What exactly is a likely letter from colleges, and who receives them?

Hi folks! I've been hearing a lot about 'likely letters' lately and kind of understand that they're good news, but what are they really? Who usually gets these and do all colleges send them out or just some? I'm just a bit confused about what a likely letter signals about your admissions chances and would appreciate any clarification. It seems like another mysterious part of the college admissions process.

Hey there! A likely letter is essentially a signal from a college indicating that you are very likely to be admitted. It's a way for colleges, particularly more competitive ones, to express their strong interest in a student ahead of the official decision notifications. Likely letters are most often sent to top recruits in athletics, as well as to exceptionally outstanding applicants who stand out even among their high-achieving peers. The purpose is to encourage these students to consider attending that college by giving them an early positive sign. Not all colleges send out likely letters, and their distribution can be quite limited. They're rare and should be viewed as a very positive indication of your admission status, although they are not an official offer of admission. If you receive one, congratulations are in order because it means the college is very interested in having you on campus!