<p>This kid in my school just got into Yale. I think he made an oral agreement with the crew coach. And he’s applying early. So he’s set.</p>
<p>And we’re just finishing up our apps. WONDERFUL! =D</p>
<p>You’d be surprised how that doesn’t always work out. I know a friend who had an oral agreement with the Columbia crew coach, but then still felt himself get deferred / rejected (I forget which) in December. Of course, he’s now rowing for Berkeley crew, which is the best crew team around, so it’s not a big deal, but don’t think your classmate is a shoe-in. It really depends on how much pull the crew coach has with the admissions office, and whether your classmate has the academic qualifications (lowered, admittedly, for athletes) - he may have a promise of the coach’s support, I doubt he really has a promise of admissions, whatever he may be saying.
Best,
DMW</p>
<p>Ditto to what dmw said. I’ve seen athletes who were certain they were in be quite surprised when the actual admissions decisions come around. The guy at your school may ultimately get it, but he’s not truly in yet.</p>