[Goose]

This will be considered directly related to athletic needs. Just like it is at every other school that does it.

I am sure that would be the argument, but whose athletic "needs"? The Universities or the students? You can make all kinds of arguments about special treatment "needs" for athletes. Many of them are not successful when evaluated/litigated. I think the main reason that the "early admit" argument hasn't been an issue is that most large state universities allow early admits to "everyone", not just athletes. Stanford's situation will be different, because up to now freshman year was "lock step" for everybody.  I suspect that the answer will be some general early admit program available to all that few non-athletes apply for. But I think it has to be there.

[Goose]

This will be considered directly related to athletic needs. Just like it is at every other school that does it.

I am sure that would be the argument, but whose athletic "needs"? The Universities or the students? You can make all kinds of arguments about special treatment "needs" for athletes. Many of them are not successful when evaluated/litigated. I think the main reason that the "early admit" argument hasn't been an issue is that most large state universities allow early admits to "everyone", not just athletes. Stanford's situation will be different, because up to now freshman year was "lock step" for everybody.  I suspect that the answer will be some general early admit program available to all that few non-athletes apply for. But I think it has to be there.