<p>MJP2558 is absolutely correct! </p>
<p>You mentioned in particular the Claremont schools. They do participate in this, with different levels of support for applications. From, I really, really want this kid, to, If he/she gets in I would love to have them. They do team up for sports. Harvey Mudd, Scrips, and CMC all form one athletic group. While Pomona and Pitzer join up for the other. They are considered “rivals” :-)))</p>
<p>As far as I know, even with a very top tip/slot, you do not need to, or are even asked to, apply ED at these schools. You do need to be somewhere in the range of the stats for the school however, as they want to make sure that you will be able to handle the academics. </p>
<p>Reread MJP2558’s post - it says it all! And it does happen all the time that a STUDENT-Athlete, very talented ones in their sport, do choose to go to a D3 school, even if they are heavily recruited by D1 schools for the reasons that MJP2558 mentioned. D1 and D2 schools tend to emphasize sports (in general!) over academics, while most D3s emphasize academics over sports. For most, it all comes down to the students ultimate goal in life after college.</p>
<p>Also, if you are looking at 2010, you should contact the Coach right away, as they will need to know of your interest, and may want to follow up with you asking for recommendations, etc. Also, if they give you any type of positive response, you will need to make sure and apply to the school 
however applying ED is not usually necessary - at least at the Claremont Colleges. Also, D3s usually start their heavy recruiting period just after the November signing for D1 schools. So, if you start now, you do have the time to persue a D3 school.</p>