Tips for landing crew scholarships for college?

Does anyone have experience with applying for crew scholarships? I’m a rower looking to continue in college and would love to explore scholarship options. Are there particular schools or organizations that are known for offering these?

Navigating the world of crew scholarships can be a bit challenging, but with proper guidance, you can certainly put your best foot forward.

Firstly, it's important to note that in the U.S, rowing is not actually a NCAA sport, although scholarships are still available throught e Intercollegiate Rowing Association (IRA).

Some universities renowned for their crew programs and potential scholarship offerings include Stanford University, Yale University, University of California, Berkeley, University of Washington and Princeton University. Now, the actual availability of scholarships at these institutions will depend on various factors including gender (as Title IX plays a role in this), the specific crew program, etc.

For the application process, it's vital to maintain constant, proactive communication with the crew coaches at the colleges you're interested in. Share your rowing accomplishments, personal bests, and demonstrate your commitment to the sport. Bear in mind that each school's process for crew recruitment might be different, so ensure you're aware of each institution's specific details.

Additionally, not all scholarships will cover the full cost of college, so be prepared for partial scholarships and consider other means of funding as well. It would also be worthwhile to look into organizations outside of colleges that grant scholarships to students passionate about rowing. Some of these include the USRowing Foundation and The George Pocock Rowing Foundation.

Finally, consider creating a profile on recruitment platforms such as Appily, which can link you up with coaches and facilitate the recruitment process. Do your research, network as best as you can, and explore every opportunity that comes your way. It's also a good idea to start this process early, at least by your junior year of high school. Good luck!