<p>U Chicago does have recruited athletes. My daughter was one. My sense is that at U Chicago it is more a “tip” than a “hook.” Interest from a coach can help in demonstrating that a prospective student will find her or his niche in the community, and will contribute in some way in addition to the academic life of the school. So if admissions is considering two equally strong candidates, interest by the coach can help tip the balance. </p>
<p>But I do not think it rises to the level of a “hook.” I only know the running program. But judging from my daughter’s team mates, several of whom have been tackling honors level science courses at U Chicago, and the fact that they as a group generally have GPAs higher than the university average, I dont think any of the runners has won admissions based on athletic talent over academic talent. Cannot speak to other sports, but the evidence reported by Bowen et al in his writings on athletics at colleges argues that within the UAA athletic conference there are few athletic hooks.</p>