<p>jrpar – I am hesitant to revoke my assertion that many athletic teams at highly selective schools outperform the general student body. By “many” I don’t mean to imply a majority of teams, but I do think it is more than just a handful. The problem is that I can’t quantify my claim without more work than I care to undertake. I would also say that my statement doesn’t apply to the “revenue sports,” such as men’s basketball, football and, in some cases, hockey and lacrosse. I do believe that minor sports teams often are comprised of students who perform at a level higher than the general student body. I know that at my daughter’s Patriot League school the swimming & diving team, women’s tennis team, women’s basketball team, track & field team and cross country team the GPAs exceed the student average.</p>
<p>Maybe the Patriot League has records that could clarify this, but for now I guess we’ll just have to agree to disagree. BTW, I have no dog in this hunt as neither daughter or myself are/were Division I student-athletes.</p>