Will not playing a sport hurt my child’s chances of getting in?

Not at all. While athletics can enhance an application, they are by no means a requirement. Private schools admit artists, mathematicians, coders, violinists, debate champs, and passionate readers every year. What admissions teams want to see is depth of interest and personal growth, whether it happens on a soccer field or in a robotics lab. If your child doesn’t play a sport but leads the school newspaper, volunteers regularly, or builds apps for fun, they’re still showing commitment, time management, and creativity. Sports are just one flavor in the admissions sundae. If your child doesn’t love athletics, don’t force it. Focus on what lights them up—and help that shine on the application.