When considering any type of alternative or special admission processes for incoming students, the university is charged with taking into account traditional admissions criteria such as high school grade point average (GPA) and standardized test scores as well as other attributes. These "other attributes" frequently include pressure to admit students who are athletically gifted but academically underprepared. The potential glory of a university on the athletic field can become a key consideration in the decision whether to admit certain applicants. The present study examines the decision-making process relating to special admissions for student-athletes. The study's four main considerations include concerns regarding the use of high school GPA and standardized test score as admissions criteria for prospective student-athletes; pressure on the admissions committee to avoid competitive disadvantage by effectively sending talented recruits to a competitor; the admissions committee's desire to admit students believed to be academically prepared; and the National Collegiate Athletic Association's (NCAA's) changes to initial eligibility criteria--changes which allow universities to make admissions decisions independently. Following approval of selected student-athletes, a test of basic academic skill level was administered, revealing a significant difference in reading skill level below a given threshold of standardized test score. (Contains 4 tables.)