[FarmBoy]

Allowing the athlete to apply without a good faith effort to complete the entire application sends the athlete the message from the very beginning that the school does not expect him to put more than minimal effort into academics.

TreeWeird makes an excellent point. Scholarship athletes at many schools are not integrated into the student body and one frequently hears report of their entitlement attitude. If writing one word for the min 250 word essay is is acceptable, what's acceptable to get a passing grade in a class? Just showing up? Completing the essay may not be a determining factor of acceptance, but it sends a clear message that you're part of the student body and need to meet the requirements.

[FarmBoy]

Allowing the athlete to apply without a good faith effort to complete the entire application sends the athlete the message from the very beginning that the school does not expect him to put more than minimal effort into academics.

TreeWeird makes an excellent point. Scholarship athletes at many schools are not integrated into the student body and one frequently hears report of their entitlement attitude. If writing one word for the min 250 word essay is is acceptable, what's acceptable to get a passing grade in a class? Just showing up? Completing the essay may not be a determining factor of acceptance, but it sends a clear message that you're part of the student body and need to meet the requirements.