college swimming

Question
i am a high school swimmer who began swimming in seventh grade. i have never swam for a club team, only for my schools' team. i feel that i have made large improvements in my times, and i know with further instruction i can improve much more. i would really like to attend Loyola college in Maryland next year (i am a senior), and i don't want to have the same regrets i do now (not joining a club, not pushing myself more, etc..) so i would like to try out for their swim team. the only problem is they are a division I school who does very well in their conference. my times are really no where near their standards, but if i get accepted and decide to try out, i would at least like to make a good showing, even if i did not make the team. do you have any advice for me? should i train hard this summer to drop my times? i really feel that if i stepped up my workouts i could do very well. or (and i think this is the most probable answer!) should i just not try out for the team? I'm the type of person who will try just about anything to achieve my goals! thank you very much for your help.

Answer
Hi Nina.
I looked up Loyola's swimming website and they have a pretty decent swim program, and awesome pool. Swimming in college is an experience I think most people never regret. You come in an instantly have 30 close friends or so on campus. Plus it is very rewarding to put in the hard work throughout the season and then go a best time at the conference meet.
If you really want to try to swim at Loyola I would join a club team right now and train hard and go to meets up until fall semester starts. Then go ask the coach if you could be a walk on. He'll probably agree and after some months of training you may up to the level of your teammates.
I honestly have never heard of a Div 1 swimmer who never swam in a club team in high school. So you could either think you are exceptionally talented and that you'll be the first one to do it, or you can give yourself a real shot and join your local club ASAP.