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KEY STEPS
Eligibility
1
Those players, who are currently in and out of education can be eligible. The key is to have completed sufficient grades, which meet the wide-range of academic criteria that institutions require as having completed secondary education. A continuing inclination for further education will enable most prospective student-athletes, with proven soccer skills, to step forward.
Assessment
2
Your athletic level MUST be assessed by an independent source, trusted by American universities/colleges and university coaches. Your grade scores will then determine your best academic entry routes and whether entry testing is needed. Most players, who are not League Club scholars, are required to attend one of our assessment events.
Costs
3
We charge only €30 (£25) for an Assessment Day invitation and formal follow-up. Players and their families will meet our staff and play in an assessment match after which there will be a presentation about all the key steps involved, including a video followed by a Q&A session to deal with personal questions you may have. After the assessment event, we will confirm all the costs involved. You receive the best advice about soccer scholarships for players and parents to decide whether they wish to proceed.
Testing
4
Prospective student-athletes must take a recognised university entry test. The most popular tests are the SAT and ACT. For NJCAA or NAIA schools, entry test scores may be waived. For entry in August, tests must ideally be taken before January in the year of entry.
Grading
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It’s obviously sensible to obtain a professional and considered scholarship value, which will be determined by your soccer ability, grades and, in some cases, where you choose to study. It’s important you work hard in the classroom to achieve the best grades possible to gain access to academic and athletic scholarship funds.
Clearing
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University and college sport in the USA is extremely competitive with entry determined by the NCAA and NAIA to verify every student’s academic and athletic background. Our knowledge of applicable clearing rules, which are updated annually, is extensive. SMUSA guidance is essential for applicants to ensure correctness and to avoid the stresses for applicants and their families.
Admission
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In the USA, applications for admission are generally made directly to the university/college either before or after a scholarship offer is made. The university/college will then send you tasks to complete and request you and your family to supply an Affidavit of Financial Support (AFS) for you to confirm you can afford to attend, even where a fully-funded place is on offer. Once you have completed the checklist you will be supplied with a "Welcome" letter and the university/college will issue the I-20 form, which is required to make your US Visa application. Prepare early with SMUSA and take the best professional advice and guidance.
Graduation
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During your time in the USA, you can follow your chosen degree path, depending on your academic interests. All academic work is completed outside of training times, so there is no conflict. After graduation, you have several options for staying in the USA. SMUSA can assist if you are interested in continuing your playing career, your studies or going into employment in the USA.
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