<p>Michael Phelps may have taken a few courses at UMich but he was not a full time, degree seeking student, and he would have difficulties stating his case for being able to do the academics there. </p>
<p>I think it is safe to say that an Olympian who has the academic credentials to be admitted is very likely to be admitted to most colleges. I know a number of Olympians who are Stanford, Columbia, other ivy students. Every one of them have the resume to be a viable candidate, but the Olympic credentials was the trump card for them. That is an EC that does make an impact. Talk about a hook! THAT is a hook.</p>