I'm an international student who rows competitively, looking for scholarships in the USA. Are there specific universities that offer rowing scholarships to international students, and how can I apply for them?
Absolutely, in the United States, there are many universities that offer scholarships for rowing, specifically aimed at enlisting talented athletes. This applies to both domestic and international students.
NCAA Division I and II, as well as some Division III schools, offer rowing scholarships. However, it's important to note that Division III schools only offer academic scholarships and not athletic ones - any athletic grants at these schools are generally very minimal.
Some key universities which frequently recruit international students to their rowing teams include University of Washington, Yale University, and University of California, Berkeley. These schools have strong rowing programs with a reputation for success in national and international competitive events.
As for the application process, the first step is to reach out to the coach of the rowing team at the universities you're interested in. You can do this by sending an email, introducing yourself, and including details about your rowing performance statistics and achievements. If possible, including a video of your rowing in action can provide a visual demonstration of your skills. Keep the communication brief, yet substantive.
After initial contact, be proactive in keeping the coach updated on your performances and improvements.
On the academic front, ensure your grades and test scores (if applicable) are strong, as academic prowess weighs significantly in scholarship considerations.
Finally, ascertain that you understand NCAA eligibility rules to study and participate in sports in American universities.
Please note, competition for these scholarships is quite intense. Therefore, it's beneficial to start the process early, typically in the junior year of high school, and demonstrate persistence and determination.
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