<p>Coaches for certain sports have X number of slots for recruits. A verbal agreement is not binding until you have something in writing. A coach would ask an athlete if he/she would commit before a written agreement is given. Most athletes would be admitted during ED. Sometimes if an athlete has very good stats but not a top recruit, a coach may not use his quota to get the athlete in. </p>
<p>A very sought after hockey player would get more than just a boost from a coach from Cornell. A lot of spring athletes often know they are admitted to a school by July. All year sports or fall sports athletes may have to wait until fall (recruiting weekends). </p>
<p>Tell your friend, if it’s the school for him, he should get more than a verbal. He should make sure the coach has a quota for number of athletes he could take, and he should commit if Cornell is the right environment for him.</p>