Sports scholarships from the university are a unique opportunity to get a higher education for free or almost free of charge in the leading countries of the world (most often in the USA), while simultaneously practicing your favorite sport at the highest level. Sports are an important part of the American education system, and they give it no less importance than to academic achievement.

Each higher educational institution in the United States provides its wards with an opportunity not only intellectual, but also physical development. In addition to this offer, some universities also offer sports scholarships. In this case, students have at their disposal fully equipped sports and gyms, stadiums, tennis courts, golf courses, swimming pools and other elements of the sports infrastructure. Would you like to know how to become one of those elite who receive a sports scholarship? Read on.

What is an Athletic Scholarship and why is it Needed?

Roughly speaking, an athletic scholarship is a contract between you, as an athlete, and the institution where you are studying. The athlete competes for college and the college pays for his /her tuition fees. The list of sports disciplines that are funded by scholarships is quite extensive: you can literally get a scholarship for any sport imaginable. Of course, not all universities offer scholarships for all sports, but you can find a university that is exactly the kind of sport that suits you.

The degree of financial support depends on the level of income of the university itself. Some educational institutions provide grants to foreign students, in others the amount of financial assistance is determined based on the student’s family budget. Also, money can be issued as a reward for academic or sports achievements. For students who juggle between academic responsibilities and their sports commitments, services like the EssayPro term paper writing service can be invaluable, ensuring they maintain good academic standing. For example, for playing squash, a scholarship can be obtained at three universities: Stanford, Drake University and George Washington University.

The players of the teams of these universities regularly receive payments as long as they continue to participate in the matches. If the student drops out due to injury or other reasons, the scholarship will not be paid. Therefore, you should have a good academic record as a safety cushion, and the paper writing service can help you with it.

1. Carefully Prepare for Admission

For admission, you must pass language exams and prepare translation of documents. Then send exam results and translations to the university.

Exams. If you are an international student, you need to take the TOEFL and SAT language exams. Average passing scores in US universities: TOEFL — 70 points, SAT — 900 points.

The longer you prepare for it, the better the results will be. It may take even two years to prepare for the exams.

Documents. For admission, you will need a translated and certified transcript of the school certificate — high school transcript. Some universities also need a GPA and other documents.

The transcript of the certificate is drawn up in the language of your country and stamped at the school. The translation of the transcript can be ordered from a licensed translator, and certified by a notary.

2. Start Preparing in Advance

Do not wait for the completion of basic studying! The sooner you start preparing for admission, the more chances you have of winning a place. You will also have more time to fix issues that could lower your chances of getting an athletic scholarship.

3. Select the Type of Scholarship

Athletic scholarships at American universities can be full or partial. The full athletic scholarship is equal to the student-athlete’s expenses for the entire period of education. It covers tuition and tuition fees, on-campus room and board, sports equipment and competitions, health insurance, textbooks (depending on the university). A partial sports scholarship covers tuition and tuition fees, competitions, depending on the percent, it can also apply to other items of expenditure. With a partial scholarship, the difference in the amount of expenses is covered by the student (academic scholarship, parents, relatives or other source). Sometimes it is better to apply for a partial scholarship if you feel that the university will not give you a full one.

4. Select a Division

The United States has NCAA, NAIA, and NJCAA divisions. Each has its own terms and conditions:

The National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) is the most famous and respected sports organization, which is mainly represented by large state universities. More than 1200 institutions in total.

The NAIA is largely composed of small, private universities. Athletic and academic standards are not as high as in the NCAA, and more loyal demands are made on foreign athletes.

The NJCAA includes colleges with 2-year programs. Since it is cheaper to study there, many applicants first enter them, and then transfer to universities. Coaches often choose to hire NJCAA players because they have a proven sense of purpose and have shown a knack for balancing studying and training.

5. Showcase your Athletic Performance

You should prepare your game video, make a short story about yourself (your achievements in studies and sports). First of all, you need to make your sport video so that you can present yourself to American coaches. It is advisable to make the video in Highlights form – i.e. slicing your best gaming moments from games and workouts.

6. Write a Short Resume

A resume is essential in enhancing your chances of an athletic scholarship. Indicate in it your date of birth, height, weight, position on the sport. Describe your main achievements in sports.

Summing up

The sports scholarship is a great opportunity to continue your sports career and at the same time obtain a foreign diploma. The American government has a stake in attracting promising young people to the country, so talented, disciplined and motivated athletes have every chance of winning. Try it yourself!