I know a fair number of families applying to boarding schools. We are all going thorough the process so we talk a lot about it. Two of these families have told us that they are not being requiredto do certain things in the application process or are being told that other things (SSAT) are not important. These two families have children that are athletes and are being recruited. We know it s true. Do recruited athletes have a much lower threshold for grades and scores?? Incidentally these are top schools.
Athletes, legacy, development cases do have some flexibility. Although the SSAT scores can be somewhat lower they want to make sure that anyone who is admitted can do the work.
The TSAO schools also have a process by which athletic recruits are treated. The coaches are not allowed to proactively approach students. The TSAO coaches can and do reach out to admissions when there is a particularly good recruit. The ultimate decision is always made by admissions.