Fitzsimmons, the admissions dean, says his office uses the broken leg test for athletes: "Would the acceptance be a good one if the athlete steps off the curve and breaks their leg in 15 places in June?"
Recruited athletes face a slightly different admissions process from other students.
Coaches want to size up their teams early in the academic year, so they can identify for whom to advocate in spring discussions with the admissions office. Thus, coaches encourage good prospects to apply early, and a high percentage of recruited athletes are accepted in December.
Other recruits receive letters in February advising that they are "likely" admits. This admissions office tactic lets recruits know where they stand before they are confronted with signing deadlines from other schools.
Brian D. Borg '96, who plays football, says the financial aid process also allows for speedier response to athletes applications. And athletes on work-study are often cased into jobs at athletic facilities.
But those are the only two financial benefits given to recruits, athletes say.
"It shows we can field our best team without giving people things or screwing with financial aid," Halfnight says.
Athletic powers often recruit against Harvard by noting that the University does not give athletic scholarships. But officials here say need based and covers many athletes from poor and lower middle class backgrounds.
Money aside, Feaster says the main draw of Harvard for athletes is the same as for other students: the University's academic reputation.
"While the money would be appreciated," Feaster says, "Harvard's education is incomparable."