HOW SPORTS SCHOLARSHIP WORK
Have you ever dreamt about attending one of those American colleges that we usually see in movies? As we grow up, this dream seems to vanish when we realize how much attending an American college costs.
But you should never lose hope! The US offers different categories of scholarships, ranging from academic merits, financial needs, and also… sports merits!
DON’T RENOUNCE YOUR CAREER IN SPORT
A student-athlete in the US can graduate from among the best colleges without giving up his athletic career. Students can receive either a full or a partial scholarship covering the fees through playing the sport they grew up knowing and loving!
However, for those students who practice individual sports, it is essential to be aware of the fact that they would compete for the university’s team and not as individuals.
AT ANY PROFESSIONAL LEVEL
It is not necessary to excel as an athlete in the highest leagues. American colleges divide indeed sports into three categories: Division I, Division II, and Division III. If you compete at a professional level at any level, you have a chance to be considered for these scholarships!
You could directly candidate yourself to colleges or they could contact you through your social media profiles, e-mail address, or your trainer.
GREAT RESPONSIBILITIES
Being a student-athlete also implies having important responsibilities. Receiving a scholarship based on sports merits works like a kind of contract. Discipline, good grades, and dedication are the fundamental requirements which – if not met – can bring the suspension of the scholarship or the exclusion from the team. Discipline, good grades, and dedication are fundamental requirements.
The training, the competitions, and away matches take up most of the time of a student-athlete. Therefore, playing sports while studying is time-consuming and must be taken really seriously: time management is key to being successful.
For many athletes, the United States represents the only way to get a degree while continuing to pursue their professional sports career. This can happen not only because of the organization of American colleges – very different from the European ones – but also because of the cultural value of sports in American life. If a lot of the things mentioned peak your interest, then the student-athlete path may be for you!