Key takeaway: you should start the process 1-2 years before you go to the USA
This is easily the number one thing students get wrong. They think they have way more time than they actually do, and if they start the process too late they are less likely to get the best offer.
Applying to university internationally is not the same as applying domestically in your home country. Coaches have a huge responsibility to recruit talented players (their jobs depend on it). So they’re going to take all the time they need to find the right recruits. Even if you’re not 100% set on going, you should start looking into the application process ASAP.
Key takeaway: many teams / leagues outside of Div 1 are actually more competitive and might be better for you
As soon as students start looking at American college as an option, they tend to aim for D1. That’s because it sounds like the best thing to aim for.
However, this is actually a huge misconception. Many D2 and D3 schools are highly competitive, and JUCO (Junior Colleges) can be a fantastic option for international students. We recommend speaking with your agent about what division suits you best.
Key takeaway: your coaches rely on your highlight video to assess talent; don’t miss an opportunity because of shoddy editing
One of the advantages of working with an agency is the support they’ll provide with your highlight video. Many players who create their own highlight video make some fundamental mistakes:
Key takeaway: it can take months, or even years, to get the right offer
Coaches have a huge responsibility to recruit talent. Because of this, they will probably take some time to properly consider all their options. It’s important to join an agency that provides regular updates and progress reports, so that you feel in the loop and aware of how your recruitment is progressing.
Key takeaway: you’re attending university as a student-athlete; you application should include both athletic and academic achievements
We get it, you might not have the most impressive grades - but that’s ok. Coaches just need to feel confident that you’ll meet the academic requirements of the university.
Making your academics clear on your application will make your coach's life easier, so they’ll be more likely to spend time reviewing your application and highlight video. In fact, some coaches have told us they immediately ignore applications that don’t include academics - don’t let this happen to you!
Key takeaway: you should be in regular communication with potential coaches to show interest
Coaches see thousands of applications each recruitment window. Even if they’re impressed by your highlight video, you need to stay in regular contact with them to increase your chances of securing an offer. If you apply through an agency, they will handle this follow up process for you.
Key takeaway: coaches are busy and they rely on you finding them
This is a big one: coaches don’t look for you, you need to show yourself to them. Posting on instagram or youtube might get you some views, but it’s unlikely coaches from your target schools will see you and make an offer from these videos. You need established connections to coaches, and you need to send a professional college application through these channels.
Key takeaway: scholarships are competitive, you need to stand out
Coaches rely heavily on agencies that they trust, so if you’re sending applications on your own without an agency, it’s highly important to stand out. If you don’t, they probably won’t even watch your highlight video.
If you are applying through an agency, you stand a better chance of getting offers, because your agent will work with you to build your recruitment profile with American coaches in mind. We know what coaches are looking for, and this understanding and experience is especially useful during the initial applications.
Key takeaway: there are lots of factors to consider when choosing your scholarship - don’t do it on a whim
You’re likely going to spend 4 years at your college; it’s a big decision to make. It’s important to do your research before accepting your scholarship. While a good name can look great on your CV when you graduate, there are many other factors you need to consider.
Key takeaway: joining a good agency will save you huge amounts of time and money
You are less likely to make the mistakes we’ve listed in this article if you sign a professional agency. Their experience securing scholarships for other players will increase your chances of securing an offer.
Also, a good agency is like an investment: the money you spend on your agent will save you thousands in tuition fees. Though the upfront cost can sometimes be difficult for student-athletes, it will most certainly save you money in the long run. We offer payments with Klarna, so you can spread the cost interest free (see Klarna.com for details).
