Seeking info on athlete scholarships for international students

I'm an international student-athlete hoping to study in the U.S. next year. Do any colleges offer specific athlete scholarships for international students? If so, what are some key factors to keep in mind while applying?

Yes, several U.S. colleges offer athletic scholarships to student-athletes, including international students. This is usually through the NCAA (National Collegiate Athletic Association), the NAIA (National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics), or the NJCAA (National Junior College Athletic Association). Here are some key factors to keep in mind:

1. Eligibility: To be eligible for an athletic scholarship, you typically need to be recruited by the coach of your sport and accepted into the university. Each of these organizations has its own eligibility requirements. For example, the NCAA has academic requirements and amateurism requirements to ensure you haven't been paid for participation in your sport.

2. Level of Play: The level of competition is high and scholarships are limited. You'd generally need to be among the top performers in your sport in your home country or region.

3. Division Differences: Scholarships are typically more plentiful and larger at NCAA Division I and II schools, as compared to Division III.

4. Making Contact: It's crucial to get in touch with coaches of the sports you participate in at your desired universities in the U.S. Coaches do recruit international students, but it's on you to put yourself on their radar. You could send an email introducing yourself, detailing your skill level/experience, and perhaps a video showcasing your abilities.

5. Deadlines: Always be mindful of the deadlines - NCAA Clearinghouse deadlines, application deadlines for colleges, etc. Missing a deadline might mean you lose out on the chance to get a scholarship.

6. Full Ride vs. Partial: Keep in mind that a full-ride athletic scholarship covering all costs is rare. Many athletic scholarships are partial, meaning they won't cover all costs of attending the college.

7. Balance: Remember, being a student-athlete is a significant commitment. Balancing rigorous athletic training schedules with academic coursework can be challenging. You should ensure you're up to the task.

8. Compliance: It's important to comply with all rules and regulations of the NCAA, NAIA, NJCAA, or whatever athletic association your school belongs to. This includes rules about academics, recruitment, and more.

Remember, an athletic scholarship can be a great way to finance your education, but it's still critical to apply for other types of financial aid as well. Diversification is key! Good luck with your college athletic career.