How to Get a Varsity Letter

Co-authored by wikiHow Staff

Last Updated: March 29, 2019

A varsity letter is an honor given out in high school for students who succeed in a particular field. While traditionally handed out for athletics, you can also get varsity letters for volunteer work and sometimes other extracurriculars. If you want a varsity letter, take your work seriously, show up to practices and events, and strive to be a standout. With some hard work and dedication, you can achieve the honor of a varsity letter.

Part 1

Part 1 of 3:

Choosing an Activity

1
Explore athletic options. Most schools give out varsity letters for athletics. If you already play a particular sport, like baseball or basketball, go for a varsity letter in that field. If you're not already on a team, try out for the team during the school year. If you're accepted to the team, you can work on excelling in that particular sport to earn a varsity letter.^{[1]
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2
Choose something you have experience with. Pick a type of sport or activity you already have experience with. If you've never played basketball before, it'll be a struggle to join the basketball team. If you have extensive experience ice skating, try out for the hockey team.

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3
Try getting a varsity letter for community service. You don't necessarily need to get a varsity letter through your school. Local charities or community centers often give out varsity letters for doing a set amount of community service. This can be a rewarding experience that looks great on a college resume. It can also be an alternative option if you'd rather not get involved in sports.
- You can visit a local community center or talk to a guidance counselor at your school to find organizations that will let you earn a varsity letter for community service.
4
See if your school offers letters in non-traditional fields. Some schools may offer varsity letters for extracurriculars not explicitly related to athletics. See if you can get a varsity letter for something like Quiz Bowl, the chess club, drama, or another club or field in the school.

Part 2

Part 2 of 3:

Meeting the Criteria

1
Review the criteria outlined by your school. Your school should provide information online or a student handbook about how to qualify for varsity letters. Qualifications vary greatly by school and the field you want to letter in. Make sure you review qualifications carefully for your specific school and field.^{[2]
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- If you're not sure where to find the criteria to gain a varsity letter, ask a coach or teacher where it can be located.
2
Do not miss games, practices, and events. Getting a varsity letter requires both skill and commitment. Attending all practices, events, and games is often a requirement to get a letter. Attending practices and events also helps you build up your skill set. This helps you gain the experience and expertise needed to letter in a particular field.^{[3]
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- Keep in mind, extenuating circumstances often prevent you from attending every game and practice. If an emergency comes up, your school should be understanding if you let your coach or teacher know ahead of time.
3
Check how many hours you need. For something like community service, you may be required to complete a set number of hours to get a varsity letter. Check with the organization you're working with or your school to see how many hours are required.
4
Track your hours. Make sure you keep track of how many hours on weekends and after school you spend volunteering. You will have to track your hours closely. You may also need someone, like a volunteer coordinator, to sign a slip confirming you put in your hours.
- Plan ahead to get your hours in. Strive to volunteer on weekends and over school breaks. You can also volunteer over the summer.
5
Work to excel in your field. It's important that you achieve in your chosen field if you want to earn a letter. Most schools have requirements for varsity letters in terms of achievement. On a sports team, for example, you may have to score a certain number of points throughout the season.^{[4]
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- Practice on your own time. Over the weekends and after school, spend some time working towards your goal of gaining a varsity letter.
- If you have teammates, get together with them. You can review trivia questions together if you're on quiz bowl. You can have practice matches if you're trying to letter in athletics.
6
Remain in good academic standing. Most schools require good academic standing in addition to skill in a chosen field. Make sure to keep up with your homework and study for tests and quizzes. If your GPA falls below a certain point, you may not be able to earn a varsity letter, even if you meet other criteria.
- Make a schedule for yourself at the beginning of each week to make sure you have time for both practice and homework.
- If you're struggling in a particular subject, ask the teacher for help. You can also talk to your parents about hiring a private tutor.
7
Maintain a good attitude. Sportsmanship is usually required to earn a varsity letter. Work on having a good attitude at practice and during games. Be supportive and encouraging to other players. Shake hands with the opposing team at the end of games. Avoid showing off or bragging. Remember, a good player has the team's best interests at heart rather than their own.^{[5]
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Part 3

Part 3 of 3:

Completing the Process

1
Complete the school year or season. To earn a varsity letter, stay committed for the full school year or season. You usually cannot earn your letter until the season is over and your coach or teacher has a chance to review your accomplishments.^{[6]
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- It can be easy to burn out at the end of the school year. However, work to make sure this does not happen to you. You don't want to undo the progress of a solid season by letting your enthusiasm taper off near the end of a school year or semester.
2
See if you're eligible for the letter. After the school year is over, check with your coach, teacher, or supervisor to see if you're eligible for the letter. If you are, different schools have different policies for giving out a letter. There may be a ceremony or pep rally at your school. You may also be given the letter during practice or after the final game or event of the season.
3
Decide where to put your letter. You can stitch the letter onto a varsity jacket, which is the most traditional option. However, this runs the risk of the letter getting dirty or lost. You can also opt to frame the letter and keep it somewhere in your home.^{[7]
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- A framed varsity letter can be a nice memento to take with you to college.
4
Try again next year if you don't make the cut. Unfortunately, you may not make the cut despite your best efforts. Remember, there's always next year. Try to learn from this setback and ask your coach, teacher, or supervisor for honest feedback on how you can do better the following year.