<p>With regards to the OP’s original intent – which I believe was to criticize the higher tier for allowing students to be admitted with lesser credentials because of athletic talents?</p>
<p>Athletic ability – at that level – is significantly more rare than academic achievement. Significantly. Should there be absolutely no consideration for the dedication required to achieve that level of skill? I feel like we trivialize this immensely! </p>
<p>Think of these athletes as artists. The greatest example of specialization – Cornell alums quickly defend their school’s versatility – the fact that Cornell can/will provide an education to any type of student – and the fact that Cornell often accepts students with lower credentials because they feel that the traditional way of measuring intellect is unnecessary. Desire and interest are SIGNIFICANTLY more important. </p>
<p>A sport could also be considered a specialized interest. While this area is very gray because they do in fact major in traditional subjects, I still feel it’s enough. It’s almost like judging an artist on qualifications unrelated to art.</p>