College application season can be stressful, and so it’s natural to want to know if there are places you can cut corners. Can I drop that AP course I hate? Will a dip in my GPA hurt my application? Do I really need to retake the SAT in my senior year?
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Really great testimonial we've received from a recent student!
"As everyone knows, the college process can be quite stressful and scary, which goes so much beyond simply applying. When it came to tours and interviews, I had no clue what to expect. How would I manage my time with my summer job and obligations to set up tours and go on college visits? An interview was necessary for my program and I was far from prepared to participate in one. What kinds of questions would they ask? What would my answers be? Along with my summer job, college tours, preparing for college applications and other obligations, I felt confused about the interview process and thought I had no time to prepare for them. Luckily, the staff at LAC was there to help. My rep's extensive knowledge of the college process greatly helped me through my interview process. He knew what questions were to be asked, and how I could best answer them, and he used his experience to prepare me better than most prospective college students. All of this was topped off with a mock interview to fully prepare for the interview. My time and effort with LAC’s professional outlook made the college process much less stressful and made me an interview expert. I will forever be thankful for their service and assistance." -- Andrew H., Branford, CT How can Leonard Andrew Consulting help you? Interview prep? Essay guidance? Get in touch today by clicking here. We are proud to announce that our Founder - Chad Dorman - is set to be a part of the first ever holistic student-athlete development digital platform and community at Blueprint! The mission is to create holistic development and wellness for every student-athlete around the world. There are 65 million student-athletes across the globe craving community, guidance, mentoring, resources and inspiration on how to live a well rounded life. Today’s digital landscape is absent of such resources for our kids and young adults. Social dominates every aspect of their lives. Blueprint, with the help of Chad and LAC, will revolutionize how their voices are heard, how stories are told, and how to live the best possible version of themselves. For details on this program, do not hesitate to contact us! With college prep or athletic recruiting inquiries, click here. When our business was started back in 2013 - with the purpose to guide students and student-athletes to being their best academically, athletically, and socially - we never thought that our services would have us working with students outside of our home state (Connecticut) or even outside of New England.
We are so very proud to report that as of this week - with clients now in England and Ireland -- Leonard Andrew Consulting is currently working with (or has previously worked with) students and student-athletes in 15 different countries! It's been an incredible run, and we're still just getting started -- our team looks forward to the road ahead. How can LAC help you? From admissions review to college prep, interview advice to athletic recruiting guidance, our team is here for you! Contact us today! So you've sent a number of college coaches an introductory email. Some you heard back from. Others...crickets. Many student-athletes wonder, "What now? Do I reach back out to the coach?"
The simple answer is: Yes. You want to continue to be forthright, communicative, and demonstrating the interest that you have in the school and program. Here is a synopsis of the email that you can send as a follow-up to the teams that you have directly already been in contact with (to varying degrees, of course). This email is prepped for the end of your high school academic year, but can be altered to fit any time. Do not hesitate to reach out to the team at LAC with any questions, concerns, or any inquiries regarding our services for student athletes! ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Good Morning/Afternoon/Evening Coach LAST NAME, It’s been a few weeks since we last connected, and with this school year winding down I wanted to follow up on our earlier correspondences. I’m still very much interested in being a part of your program and the college. Please let me know if you would have some time to potentially chat this spring or summer. I’m considering a number of tours and campus visits in my future, perhaps we could meet during one of those moments. In addition, I wanted to update you on my current academics and test scores. I continue to work hard in the classroom so that I have the opportunity to be a student-athlete in the game I love. GPA: Most Recent SAT: Most Recent ACT: HUDL/Highlight URL: I appreciate your time and look forward to hearing from you. Regards, NAME CONTACT INFORMATION (email, phone, etc.) We are always working to determine the best resources for students and their families to utilize when it comes time to paying for college. There is a TON of information out there, so we hope to pinpoint some terrific websites and individuals for you to leverage and (hopefully) make paying for college both easier and less stressful!
Our latest installment of 'Student Athlete Stories' is with a current Linfield College (McMinnville, OR) student-athlete, Clark Hazlett, who is a quarterback on their football team.
As noted in our previous #StudentAthleteStory posts, these responses are perfect to be used as a guide and reference-point for high school athletes looking to take the proper steps to prepare themselves for college life as an NCAA student-athlete. Athletically, what was the toughest part about making the transition from senior year of high school to freshman year of college?
Academically, what was the toughest part about making the transition from senior year of high school to freshman year of college?
How did you select your college? Were you recruited? And if so, what was the recruiting process like for you?
What did you do to prepare yourself the summer before you went off to college for the first time?
In season, what is a daily routine for you?
What, if any, academic aide is available to you? (Do you have team tutors, mandatory study halls, etc).
What tips do you have for students regarding time management?
What advice do you have for high school students looking to play a sport in college?
A huge ‘Thank You’ to Clark for his thoughtful responses! You can find him on his social media accounts -- including his excellent YouTube account -- here: YouTube: Adventure Athlete Instagram: @adventureathlete Twitter: clarkhazlett6 And remember, if you are a high school student athlete who has questions regarding the college prep or athletic recruiting process, do not hesitate to contact us (info@leonardandrew.com). We want to help you write your 'Student-Athlete Story'!! A common question that we see a TON this time of year, especially as high-school seniors are receiving their college decisions -- how should I let a college or university know that I will not be attending their school?
As for notifying these colleges in letting them know that you've chosen to go elsewhere -- it's a common courtesy to let them know that you are declining (one, because they took the time to review your file and admit you, and two, they'll want to know that they can open her spot up to someone else). Consider too that if you ever do choose to transfer in the future, you will want to make sure that you're in good graces with the admissions rep that you correspond with. There will be certain schools that will give specific instructions on how to notify them of your decision either way -- be sure to check the letters (or emails) of acceptance. Some schools may even provide an access point or portal online that you can simply long on you and select whether 'attending' or 'not attending'. For those schools that have no form or instructions in this matter, a short and sweet email to the admissions member who represents your state is the best way to go. Something along the lines of -- "After a tremendous amount of thought, I wanted to let you know that I've decided to decline your offer of admission. It was a tough choice, and I can't thank you enough for considering me in your applicant pool." With any other college prep or admission questions, do not hesitate to reach out to us! Send an email to info@leonardandrew.com. Each student-athlete that we work with has aspirations to play in the NCAA. Student-athletes need to understand - first and foremost - that playing your sport in college is not an easy thing to achieve. There are thousands of high school players competing for limited roster spots on the very same programs that you want to potentially be a part of. While there certainly can be a program for each and every player at the next level, it's hard work, determination, and discipline that will be the keys to open the doors to opportunity. As a high school student-athlete, you must make sure that you are doing EVERYTHING in your power to be the best player you can be. Here are three great ways to improve your game: 1. Seek Constructive Criticism Sure, it’s a great feeling when you're told how well you played in your game, though it’s likely you already know the areas that you excel at on the field, court, or ice. Just as important (if not moreso) as positive encouragement is constructive criticism from respected voices like your high school, club, or camp coaches. Get as many opinions as you can from those that really know and understand the game, and don’t take suggestions or direction negatively. Instead, be sure to focus in on those areas, as they will only lead you to becoming a better player. Film is seemingly every where and in every game now -- watch any and all highlights available to you so that you can recognize any bad habits and work on eliminating them. Each and every player at any level can always improve. Do not be satisfied with where you are - push to make yourself better than you were yesterday. 2. Develop Leadership Qualities College coaches are looking for student-athletes who showcase winning attitudes, mental toughness, take charge of their practices and workouts, and show composure in the toughest of situations. These elements not only make you a better student-athlete, but they help you elevate the ability of those around you (your teammates!). Be a LEADER. Keep in mind that being a 'leader' does not specifically mean being vocal or the loudest player. You do not have to be a vocal individual to be a leader -- many, many times the absolute best leaders are those that lead by example. To be a good leader, do everything to the best of your ability - the big and the little things. Be encouraging. Be first in line for drills. Be early to practice. Be willing to stay late. Be the hardest worker without question. And, especially as a student-athlete, this leadership does not stop in the game, at practice, or in the classroom. Aim to a role model away from school and the game too -- you'll be pleased to see where this mentality will take you in your life. 3. Be The Hardest Worker in the Gym (and be a Gym Rat!) The difference between being a good and being great is hard work. And those that are great work to beat the athlete that they were yesterday. Sure, you cannot change your height, but you can always have heart and always be looking for ways to improve -- get faster, stronger, more agile. Increase your strength, endurance, speed, and flexibility as much as you possibly can. Two of our favorite quotes apply to the 'gym rat' mentality -- "The true test of a man's character is what he does when no one is watching." (John Wooden) and one of ours: "The key to beating your opponent starts well before the game begins!" With inquiries or for information do not hesitate to reach out to us by emailing info@leonardandrew.com or by completing the contact form below! We help student-athletes not only find their college homes, but we are finding their programs and schools of absolute best fit. From athletic recruiting guidance, to admissions aide and college prep, our students are prepared to be Student-Athlete All-Stars. As part of our partnership with the Laurel Springs School, we are proud to announce a new curriculum of summer courses, perfect for that student on the move during summer break and ideal for catching up on a class, or getting ahead and earning those extra credits! Student-athletes may certainly want to consider these courses as they are fully accredited and are NCAA approved.
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Chad Dorman
LAC - Founder/Director Jaclyn CorleyFounder - The College Essay Captain, and featured guest blogger here for LAC. It's her mission to inspire people to tell empowering stories. Archives
January 2019
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