts the decision in your favor.

But how?

Let's break down why a niche and historic sport like fencing carries weight with admissions officials, and how kids can make smart use of their after-school activities to build a strong narrative.

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2. A New Wave of Ivy League Admissions

NACAC reports, through a 2024 report, that more than 76% of highly selective US colleges found extracurriculars to be of "considerable importance" in admissions. To that add an increase in holistic review following SAT optional policies, and you've got one clear message:

Who you are matters as much as what you scored.

With over 1.5 million Common App submissions in 2025 (source: Common App Trends), colleges no longer just skim for grades they're seeking individuality, depth, and commitment.

So what will fencing teach you?

Fencing: More Than a Sport

Discipline. Precision. Legacy. Strategy.

Fencing is more than lunges and épées. It's an ancient sport that requires:

When an Ivy League admissions reader is looking at fencing on your application, particularly if it's regional or national ranked, it screams:

"This kid can keep their head about them both their brain and body under a lot of pressure."

It's the type of soft signal that sets you apart from the herd of piano players and debate team kids. And it's exactly what Ivy Leagues want: toughness with elegance.

3. Not What You Do, But How Hard You Do It

Get real everybody's got extracurriculars. But those Ivy League applicants who really stand out are the ones who've gone deep, not wide.

Whether it's:

…it's not about participating in the activity. It's about leading, impacting, and showcasing your growth story through it.

This fits precisely into OpenAdmits' narrative framework:

Activity → Passion → Impact → Reflection → Future Vision

And here's how it plays out in practice:

"Through fencing, I discovered the art of precision and patience. But sharing it with younger children in my community was where I learned the joy of mentorship. That experience informed my passion for creating inclusive sport programs among underrepresented populations."

That's not a paragraph. That's a success story.

4. Ivy League Coaches: The Secret Influence

Here’s a lesser known fact: If you’re competing at a high level in fencing, your journey can bypass the traditional admissions route.

Ivy League schools don’t offer athletic scholarships, but they do recruit athletes. And fencing happens to be a sport where elite level fencers can catch the attention of college coaches who then flag them during the admissions review.

Based on the Ivy League Athletic Council, roughly 14% of Ivy League students are varsity athletes, and sports such as fencing provide a genuine advantage because:

Fewer opponents = greater standout opportunity

5. Beyond Fencing: What Ivy Leagues Look For in Extracurriculars

Fencing is just one example. What matters isn’t the activity, but the narrative. According to Harvard’s own admissions guidelines:

"We look for students who make the most of their opportunities and show exceptional promise in their areas of interest."

So fencing, filmmaking, or entrepreneurship what you care about is:

We at OpenAdmits educate students to transcend award listing. We assist them in connecting meaning to action.

6. Three Ways to Leverage Fencing (or Any Special Activity) in Your Ivy League Application

Why did you begin fencing? What did you learn beyond medals?

Did you compete at a national level? Coach younger students? Write about it?

How did it impact your perspective or career path?

This is where students often falter and where we intervene with storytelling guidance that makes your application shine.

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7. Final Thoughts: It's Not a Hobby It's Your Advantage

In a world where every great student has the numbers, your extracurriculars are your voice. Your story. Your identity.

Fencing isn't a sport it's an articulation of who you are when you're under stress, moving, with intention.

OpenAdmits assists you in sharing that narrative with the world. So if the admissions committee is thinking, "Why you?"you already do.

8. Frequently Asked Questions

1. Do Ivy Leagues actually care about extracurricular pursuits like fencing?

Yes. Ivy Leagues appreciate depth and commitment in whatever outside interest and fencing is excellent because it's competitive and specialized.

2. How high a level of fencing achievement to be attractive to top colleges?

Regional, state, or national ranking is wonderful. But personal anecdote and impact are also important.

3. Will fencing help me get recruited by Ivy League coaches?

Yes. There are several Ivy League schools hiring athletes to fence, particularly those possessing commendable national or international achievements.

4. I am not nationally ranked in fencing. Do I mention it?

Indeed. If fencing defined your character or provided an important experience, you might include it in your application.

5. What can OpenAdmits do to help me build my story?

We provide tailored mentorship to help bridge your experiences with your aspirations via essays, interviews, and application tactics.
Need an unforgettable profile?

Book a Free Consultation with OpenAdmits today and bring your extracurriculars to the front in your application.

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