How to get a scholarship for fencing?

I'm a high school fencer considering college options, and I'd love some advice on how to obtain a fencing scholarship. Are there particular colleges that are known for their fencing programs that offer scholarships? Also, what kind of achievements or performances are typically required to be considered for these scholarships? I'd love to hear from anyone who's gone through this process or knows more about it.

Some colleges indeed offer fencing scholarships, particularly schools that are known for their successful fencing programs. This includes schools in the Ivy League such as Harvard, Yale, and Princeton, and Big Ten schools such as Ohio State and University of Notre Dame. Please note though that Ivy League schools offer financial aid solely based on need, not merit, so while they have strong fencing programs, they do not offer athletic scholarships. Ohio State and Notre Dame, on the other hand, do offer athletic scholarships for fencing.

To increase your chances of receiving a fencing scholarship, it's often advantageous to have achieved exceptional results at the national level. This could include placing highly in USA Fencing National Championships or Junior Olympics. Moreover, college coaches look for athletes who demonstrate good teamwork, leadership, and strong academic achievement, as these qualities are valuable for both their athletic and academic contributions to the college.

Reaching out to coaches can be advantageous as well. You can send an introductory email expressing your interest in their program and your fencing background. It's advisable to prepare a video showcasing your abilities in fencing for coaches to review. Also, be ready to provide references, as coaches may want to speak with your current coach to get a better sense of your abilities and teamwork.

Keep in mind, NCAA Division I and II colleges are the only ones that offer athletic scholarships. Division III colleges, on the other hand, do not offer athletic scholarships, but they do provide other forms of financial aid, and participating in varsity sports can still be an outstanding experience.

Lastly, don't forget about scholarship opportunities outside of colleges. There are numerous local and national organizations that offer scholarships for student athletes. Remember to apply for these as well--every bit helps!