UNIVERSITY LEAGUES

The NCAA, NAIA & NJCAA are the largest governing organizations that rule, organize, and contribute to University and collegiate sports within the USA. The rules and regulations of these leagues vary widely. The CCAAA and USCAA are less-known University leagues but also present great opportunities for student-athletes. Below is a summary of the different leagues.

NCAA – National Collegiate Athletic Association

The NCAA is a non-profit membership-driven organization that safeguards the well-being of student-athletes. Most NCAA members are from universities and colleges. The NCAA works to help more than 460,000 student-athletes succeed academically, athletically, and professionally. The NCAA is the largest University Athletic governing body in the world.

3 divisions of NCAA:

Division I, Division II, and Division III. Each of these divisions has its own athletic and academic requirements. The factors which determine these requirements are:

  • Enrollment numbers.
  • The financial availability for sports.
  • Number of sports in the institution.
  • The number of tournaments/games played.

Divisions 1 & 2 have athletic scholarships & Division 3 does not offer athletic scholarships. Division 1 has the most significant number of institutions and offers the largest scholarships within all 3 divisions. An excellent scholarship offer from a D1 institution will give prospective student-athletes tuition, room & board, flight, and a monthly per diem between $200 – $500.

Eligibility

Academic eligibility is based on high school GPA, sliding scale, placement test scores & transfer rules. Athletic eligibility is based on gap years, level of talent & playing experience.

The student-athlete signs the binding contract to attend a NCAA institution for a year. This contract details the scholarship amount and the rules for maintaining the scholarship provided to the student-athlete. The NLI is a renewable contract that is open to negotiation.

NAIA – National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics

The NAIA is headquartered in Kansas City, Mo. More than 65,000 student-athletes in 13 sports compete annually in about 26 national championships with the NAIA. About $600 million is available to the NAIA for athletic scholarships among all its member colleges and universities. NAIA institutions vary widely on the maximum scholarship offer a student can receive. The University/College sets the scholarship limit. For more information about the NAIA, how to become eligible, assistance, or guidance, please get in touch with ASAL. The NAIA is similar to the NCAA, but the significant difference is the NAIA has fewer restrictions.

Eligibility

Academic eligibility is based on high school GPA, top 33%, placement test scores & transfer rules. Athletic eligibility is based on gap years, level of talent & playing experience.

NJCAA – National Junior College Athletics Association

The NJCAA has the most minor restrictions of the other two divisions. NJCAA institutions are two-year programs, which means the student-athlete must transfer after two years. NJCAA institutions offer varying amounts of scholarships, and scholarship limits are set by the colleges.

Eligibility

Academic eligibility is based on high school GPA & placement test scores. Athletic eligibility is based on gap years, level of talent & playing experience.

CCCAA – California Community College Athletic Association

The California Community College Athletic Association is integral to California’s extensive community college system. As authorized by the State Legislature, the Education Code provides the CCCAA the opportunity and authority to establish the rules and regulations to administer the athletic activities of the state’s nearly 25,000 male and female student-athletes. The CA only offers academic scholarships.

Eligibility

Academic eligibility is based on high school GPA & placement test scores

USCAA – United States Collegiate Athletic Association

The USCAA is a national governing body that provides quality intercollegiate athletic competitions nationally. The USCAA exists to allow small colleges to compete against institutions in size and resources for National Championships and student-athlete recognition. By providing unique services to small colleges, the USCAA allows its members to enhance their recruiting capabilities through more consistent national recognition and a level playing field for post-season competition. A USCAA school can have a dual affiliation within the NAIA, NCAA D2, or NCCAA.

Eligibility

Academic eligibility is based on high school GPA & placement test scores.

NCCAA – National Christian College Athletic Association

The National Christian College Athletic Association (NCAA) is an association of Christ-centered collegiate institutions whose mission is to use athletic competition as an integral component of education, evangelism, and encouragement. The NCCAA serves its members by setting association standards, developing communication resources, providing regional/national competition, and partnering to reach communities and the world. The NCCAA has 94 member schools, over 17,000 student-athletes, 24 championship sports, and dual affiliates within the NAIA and NCAA (D2 & D3)

Eligibility

Academic eligibility is based on high school GPA & placement test scores.

Higher Education in the USA

There are thousands of higher education institutions in the U.S.A. These Universities are different and can be evaluated according to their size, ownership, governance, cost, degree programs, etc.

Post-secondary Career & Technical Schools:

These institutions provide short training courses and sometimes specialized degree programs. They are sometimes referred to as vocational or technical schools. Most of these institutions are private and operate on a for-profit bias. Moreover, they are approved/regulated by the state and could be accredited.

Community/Junior Colleges:

These public institutions may offer many education services depending on the institution. Their services include:

  • Vocational & technical programs (just like career & technical schools do).
  • Adult/community education.
  • Courses for credit like the ones in public/private colleges/universities that allow students to transfer to universities later on.

Some community/junior colleges have complete Bachelor’s Degree programs, but it is rare.

NJCAA and CCCAA institutions play within Community colleges. One advantage of attending a Community College is you can transfer after two. In those two years, most students/student-athletes gain experience & transfer to other institutions where they can complete their last two years of university and earn a Bachelor’s Degree.

Higher Education Institutions: 

These could be non-profit or for-profit, are governed by a board of trustees, and can be public or private. Institutions of this kind can have one or more campuses or a system of several independent institutions.

Public/Private Colleges & Universities:

Institutions that offer Bachelor’s or higher degrees (such as Master’s and Ph.D.’s) are known as “Senior” Colleges/Universities. These schools can provide Associate degrees as well.

Higher education serving specific populations:

Some private and public colleges serve only a particular ethnic group, race, or gender. This comes from history and tradition. Examples include schools founded to serve Native Americans, African Americans, or only male or female students.

Faith related institutions:

The founding of higher education institutions by religious communities is one of the oldest traditions in this level of education. These institutions function just like any secular institution academic-wise, with the primary difference being their religious affiliation.

Admissions to a U.S. University

Admission Requirements – Undergraduate Studies

University and college admissions in the U.S.A. are competitive. A solid academic background, sufficient financial resources, and proficiency in English are the basic requirements that substantially assist in the admissions process. However, admission requirements for students vary depending on the University or College. *Student-athletes should note that admission requirements will be based on the University/College requirements and NCAA, NAIA, and NJCAA regulations for their University/College. Most Universities/Colleges require a high school diploma with solid science, mathematics, English, and humanities coursework. Most Universities also require academic entrance examinations such as the TOEFL (PBT or iBT), IELTS, SAT/SAT II, and A.C.T. Higher exam scores and better grades improve your chance of being admitted and getting good scholarships. International students must have their transcripts translated for most universities to accept them. The G.P.A. of most student-athletes will determine the minimum score requirement for their S.A.T. or A.C.T.

The more well-known institutions are often among the most competitive. Even though every international student would love to attend Ivy League schools such as Yale University or Harvard University, only some students will be admitted by these universities unless they have an exceptionally excellent academic transcript and an excellent athletic record.

ASAL works to find the best university to make your collegiate education sustainable and prosperous. Students need to understand that to apply for a graduate or professional degree program, such as medical school, law school, veterinary school, or dental school, they must first obtain an undergraduate bachelor’s degree. Law students must also generally be licensed attorneys in their own countries before applying for admission to a U.S. Law School.

Admission Requirements for Graduate Studies

In the U.S.A. Graduate studies usually refer to Masters and Doctorate degrees. International applicants for graduate studies in the U.S. must be graduates of recognized institutions outside the U.S. and should hold a degree equivalent to a U.S. Bachelor’s or Master’s degree. Applicants must submit official transcripts or academic records for all university-level studies completed. If your academic papers do not include official evidence of the award of your degree, you must also submit additional documents that verify its prize. Records or transcripts must be issued by the school and include the school’s stamp or embossed seal as well as the signature of the authorizing official.

All applicants from countries where the official language is not English must submit official evidence of English proficiency. This requirement applies to applicants from non-English-speaking countries. Institutions in the U.S. have different guidelines for what an English-speaking country is. ASAL will assist you in determining the University guidelines that apply to you. Most departments, schools, and groups require applicants to take a standardized test such as the General Test of the GRE, a Subject Test of the GRE, the GMAT, MCAT, O.A.T., LSAT, IELTS, and TOEFL. Some universities will not require the GRE, GMAT, MCAT, O.A.T., or LSAT. Also, most applicants must submit at least three letters of recommendation. Your recommenders will need to give their impressions of your academic and intellectual ability, your aptitude in research or professional skills, your character, the quality of your previous work, and your potential in the future.

Living costs in the U.S.A.

The tuition fees for international students vary from $5000 to $60,000 per year (depending on the university/college and financial aid/scholarships obtained). The cost of living in the U.S.A. depends on the location. Students may generally budget $4000- $13,000/yearly for cost of living. Good scholarships often cover tuition, room, and meal plans, so it is essential to have good records when applying for admissions/scholarships. Students not receiving any aid must be prepared for tuition fees and living costs for the initial 2-3 months. So, students must have scholarships or adequate funds to sustain themselves in school.

Each player will receive a personal Veo account to access their videos and the coaches’ performance evaluations.

The one-month all-university package covers one month of University placement assistance in the NCAA, NAIA, and NJCAA.

Yes, the prices above cover all expenses. These expenses include furnished apartments, meals, pick up from/to the airport, academy fees, video services, university tours, and placement camps.

Financial Aid

All aid is based on individual needs, educational costs, and availability of funds. Awards may consist of scholarships, fellowships, loans, and grants. Employment opportunities are available for international students; sometimes, off-campus employment is also known under certain conditions and with special work permissions.

Scholarships at the undergraduate level can be based on merit (academic), athletics, talent, or other criteria such as country of origin, gender, ethnicity, extracurricular activities, honors and awards, leadership, etc. Student-athletes can only obtain athletic scholarship money for their undergraduate studies while being eligible.

There are also many financial aid opportunities for graduate studies, including scholarships, fellowships, loans, grants, and assistantship positions (teaching, research, graduate assistantships for all students, and coaching/athletic assistantships for athletes interested in them).

List of Financial Aids:

  • University Scholarships/ Fellowships/ Awards – Financial awards given by the university. Types include athletic, merit/academic, talent, and others.
  • External Scholarships/ Fellowships/ Awards – Financial awards through funds and organizations external to the university.
  • Employment opportunities – Having a job while studying always helps! Most international students can only work up to 20 hours a week on campus- very few exceptions exist to this rule.
  • Assistantship positions – Most times, assistantship positions are paid/help the student- in some cases, they are non-remunerated. For graduate students, options include research, teaching, graduate assistantships, assistant coaching, working in a specific university department, etc.
  • Grants are non-repayable funds given to students by the government, an organization, a foundation, a trust, an educational institution, individuals, etc.
  • ASAL Scholarships – ASAL clients (both students & student-athletes) can apply for these. Remember that they are very competitive as only one student and one student-athlete are selected each year out of all applicants.
  • Loans: This can be private or federal. Federal U.S. loans only apply to U.S. citizens. International students may find loans through their government or private lenders.

USA Visas

There are two major categories of visas that students should be educated about initially.

  • Immigrant visas are for foreign nationals who want to live or work in the U.S.A. permanently…… A family member or an employer usually sponsors them.
  • Nonimmigrant visas are for foreign nationals who wish to enter the U.S.A. temporarily and include visas for tourism, medical treatment, business, quick work, study, etc. As a student and student-athlete trying to study in the U.S.A., you will need a Nonimmigrant Student Visa.

INFORMATION FOR STUDENT-ATHLETES

**Please note that the visa process usually takes a few months, so it is essential that the student starts the application process for both universities and visas 6-7 months before the beginning of the semester.**

TYPES OF NONIMMIGRANT STUDENT VISAS

The visa you will need will depend on what course of study and type of school you intend to apply to. There are two kinds of student visas: F-1 and M-1.

  • M-1 Nonimmigrant Student Visas are for students who will attend a vocational program like the ones described in ASAL’s Vocational and Technical Schools section.
  • F-1 Nonimmigrant Student Visas are for all Students going to university or college (undergraduate or graduate studies) in the U.S.A.

Before applying for a Nonimmigrant F-1 Student Visa

Before being able to apply for an F-1 Visa to a U.S. Embassy or Consulate, you must first be accepted into a SEVP-certified school. All schools ASAL deals with are SEVP-certified schools. To double-check that your school is SEVP-certified, you can use the U.S. Homeland Security’s Website

Once accepted into a certified university/college, you will automatically be enrolled in the SEVIS (Student and Exchange Visitor Immigration System), for which you must pay the SEVIS I-901 Fee. All U.S. universities/colleges that accept you will provide you with an I-20 Form (a Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant Student Status). 

Applying for your Nonimmigrant F-1 Student Visa

There are several steps to apply for a visa, and the order in which these steps must be carried out varies according to each consulate and embassy. Please get in touch with ASAL for information and assistance during this process.

Some of the most critical steps in a Nonimmigrant F-1 Student Visa Application include:

  • Completing the online visa application (DS-160 Form)
  • Printing the DS-160 barcode page
  • Scheduling a visa interview appointment
  • Paying the visa application processing fee (about 160 U.S. dollars)

Basic requirements for F-1 Student Visa application & documents to bring to the interview:

You must bring all required documents to the interview. Each consular office has different requirements. Please check with ASAL concerning what documents you need to take with you. But they may include the following:

  • A valid passport
  • DS-160 confirmation page/form
  • The visa application fee payment receipt
  • The I-20 Form from the school of choice (Note: You can have multiple I-20 from multiple universities, but you can apply for a VISA for only ONE university)
  • Affidavit of support from Parents or sponsors that they will support you through the entire study period at the U.S.A.
  • Academic transcripts and or academic certificates
  • Original report/score sheets of all tests taken (Example: SAT, GRE, GMAT, TOEFL, etc.)
  • Supporting documents with a residence address abroad, indicating in this way that the student intends to leave the U.S. and return to their home country after completion of their studies
  • Evidence of financial means to sustain yourself while in the U.S.A. This must cover tuition and living expenses.

*If a student or student-athlete has received scholarship money, you must bring the documents that state the scholarship funds.

During the interview:

During the interview, a consular officer will determine if you qualify for a visa. They will ask you questions, and you will have to provide them with all the required documents at your specific consular office (check with ASAL what documents are necessary for your consular office). They will scan your fingerprints, among other procedures.

Visa Approval

If your visa is approved, you might have to pay an extra issuance fee depending on your country, and your passport will be returned to you.

*Please Note: Receiving a visa does not guarantee entry to the United States. The Customs and Border Protection Officer at the port of entry will conduct an inspection and will be the one to determine if you can enter the country or not.

Visa Denial

If your visa has been denied, you can constantly re-apply as long as the factors that made you ineligible for the access are no longer a problem. Usually, you are notified which section of the law made you ineligible for the visa.

After receiving your Visa – Entering the U.S.A.

Bring your passport with your I-20 Form since you must present it to the customs and border protection U.S. officer (you may arrive 30 days before the start date listed in your I-20 Form).

You will be inspected by the Customs and Border Protection Officer, who will ask you for your documents and will determine if you can enter the country.

Before entering the U.S.A., you will be given an I-94 Form (Arrival/Departure Record). This is a significant form, and you must keep it safe since you must present it every time you enter and leave the country. You need to report to your school immediately after entering the country so there is no question about your arrival date.

FOR ASSISTANCE OR MORE INFORMATION PLEASE CONTACT US!

Entrance Exams

There are four main undergraduate exams that most US universities require. Please learn more about all these exams by reading the information below and contacting ASAL.

ASAL can assist you in the following ways:

  • Decide which tests to take according to the universities you are applying to you are interested in
  • When to take the test depends on where you live, application deadlines, etc.
  • How to best use your test results to apply for and get good scholarships

TOEFL (PBT or iBT)

TOEFL stands for Test of English as a Foreign Language. There are two types of TOEFL: paper-based (PBT) and internet-based (iBT). Depending on preference or availability in your country/region, you can take either one. These tests measure your English proficiency by testing your combined listening, reading, speaking, and writing skills.

The TOEFL is one of the most used tests worldwide, and it is required in most US universities and colleges for international students. Fees vary from 160 to 250 US dollars. Please visit the ETS website for available test centers, dates, and times. 

IELTS

The International English Language Testing System, or IELTS, tests international students in their English language proficiency and assesses them in their listening (30 minutes), reading (60 minutes), writing (60 minutes), and speaking (11-15 minutes) skills. There are over a thousand test centers and locations to take the test in over 140 countries. Many schools require either the TOEFL or the IELTS. For more information about the test, contact us or visit their website.

SAT/SAT II

There are two types of Scholastic Aptitude Tests (SAT): the general test of the SAT and the Subject tests of the SAT.

The General SAT tests your knowledge of writing, reading, and math. Most students take this test one or two years before applying to a university/college. Different universities/colleges have different requirements for minimum scores for the SAT. The SAT scores are usually considered with the high school GPA when admissions and scholarships are considered. The SAT has three sections:

  • Critical reading, which includes reading passages and sentence completions.
  • Writing consists of a short essay and multiple choice questions on errors and grammar.
  • A math section includes arithmetic, algebra, geometry, statistics, and probability.

The tests are offered all year round. Please find more information on the SAT at their website.

ACT

The ACT stands for American College Testing. The ACT is a paper-based standardized achievement test that tests English, mathematics, reading, science, and writing skills. This test is used for undergraduate admissions to universities/colleges in the US and Canada. Like other required entrance exams, the ACT is just one of the many factors to consider when considering your application during the admissions process. The ACT, different from the SAT, is based only on correct answers. You should prepare for this test a year and a half in advance and take it about three months before applying for your school. Results usually take two weeks to be available and sent to universities. Usually, all US universities accept ACT scores. For more information on the test and dates/locations/times, please visit the ACT website or contact ASAL.

Earning college credit – CLEP

The CLEP or the College-Level Examination Program helps you earn college credit that you might have acquired through independent study, course work, on-the-job training, internships, extracurricular work, high school, and so on, and for less money than the cost of college courses. The CLEP is accepted by almost 3000 universities and colleges around the USA and is administered in about 2000 test centers. CLEP offers about 30 different exams costing 80 US dollars each and lasting from 90 to 120 minutes each CLEP exam.

To find out if the institution you plan to attend accepts CLEP, to decide which CLEP exam to take, or to find out more about CLEP, don’t hesitate to contact ASAL or visit their website.

Graduate School requires entrance exams.

There are different required entrance exams to be admitted to graduate programs. Depending on the school, program, and degree you are applying to, you must take the test(s). Below are just some of the many required entrance exams for graduates. If you need assistance deciding which test you need to take and how to prepare, or if you need more information on any graduate entrance required exams, please get in touch with ASAL.

GRE

The GRE stands for Graduate Record Examination. This is a standardized test and an admission requirement for most graduate schools in the USA. This test can be both paper-based and computer-based. There are two types of GRE: general and subject tests.

The General Test of the GRE takes about 3 hours and 45 minutes with short breaks in between and tests your knowledge and skills in analytical writing (critical thinking, writing skills), quantitative reasoning (problem-solving, arithmetic, algebra, geometry, data analysis), and verbal reasoning (analyze writing material and synthesize information, relationship between sentences, concepts, and words). Many graduates and most business graduate schools require the GRE. These tests are used by competitive schools and programs when looking over applications or for fellowship opportunities. For more information or assistance with the GRE, visit their website.

GMAT

The Graduate Management Admission Test is a computer adaptive test (CAT) standardized test used for admissions to management graduate programs such as MBA’s and most business schools. The GMAT measures your skills in quantitative reasoning, verbal reasoning, integrated reasoning, and analytical writing. The GMAT is well-recognized by graduate programs, employers, and business leaders. The test is offered multiple times a year. However, you must check test dates and times according to your location. The test fee is about 250 US dollars.

For more information and assistance on the GMAT, visit their website.

MCAT

The MCAT, or Medical College Admission Test, is a computer-based standardized/multiple-choice test for students who want to study medicine in the USA. The MCAT tests your knowledge of physical sciences, biological sciences, and verbal reasoning. The MCAT measures students’ problem-solving, critical thinking, and knowledge of science concepts/principles. It can be taken a maximum of 3 times in one year, costing from 275 to 400 US dollars. 

LSAT

The LSAT, or Law School Admission Test, is an exam that is required to enter most Juris Doctor (JD) programs in US Law schools. The LSAT is a standardized test that measures knowledge in reading comprehension, analytical reasoning, logical reasoning, and writing. The test is offered four times a year and can be taken up to 3 times over two years. The LSAT is an essential part of the admissions process for law school. 

TOEFL (PBT or iBT)

TOEFL stands for Test of English as a Foreign Language. There are two types of TOEFL: paper-based (PBT) and internet-based (iBT). Depending on preference or availability in your country/region, you can take either one. These tests measure your English proficiency by testing your combined listening, reading, speaking, and writing skills.

The TOEFL is one of the most used tests worldwide, and it is required in most US universities and colleges for international students. Fees vary from 160 to 250 US dollars. To take the test, you can register online and pay with credit or debit cards, PayPal, or electronic checks under some circumstances. You can register online, by phone, or by mail up to 7 days before the test date. However, we suggest you register in advance as places might only be available if you register quickly. Please visit the ETS website for available test centers, dates, and times. You can take the TOEFL iBT as many times as you wish, but not more than once every 12 days. Paper-based (PBT) tests are only sometimes available on every date or location and usually require a 30-minute writing test. To prepare for the test, you can buy books, online practice tests, and lessons or go to an institution that offers preparation for the exam.

IELTS

The International English Language Testing System, or IELTS, tests international students in their English language proficiency and assesses them in their listening (30 minutes), reading (60 minutes), writing (60 minutes), and speaking (11-15 minutes) skills. There are over a thousand test centers and locations to take the test in over 140 countries. Many schools require either the TOEFL or the IELTS. For more information about the test, contact us or visit their website.

DAT

The DAT, or the Dental Admission Test, is a multiple-choice standardized exam used to apply to dental school admissions in the USA. The DAT lasts 4 hours and 15 minutes, costs 385 US dollars, and has four sections, namely: Survey of Natural Sciences (having questions of biology, organic chemistry, and general chemistry), Perceptual Ability, Reading Comprehension (of scientific passages), and Quantitative Reasoning. Students wanting to take the DAT must complete the preliminary application at the ADA’s (American Dental Association’s) website and get a DENTPIN (Dental Identifier Number). The test can be taken all year round; however, it can only be taken a maximum of three times. A unique authorization from the ADA is required to take it more than three times.

OAT

The OAT stands for Optometry Admission Test. All optometry programs/schools in the US use these scores when assessing graduate students’ applications for optometry. The OAT is a multiple-choice test that consists of four sections: a survey of natural sciences, reading comprehension, physics, and quantitative reasoning, which takes a total of 4 hours and 40 minutes to complete. The OAT is offered all year round in Prometric centers, and its registration fee is about 330 US dollars.

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