Sport Scholarship FAQs

Applying

• What academic qualifications do I need to have?

  There are many different academic levels ranging from Ivy League universities such as Harvard and Yale to junior colleges - our job is to find the best fit for you.  If you are competent at school and have at least C average in the UK (contact us for academic requirements if you do not live in the UK) you should take SAT or ACT and aim for a four-year university. SAT and ACT are two standardised college entry multiple choice tests primarily testing your Maths and English. If you did not achieve the grades you had hoped for or simply want an easier transition you can go to junior college where you only need to graduate from high school (in the UK you need at least 5 GCSE grades).
  Post Graduate Students may need to sit other tests such as Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT) or Graduate Record Examinations (GRE). 
  
  The better academics you have the wider choice of universities and colleges you will have. If you excel at school you might even add an academic scholarship on top of your sport scholarship.

• How old do I need to be to get a sports scholarship in America?

  Given how competitive sports scholarships in America are, we would advise you to begin the process 2 years before leaving high school. The process from your initial application to starting your scholarship can take anywhere between 9-20 months depending on your sport and ability level.
  Typically our undergraduate students start when they are 15-19 years old. Transfer or post-graduate students from 18-22 years old.

Assessment

• What should I bring to an assessment day?

  Most of soccer assessments are held on 3G/4G surface so make sure you bring the appropriate footwear. Don't forget your shin pads, warm up clothing or water bottle! If you are playing as a goalie you can wear your own strip and, of course, don't leave your gloves behind.
  For golf assessments we have a game of golf (in most cases at your home golf course). Whether it is a match play or hitting balls at the range you should bring your own clubs.
  For other sports we will need your CV with details including your achievements up to date, stats, etc. We will inform if you need to bring your own equipment.

• Where are soccer assessments held?

  We have several venues around London area as well as venues in Midlands, Manchester, Glasgow and Aberdeen. We often visit other parts of the country so apply/log in to see the upcoming assessment days and venues.

• When will I get told if I'm accepted?

  If you play an individual sport, we will let you know during the meeting with yourself and your parent. In some cases we might need to take a couple of days to evaluate your eligibility.
  If you play soccer, it will take 2-3 days after the assessment game for our staff to review the footage. We will then contact you with our decision.
  For other team sports, we either let you know on the day we see you play or might take a couple of days to assess your eligibility.

• How I am assessed?

  The assessment differs depending on your sport. For team sports we need to see you play in a competitive game while for individual sports we assess your results and progress. In both cases we also review your academic performance.
  First of all you need to apply online and fill in the application form - one of our sport consultants will then contact you to arrange your assessment and will explain in more detail what will happen on the assessment day.

• What happens if I don't do well during my assessment?

  We understand it might be very disappointing if you do not perform your best in a sports scholarship assessment. You might have a reason that doesn't let you show your best (such as recent injury or a cup game you had a day before). Don't be shy and let us know.
  If we cannot make a decision on your performance, we will invite you back to another assessment day. If you think you can play much better, you can book another assessment day yourself.

• How long do I get to play in the soccer assessment?

  Depending on numbers, format and your position you will get 45-90 minutes of game time.

• Do I get to see any video footage of the assessment game?

  Unfortunately due to some underage kids playing at our games we cannot share the footage (it's against the law!). But if you sign with us, we will make you your own highlight reel.

• How many assessment days can I go to?

  You can go to multiple assessment days. We usually invite players to come again if we feel we have not seen enough to make a decision.

• How many players do you sign?

  As we pride ourselves in providing a tailored and very personal service we try to keep the numbers low.
  We do not have quotas - the decision depends on your sporting ability, results, athleticism, academics, family support and many other factors. We believe there are a lot of athletes who can compete in college sports as there are many different sporting levels at American universities and colleges. However, we are only interested to work with athletes who will be successful in the US collegiate sport system and will attract sufficient scholarship funding so your studies won't be a burden on your family.

Process

• What sports scholarship services does United Sports USA offer?

  We work with young male and female athletes in golf, soccer, athletics, swimming, tennis, rugby and more. Our services can be broken down into four stages.
  Stage 1: Assessment
  Our thorough academic and sporting assessment allows us to determine the exact athletic and academic level at which students will succeed as well as pinpoint what options are open to them.
  Stage 2: Preparation
  Adequate preparation ensures that the application and scholarship process goes smoothly and that all doors remain open. Academically, preparation involves services such as setting up a College Board account, SAT registration and preparatory material, transcript preparation, grade translations, and advice on which high school courses to take. Athletically, preparation involves services such as NCAA and NAIA registration, advice on which tournaments or competitions to attend, creating PR packets, and filming and editing highlights reels.
  Stage 3: Targeted Promotion
  We listen to our clients and perform thorough research of universities and colleges to identify suitable programs. We release promotional material to coaches and handle the daily management of interests and contact with coaches. It is during this stage that our coach connections and reputation is particularly valuable. Throughout the timeline we will continue to update coaches with your progress and revised profile. We also review and file communications and scholarship offers. You can count on us for advice at every step of the process.
  Stage 4: Final steps
  Once a scholarship offer has been negotiated with the coach, we are still here to assist with application forms, student visa applications, flights, and insurance. We make ourselves available to you even after you arrive in the USA to assist with anything you need during the transition to life in the USA.

• How long does it take to get a sport scholarship?

  Given how competitive sports scholarships in America are, we would advise you to begin the process 2 years before leaving high school. The process from your initial application to starting your scholarship can take anywhere between 9-20 months depending on your sport and ability level.

• Where do I do my SAT/ACT?

  There are many test centres whether you live in the UK, US or anywhere else. When we book your SAT/ACT we will contact you with a choice of 2-5 test centres that are close to where you live - you can decide which one is the most convenient to you.

• What happens if I fail my SAT/ACT?

  Don't worry! First of all you can take SAT/ACT as many times as you want, or until you get the score you need. Since the test differs quite a bit from the exams outside the US most of our clients take the test 2-3 times.
  If you don't want to retake your SAT/ACT you can always start at junior college where you will be studying and competing in your sport for two year before transferring to university for another two years to finish off your degree.

• What universities do you work with?

  There are over 2000 universities and colleges in the US that offer varsity sports. This number differs for each sport. We have access to all of these coaches but target the programs that fits with your academics, sporting level and other criteria.
  There are many coaches who return to us looking for athletes every year.

• How do I know what the best universities are for me?

  We analyse your sporting performance, academics and other criteria to determine which universities are the best fit for you and where you would succeed both academically and in your sport. During the promotion period we will get you in touch with several coaches who will chat with you about their programs, universities, sports facilities, etc. So you will have a better insight about what it is like to study and compete at that specific university or college. We have been student-athletes ourselves competing at different levels and travelling around the US, hence we can always give you some advice to make a more informed decision.

• How do I get a full scholarship?

  Full scholarships for freshmen are not easy to come across as each coach has a limited number of scholarships available and tend to reward the athletes who have already proven themselves. However, there are ways to get at least very close to a full scholarship.
  First of all, you should train hard to get a full scholarship. You must be a game changer in your sport. College sports in America are a high level and very intense so you must make sure you are in peak physical condition. If you are playing at a top academy in your country you may have a chance of getting a full scholarship or close to it.
  It might be a good idea to look for teams outside NCAA Division 1 where you would be a more valuable player in the team. There is life outside NCAA D1 and there are many players who make it to professional sports from NCAA D2, NAIA and Junior Colleges, so if you are determined to get a full scholarship you may want to consider all options.
  Don't get behind with your school work - the better grades you have the more attractive you are to the coach. If you excel at school and nail your SAT/ACT you can get academic money on top of your sport scholarship getting you closer to a full scholarship.

• What happens if I'm not happy with any of the offers I receive?

  If you receive offers but none of them are appealing to you, we will continue promoting you and speaking with coaches until we get you the sports scholarship offer you like. Depending on your eligibility status and other factors we may work with you for another year.

Life as student athlete

• How many years can I play?

  In most cases you will have 4 years to play, whether you go to a four a year university/college or you do two years at junior college and two years at university. In some universities, if you have all 5 years of eligibility, you can split your courses or do postgraduate degree after your bachelor's and compete for 5 seasons. If you get injured and cannot play for a whole season, you are able to take a 'medical redshirt' which means you can do a 5th year and make up that season when you were injured.

• Where can I study?

  There are over 2000 colleges and universities in the US offering various degrees and sports programs. Currently we have our clients studying in over 40 different states across America including New York, Florida, California and Texas. Certain states are more favourable for certain sports, e.g. golfers excel in Southern states due to all year round golf season while Colorado and Oregon are known as great training ground for runners.

• Do I have to do a sports degree?

  No! You can do any subject that the university/college has on offer - from sports management to finance, from anthropology to astrophysics - the choice is yours. If you have a specific subject in your mind, let us know and we will filter universities and colleges which offer what you want to study.
  If you go to junior college but don't want to continue with university, you will earn an associates degree. If you study at four year college or university or transfer there after two years from junior college, you will graduate with bachelor's degree in your subject. You can stay on as Graduate Assistant and do your masters degree as well.
  

• How long is the season?

  There are three seasons in collegiate sports: fall, winter and spring. Various sports are played at different time of the year. For example, fall is the season for sports like soccer or american football, during winter sports such as basketball or swimming are in season, and in spring golfers and tennis players have their competitions. For some athletes season might be longer, for instance, track and field athletes can compete indoors during winter season and outdoor during spring season - some of them even squeeze in cross country competitions during fall season.
  During off-season athletes spend a lot of time in the gym working on their strength and conditioning and specific areas of their game as well as competing at friendly events. Many athletes train during the summer months as well, for example soccer players have their preseason in August with the most intense training of two sessions a day.

• Can I play more than one sport?

  Yes, if their seasons do not clash. For example, you can play soccer during fall season and compete for track and field in spring. However, the seasons for each sports are intense, hence, it is harder to balance them with your studies.

• What happens if I get injured?

  Universities and colleges have a comprehensive support system making sure you recover from any injuries you pick up during training or while competing. With physio, specialised training programs, nutritionists and the support of sport psychologists you will be looked after.
  If the injury is more serious and recovery time is longer, you can get a medical red-shirt which means you will not loose your eligibility to play or your scholarship funding.

• What happens if i do not settle in?

  Whether you are homesick, don't like the college, culture or climate, or have another reason, you can always come back home. You are not tied to university, however, we recommend to finish your first year as that would allow you to go straight into your second year either back home or at another university/college in the US.

• What happens when I arrive?

  First time when you arrive to the US you will be picked up by one of the coaches or a senior from your team. They will take you to your dorms, show you around and introduce you to everyone you need to know during your time at university.
  Soccer players will meet the team around two weeks prior to classes starting to do pre-season training, that is normally around 5-10th August. You will get to know your team mates well and your way around campus at this point. You can also get student orientation, this will be a day or two before classes officially start and you will be given a tour of campus and introduced to everyone you need to know in terms of academic support.

• Where will I stay?

  Most universities and colleges require you to live in dorms for at least the first year, and sometimes the second year also. After this period you will be allowed to rent a student apartment near campus and share it with some of your team mates or college friends. If you have your accommodation covered in your scholarship, the school will issue you a check at the beginning of each semester to pay for rent and other bills.

• How do I pay my fees?

  If you're not on a full scholarship, your university will give you an instalment plan so you will pay the reminder of your fees over the course of the year. It differs from college to college.

• When do I get time off?

  You will have a long Thanksgiving weekend, Christmas break and spring break as well as summer holidays. During short holidays you can choose to come back home, spend it with your teammate's family or visit some places in the US. On summer holidays many athletes go back home, however, some choose to spend time competing in summer leagues (such as playing soccer for one of the PDL teams) or working in summer camps. For sports like soccer the summer holidays are shorter as the preseason starts in August.

• Will university pay for my flights?

  You will have to make your own way to university - flights are not included in sports scholarships and universities are not allowed to pay for your flights (with very rare exceptions, e.g. universities in Hawaii). However, once you get to your university they will sort and pay for all team travel to competitions and tournaments.

• What expenses will I have?

  If you are on a full scholarship your accommodation, meals and books will be covered, as well as all team travel. You will get training apparel so you won't need to spend much on your clothing. Although, it is good to have some pocket money for an occasional trip to a cinema or dinner in town.

• What is the difference between junior college and four-year college/university?

  Junior college is an easier route into college sports and higher education in the US as you will not need to sit an SAT/ACT or go through eligibility centres - you just need to graduate from school. Junior colleges offer two year associate programs and are cheaper. Whether you go to junior college or university, the first two years will consist mainly of general education classes so there is not much difference if you start in junior college and transfer after 2 years or get straight into a four-year college/university.
  Since many strong athletes go to junior colleges just because they don't have good grades at school, the sports are still very competitive. As there are only athletes one year older than you in junior college, it is easier to get a spot in a starting line up or a travelling team. Once you have proven you can cope with the challenges of student-athlete life at junior college, it is also easier to move on to good four-year programs to complete your final 2 years.

• Can I play pro after college?

  Sure! In some sports in America players cannot turn pro if they haven't gone to university or college at least for a year, hence, that is definitely a route where you can improve and prepare for career as a pro. Full time training, world class facilities and professional coaching will benefit you as an athlete. Also you will be competing along and against some of the world's best athletes travelling around the States.
  In recent years we have had several athletes across different sports turning pro and having successful sporting careers either in the US or back home.

• Can I stay in America after I complete my degree?

  Sure, you can apply for the Optional Practical Training (OPT) visa which might open a lot of doors for you.