March 21, 2006 | Comments (0)
US Youth Soccer is proud to offer College Planning Resources and Tips from The Sport Source®. Please find below downloadable resources as well as College Tips provided free of charge from The Sport Source® to USYouthSoccer.org. Thanks to their support, USYouthSoccer.org will continue to update and add additional resources for our future collegiate players. Please note, all information contained herein is property of The Sport Source®
One of the most important decisions a young person will make while in high school is the choice of a college to attend. If the young student is fortunate to not only be academically qualified but also athletically as well, then opportunities exist to secure a college scholarship. A number of factors need to be taken into account when selecting a college such as:
- Local vs away-from-home
- Commuting vs residential campus
- Large vs small school
- Area of academic interest
- And of course the cost of education
The lucky student who also possesses recognized soccer abilities and skills has additional opportunities. College coaches are constantly on the lookout for new prospects. Oftentimes you will find coaches at tournaments viewing any number of players. As a prospective college player, it is of utmost importance that you do a thorough investigation of potential colleges and that you be identified as early as possible. Important vehicles for showcasing your abilities include tournaments, club soccer, high school soccer, and the US Youth Soccer Olympic Development Program. Many coaches begin identifying potential prospects in a player's junior year of high school.
College Resources
• Sample Resume [doc]
• Sample Cover Letter [doc]
• NCAA Soccer Programs and Scholarship Information [link]
College Planning Tips
Here are the subheadings for College Planning Tips. Click on the link to be directed to that section of the article.The College Admissions | Learn More
Getting Started | Learn More
What does it take to play in college? | Learn More
Summary | Learn More
When you are ready to play college athletics | Learn More
Paying for college - schedule for financial aid applicants | Learn More
Whom can I trust | Learn More
Paying for college - foreign students | Learn More
The student athlete's role in choosing a college | Learn More
Essential questions to consider | Learn More
Academic eligibility & admission requirements | Learn More
Know the recruiting rules | Learn More
Admission steps | Learn More
www.NCAAClearinghouse.net the fee is $50.00 and if applicable a student can request a waiver from the high school if he or she meets the criteria.
www.NCAACearinghouse.net - Choose the NCAA Initial Eligibility Clearinghouse Online Application for Foreign Student-Athletes. The fee is $50.00 to register and is non-refundable.
As an international applicant it is important to begin the process as early as possible. You should apply no later than 6 months prior to the semester in which you wish to begin your studies. You will need the extra time to obtain your official school records, arrange for the required examinations, forward bank verification of your financial resources, for your application to be reviewed, and to obtain your visa. It is important to note that many U.S. colleges and universities require international students applying for undergraduate studies (bachelor's degree) to pay all expenses themselves. Many universities do not give scholarships or financial aid to international students seeking undergraduate studies, we encourage the student to check with each college or university before they apply and ask what financial aid if any would be available.
International students usually are required to be proficient in the English language, and good students in their own countries before they will be considered for admission into a college in the U.S. Students usually should have 12 years of study in their own country, beginning at age six. The last four or five years should include the study of English, history, mathematics and science. Although each university may be different, this is a basic overview of what many universities require for application from international students:
An Application Form: Answer every question. Your principal or headmaster may also be asked to answer questions on the form. There may or may not be an application fee.
Financial Certification: The student or his/her parents must often submit proof that the family or sponsor can pay for the schooling. This amount can range anywhere from $14,000-$20,000 per year, including tuition, room, food, books, and other miscellaneous expenses. The university needs an official statement from a bank, employer, sponsor, or other official affidavit of support.
School Records: These are transcripts or certificates of satisfactory study. Records should include an English translation of the subjects the student has studied and grades the student has made in each subject. It is very important to explain the grading system of each school attended.
Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL): This is usually required for all international students except those whose native language is English. Information about this test can be found at U.S. Embassies, Consulates, offices of the United States Information Services, or at schools in your home country.
Aptitude Tests (SAT/ACT): These tests, such as the Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT) or American College Testing's (ACT) Assessment Program which measure verbal and mathematical ability are required for both international students and American students. If your school does not have information about these examinations, contact ACT Universal Testing at: 319-337-1448 Monday -Friday 8:30am - 4:30pm Central Standard Time or College Board SAT Program at: 609-771-7600 Monday -Friday 8:30am - 9:30pm Eastern Standard Time.
After you have been admitted and have submitted the financial certification information with bank statements, the university will send you a visa qualifying document. In most cases, you will be sent an I-20 Form which is used to get an F-l student visa. To get the visa, you will need to go to your nearest American Embassy or Consulate and show the following
Three items:
Your Passport
Your I-20
Your Current Financial Certification
Because you may be asked to prove your financial resources, you should retain certified copies of the original financial information that you are sending to U. S. colleges when applying. If you already are in the United States, you will not need to get a new visa; you will receive a transfer, which will extend your time to the dates of the appropriate academic program. An I-20 will be sent for you to do your transfer.
NAIA RULES
National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics Headquarters
23500 W. 105th St.
P.O. Box 1325
Olathe, KS 66051
Phone (913) 791-0044
http://www.naia.org
NJCAA RULES
National Junior College Athletic Association
PO Box 7305
Colorado Spring, Colorado 80933
Phone: 719-590-9788
Fax: 719-590-7324
http://www.njcaa.org
NCAA CLEARINGHOUSE
NCAA Clearinghouse
2255 North Dubuque Rd.
P.O. Box 4044
Iowa City, IA 52243-4044
Customer Service Line: 877/262-1492 (8 am -5 pm CST) or 24-hr voice response: 877/861-3003
http://www.ncaaclearinghouse.net
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