LLs usually come out in Jan-Feb to top applicants and recruited athletes. Officially, they are allowed Oct 1 to Mar 15. SCEA applicants won't receive any -- no need.
Harvard LL's begin Oct. 1 and go to athletes as early as possible so they can rest assured of their spot and not seek other placement at rival programs. FWIW, I do know of SCEA applicants (class of 2016) who received LL's. It is still necessary since these top kids can still go elsewhere since SCEA is not binding. They want these kids to feel special, courted and perhaps even change their mind about applying elsewhere RD. Keep in mind however that LL's are very rare outside of athletics. The precise numbers are available online.
" I do know of SCEA applicants (class of 2016) who received LL's. It is still necessary since these top kids can still go elsewhere since SCEA is not binding. They want these kids to feel special, courted and perhaps even change their mind about applying elsewhere RD."
For what I've heard, the only academic (or non-athletic) LLs that are sent are to candidates at non-feeder schools. If a student is a highly desirable candidate at an underperforming public high school, or a rural school where very few students leave the state for college, they are prime targets for LLs. They never (rarely) send LL to top privates or specialized magnet HS because of potential (political, among other) problems.
"If a student is a highly desirable candidate at an underperforming public high school, or a rural school where very few students leave the state for college, they are prime targets for LLs."
I haven't seen it stated so succinctly, but I guess my daughter fit in both of those categories three years ago. Her likely came by telephone (followed by letter) in late January, and it definitely did its job at our house. Her first choices were Yale and Brown and although she ultimately was admitted to both, it was hard to get past that January letter from Harvard saying that she would be a good fit.
Also, I might note since someone mentioned the interview above, that her interview was on Saturday, and the call came the next day.
I can also note how happy I am that Harvard saw something she did not see at the time, because it has, in fact, been a fantastic fit and an incredible experience for her, and I don't think she can now envision her college years being anywhere else than H.
@csshsm: I'm sure your daughter would've done very well (and would've been very happy) at either Brown or Yale as well (and this is coming from a happy H alum)
Athletic likely letters are a September-October thing, generally, to keep athletic recruits from signing national letters of intent with other D-I colleges or applying ED to Ivy/LAC rivals. I don't think interviews are required for those (other than with the coach).
As lioness4 said, likely letters for athletes may not be issued prior to Oct 1 of the prospect's senior year.
As for interviews - most athletes will take an official 48 hour visit to campus as part of the recruiting process. An interview with an admissions officer is often part of the visit.
athletes interview with admissions - not the coach! i don't know about helmet sports but i know for the rest, very important to be scholar-athlete not just jock. admissions vets this.
(and this is coming from a happy H alum)
