<p>First post, just found this site.</p>
<p>Son is a top ten nationally-ranked and sponsored athlete, has been for the last six years, past member of USA Teams, both youth and adult. Competes internationally, including X Games, etc. Unfortunately, his sport is not represented at the collegiate level, although it will probably be an Olympic sport within the next ten years. </p>
<p>We are from the east coast, he is only applying to schools in CA, where he can practice his sport outdoors all year. He has taken 30+ days of school off each year for competitions, as excused absences from his public high school. He is most interested in UCLA and UCSB, due to location and recreation center options. His GPA and test scores are above the UC OOS eligibility index, but not nearly what the admitted students’ levels seem to be. </p>
<p>Has anyone ever heard of an athlete being admitted to the UC system by exception, but not for a recruited sport? He plans to request consideration in his essays. Is it worth contacting the ADs at these schools, even though he will not be participating in a team sport?</p>
<p>I thought admission by exception are for those that had difficulties in their lives (I could be wrong though). It's for those with extreme disadvantages.</p>
<p>We saw this on UC Notes website:</p>
<p>LOS ANGELES UCLA admits a small number of freshman and transfer applicants by exception. These are primarily athletes and students with special talents, such as in the arts, who may not meet minimum eligibility qualifications.</p>
<p>Admission decisions for student-athletes are the result of a review by the UCLA Committee for the Admission of Student-Athletes. UC eligibility criteria as well as athletic talents are taken into account during the decision process. UCLA accepts a limited number of student athletes via admission by exception when their superior athletic abilities promise to contribute to the success of the University’s athletic program, therefore benefiting UCLA as a whole.</p>
<p>UCLA’s athletics department provides academic support on an individual basis for student-athletes, including, but not limited to, academic counseling and academic tutoring. The department also provides assistance with the UCLA housing application process.</p>
<p>and</p>
<p>SANTA BARBARA Typically, admission by exception is used for specially recruited students in performance majors and athletics and also for otherwise excellent applicants who, for a number of reasons often beyond their control, are unable to complete the minimum requirements.</p>
<p>Student-athletes are initially reviewed along with all other applicants. Those who meet UCSB’s selectivity criteria are admitted. If a recruited student-athlete is not admitted, the athletic program may request special consideration. If the applicant is UC eligible, the request is typically granted. If the applicant is not eligible, a special review is conducted by the admissions and athletics departments and the college the student applied to before a decision is made. Scholarships are available. Students interested in intercollegiate sports at UCSB should complete the online questionnaire.</p>
<p>If he meets/exceeds the UC requirements and is UC-eligible, he does not need to apply for admission by exception. That is for non-eligible students.</p>
<p>His best course of action would be to apply as an oos student through the regular application, and focus on his Olympic aspirations in one of his essays. He should also contact the sports departments of UCLA and UCSB to discuss what they have to offer. If they express enthusiasm, you can discuss your acceptance worries and ask for their advice and see if they have any suggestions.</p>
<p>Oh, ok. Thank you for clearing that up for me.</p>