The Leg Up Newsletter

August has certainly never felt

this

way before! Changes to college admission plans, high schools pivoting quickly to virtual education for the fall quarter, SAT and ACT exam dates canceled and rescheduled - it seems as though

everything

is up in the air!

Not all changes are bad, however.

I've used the pandemic period to complete the necessary updates to my 2014 guidebook,

Horses for Courses

, and the second edition became available on Amazon on Monday. (

Order your copy here

.) I've also had several conversations with higher ed professionals and will have some exciting new services to offer clients as early as this winter. Look for more specific updates in future newsletters!

In the meantime, readers - be safe. Be well. And be flexible - I think we have more changes to come before we find our way back to normal!

Latest Updates

Randi C. Heathman

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The Independent Educational Consultants Association (IECA) Calls on Colleges to Go Test-Optional PERMANENTLY

The significant barriers to access imposed by the SAT, ACT and other standardized tests, and the resulting inequities, are not limited to the challenges of test administration during a pandemic.

 The Independent Educational Consultants Association (IECA) and its members are deeply committed to helping students navigate the college process and find colleges where they can grow, succeed, learn, and thrive.

IECA believes in the transformative power of education, and we are devoted to our mission of ensuring that all students have access to education, regardless of race, ethnicity, socioeconomic status, learning differences or zip code. We demonstrate this commitment through (1) our work with thousands of students and families from all 50 states and around the world (2) our partnerships with colleges, schools and therapeutic programs and (3) the creation of equitable and inclusive resources.

IECA seeks to prevent barriers to that access.In an effort to advance equity, IECA believes that all students should be able to choose how to present themselves in their college applications and whether or not to submit their standardized test scores.Read the full statement from the IECA here.

US Equestrian Announces Updated Equestrian Interscholastic Athlete Program for Riders in 5th through 12th GradeLexington, Ky. – The US Equestrian Athlete Lettering Program is getting a new look! US Equestrian is excited to unveil a new name and an updated look for its popular student athlete recognition program. The newly renamed US Equestrian Interscholastic Athlete Program will continue to provide recognition to athletes who participate in equestrian sports through their middle and high school careers. This will be the first of several exciting announcements of our revamping process with the new US Equestrian Athlete Program.

Participants can apply for the program for up to eight years total, beginning in fifth grade and continuing through their senior year of high school. In order to receive recognition for a year of participation, athletes must compete in at least three competitions (both USEF-licensed and non-licensed are accepted) or log a minimum of 100 hours of riding, driving, or training time.

Athletes will receive a patch for their first year of participation and a pin for each subsequent year for which they complete the requirements. The pins and patches feature an updated program logo, which is also available on a new range of merchandise at shopusef.org.Read More

Clients' Corner

Juniors

Welcome aboard - the work begins in September!

Comprehensive clients, be sure to email Randi when you complete your assessments.

Seniors

Keep those essays coming - you're doing great!

If Randi hasn't seen your activities list on the Common App, schedule a meeting!