In May, my '08 son received an email from an academically solid university (U.S. News top quarter ranking) saying it would waive the application fee if he initiated the application process by May 31. We had no idea if he'd attract interest from the baseball program there, but decided to apply since it was free. The application process required a number of steps -- completing the actual application, sending in transcripts and test scores, writing an essay, getting 4 letters of recommendation (2 academic, 2 character), etc. No time deadline was given for getting everything in and by early September, he had sent in only his transcript and 2 letters of recommendation. Regardless, he received his letter of acceptance by mid-September, which shocked all of us, especially since he had only mediocre to average grades, test scores, and class rank.
The aforementioned school has a 55% woman/45% men balance -- not a terrible inequity. But perhaps it achieves this balance by admitting so-so students like my son. I am thankful!