University rowing

Question
Dear Mr. Pepper,
I am currently rowing  seat 6 firsts 8 for my large private school in Australia and just starting senior year this Feb. Our boat does the 2km course in the 5:40's and my current ergo is 6:46 without slides.  I'm 16, 6'2 and 182 lbs.  My grades are only C and B's but I do take all the hardest courses offered. I'll be rowing and growing till a planned trip to the US for University (I have a US passport) in a year and a half.  I'd love to go to Wisconsin as I think their program is excellent.  What do you think my chances are of rowing there or perhaps elsewhere?

Answer
Hi Nicholas: In terms of rowing only, you can probably make varsity at any college crew in the U.S. -- including Yale and Harvard.  I am concerned about your grades.  B's are fine, but too many C's might concern a coach about your ability to handle the rigors of a college course load, a rowing training schedule, and adjusting to a new country.  You will also have to take either the Scholastic Aptitude Test or the ACT for entrance into U.S. schools.

Wisconsin has fairly high academic standards.  Do whatever it takes to pull B's and better this semester.  Also work with your guidance counselor to find schools with good rowing programs that are a best-fit in terms of your grades and academic interests.  A good school might be my Alma Mater, Temple University in Philadelphia.  It has a great academic reputation, but is not that hard to get into.  You will also have access to many of the legendary clubs along the famous Boathouse Row.

Good Luck/AP