When it comes to applying to colleges as a student-athlete, many students consider taking advantage of early decision admissions, a pathway that can increase your chances of acceptance, especially at highly selective institutions. We recently listened to an interview with Malcolm Gladwell on Armchair Expert with Dax Shepard in which Gladwell shares some interesting observations about athletic recruiting in college admissions. Read on to learn more.
What is Early Decision and How Does It Work?
Early decision is a binding admissions process that allows students to apply to their top-choice college earlier than the regular application deadline, usually in early November. Unlike early action, which is non-binding, early decision requires a commitment: if accepted, you’re expected to withdraw all other applications and commit to attending that school, financially as well. Because of this, early decision may be considered the ultimate form of demonstrated interest.
Many colleges fill a substantial portion of their incoming classes through early decision, and the acceptance rates in these pools are often higher than in regular decision rounds. Why? At the end of the day, every college is a business that needs to pay its bills. As outsiders, we may not know the minimum number of seats a college needs to fill to cover its expenses, but we can assume that a primary benefit of early decision from the college’s perspective, is the assurance of an income stream.
The Role of Athletic Recruitment in College Admissions
For students involved in sports, college admissions can look quite different. Athletic recruitment plays a significant role, especially at schools with a strong focus on sports, including some of the most elite institutions. Recruited athletes often go through a separate admissions process in collaboration with the college’s athletics department, which can improve their chances of acceptance significantly. Keep in mind that the majority of student athletes do need to meet the minimum standards for acceptance for that specific college and their package is walked through admissions, via the coach, prior to any athletic offer.
However, Gladwell points out that not all sports are equal when it comes to admissions. Certain sports, often called “elite” or “country club” sports, like tennis, rowing, and squash, can be expensive to participate in from a young age. This financial barrier means that students who excel in these sports are often from affluent backgrounds, as they require substantial resources for training and competitions. Some of the most elite colleges, per Gladwell, may offer admissions to student-athletes with less competitive academics. The assumption being that a student capable of investing so much in a niche sport will likely become a strong financial supporter of the college.
While Gladwell’s views are interesting, there is no reason to believe every recruited student-athlete is not meeting the academic profile of the school to which they are being recruited or that the acceptance is based solely on a perceived ability to become a significant financial donor.
If you’re a student-athlete considering early decision, you must think about all aspects of this type of application, including whether the school is a good social, academic, financial, and emotional fit for you. To learn more about early decision, see this blog we recently posted.
Other Considerations for Student-Athletes
If you intend to play sports in college you should also evaluate the commitment carefully. Athletic participation can add further demands on your time in college. From practice schedules to travel commitments, playing a sport in college can significantly shape your experience. If you’re a recruited athlete, speak with current college athletes and understand what day-to-day life is like to ensure you’re ready for the commitment. Make sure you’re prepared for the commitment and that both the school and sports program are a great fit for your academic and personal goals.
Explore Non-Elite Sports Opportunities
If your sport isn’t one typically associated with wealth (like football or basketball), don’t be discouraged. Many colleges value athletic diversity and are eager to support student-athletes in a wide range of sports. Be proactive in connecting with college coaches and sharing your athletic achievements.
How Athletic Involvement May Impact Admissions
Understand that athletic recruitment policies vary widely by school. Some colleges have more slots available for athletes, especially in a range of varsity sports, while others focus on specific programs.
The combination of early decision and athletic recruitment can be a valuable path for high school seniors applying to selective institutions. By understanding the requirements, expectations, and commitments of both options, student-athletes and their families can make informed choices about how to approach the admissions process. Remember, the goal is to find the college that aligns best with your goals, both on and off the field.
Do you have questions about the college search and application process? We help students and families through the entire college planning journey – from search, applications and essays to interview prep, financial aid consultation and final school selection.
Contact us at info@signaturecollegecounseling.com or by phone, 845.551.6946. We work with students through Zoom, over the phone and by email.
