Expert: Thom Brooks - 1/31/2008

Question
QUESTION: students that take the GED or something similar . I am a junior this year and last year i took the California Proficiency Exam and only failed it by 13 points which is pretty shocking to me. Let me back up a little. Now my second semester of sophomore year I took classes at the JC next door and enjoyed them much more then my high school classes. College became much more interesting and now i play on going full time next year.

Now my question is about the schools. do they look down on students that take the "test" way. I'm very strong in math and average in reading/writing. My grades (back in High School) were B's and C's but usually all B's.

ANSWER: Evan, hello!

Contact the school where you seek to play and they will advise the NCAA standards of minimum grades to allow you to play at their level.

The Coaches just want great players that graduate on time.  Obviously, you need to educate yourself to be the very best you can be, after Football is over.  

I've taught around 39,000 students and hired over 350 in the insurance industry.  My eyes have seen all types of people.  Some simply have to work harder to be successful.  Thirty years ago, my opinions were different about grades and GED and college diplomas. I hear politicians accusing each other of flip-flops........  They do it for votes...... but I've learned that flipflopping can be a good thing if you're flipping for solid reasons.  So, I've flipflopped from 1974-1983 time to state that you just can't tell what is inside a person's heart.  Your desire and discipline will offset any kind of educational barrier.  

To answer your inquiry, if any school or coach "looks down" on a person for their manner of being successful, I would say they are terribly shallow and making a grievous mistake.

Now, go get fired up and let's play some Football !!

But first, listen to my youngest son's band.  We hope he will be nationally famous within a year.

myspace.com/listen2three



Thom Brooks
Savannah, Georgia



---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: i ask this because i was talked to about playing a different sport (golf) and when
I brought this subject up they freaked out. They started asking question about
me and using drugs, which i have never have taken any. and since that time they
have never contacted me back and i email them telling that i am still interested
as long as they are but i get nothing in return

Answer
Evan, hello again!

Perhaps you need to change college choices.  It sounds as if the person you communicated to did not get a favorable impression, so go look elsewhere.  You can also ask for a personal, face to face interview with those that you seek to play for. If you have any kind of drug history, I can understand the college's concern.  But, since you have never used illegal drugs, they should not be misled.  Tell them what you just stated to me.  If you're a good athlete for any sport, they would be wise to listen to your story.

Take care,

Thom Brooks
Savannah, Georgia