Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between an academic and an athletic scholarship?
Put simply an academic scholarship is offered to a student, by the university/college admissions staff, based on his/her academic ability. An athletics scholarship is a financial award granted to a student whose US coach would like him/her to play for their university team. Scholarships will vary depending on the student’s academic and athletic achievements and abilities.
Am I eligible for this opportunity?
Eligibility depends on a number of criteria such as academic success at GCSE/B Tech & 'A’ Level in the UK, age at entry to US colleges/universities, sporting ability of high quality and a personal history that will be acceptable at any US Visa interview. During our assessment of your application we will advise you if you are not eligible.
What can I study?
The US Higher Education system differs from that in the UK; for instance, a US degree course is generally 4 years in total and the student does not have to make his choice of major until the end of his/her sophomore year (Year 2). Students take compulsory subjects in their first 2 years, known as American Core Requirements (ACR), which count towards successfully completing the degree. These ACR subjects might include English, Maths, American History, Bible and a language to name a few. At the same time, a student will be studying subjects of their choice. After his/her sophomore year a student will then decide on the subject he/she wants to major in. The fact that you are a sports scholarship student does not limit your choice of degree subject in anyway whatsoever.
How much will it cost per year to attend a US college/university and what determines how much scholarship I get?
The amount you will pay per year varies tremendously as it will depend on many factors. Each college/university sets its own individual fees per year and every coach has a different athletics budget to work with. You might not be asked to contribute anything at all (exceptional academic and sporting abilities necessary!) whilst some colleges may require you to contribute some money towards tuition and/or housing. The better you are academically and athletically the more chance you have of getting a top scholarship. Also, if you play in the exact position the US coach needs to fill then that is a huge bonus. Our job to ensure we find you a scholarship which best fits your profile and financial situation.
I want to be a professional footballer in the USA – is this possible?
My answer is always the same in that if you didn’t make it as a pro in the UK then why do you think you can in America! It is not possible to study and be a professional soccer player at the same time. If you were successful in the Major League Soccer (MLS) draft then you would need to withdraw from college/university. Most soccer players will play for their college/university from August through to December each year and then join a Professional Development League club for 10 to 15 matches during May, June and July. These teams are the regularly watched by MLS representatives as the standard is high. Although 90% of the players who enter the MLS draft will have come from college/university, the vast majority of MLS soccer players complete their degree before joining MLS clubs. However, no matter what level you play at in the US, if you stand out, you will be seen. Certainly over the past few years I have known of British players becoming professional footballers both in the USA and on their return to Britain and Europe - opportunities do exist!
When do I need to join your company?
It is never too early to start the ball rolling given the volume of administrative hoops to jump through in the whole process. The usual route is to sign up in the autumn of the year before you intend to start at college/university in the USA. However, the process is lengthy and can take from 4 months to 2 years. Therefore, an increasing number of athletes are joining up 18 months before they intend to travel to America and this gives us more time to work with you; it also allows us to get the best scholarship offers there are available earlier than the rest!
When do I apply for my visa?
A simple question and a simple answer; not until all the necessary admission paperwork has been successfully completed (including the issue of Form I20) and you have received an official acceptance offer from your college/university. Furthermore, do not book any flights to the USA until your passport is returned to you, with your F1 Student Visa stamped inside it, after a successful interview at the USA Embassy in London.
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