Soccertrialsusa.com | Frequently Asked Questions
Is there a fee to register as a student/player with soccertrialsusa.com?
Yes, you can either register on a month by month basis for GBP₤25.00/USD$40 per month or alternatively you can save ₤50.00/USD$64.00 by registering for one year. (12 month advanced registration is GBP₤250.00/USD$400).
Why is there a fee to register as a student/player?
Our aim is to provide you with the best possible opportunity to find the most suitable and cost effective way to further your football and soccer career via an American University.
When you register with soccertrialsusa.com you can upload all of your playing and academic records including playing history, references, testimonials, paper clips, academic qualifications, you tube links, social networking links, photographs etc. Coaches and scouts representing soccer programs at USA Universities want to know all about you. By registering with soccertialsusa.com you are stating your intentions and letting the coaches and scouts know that you are seriously inerested in attending university in the United States. Shortly after you have registered we will send you a detailed checklist with a timeline to help you with the red tape and regualaions. Once you are registered you will be placed on our dedicated players list which will be circulated to American scouts and coaches on a monthly basis to let them know of your availability.
Is there a fee to register as a scout or coach to review player details?
No, once registered scouts and coaches may review prospective student/player details on the website free of charge. Once registered (provided you have opted to receive news and updates) you will receive regular bulletins on student/player availability, their achievements to date and their progress.
At what age should I consider registering with soccertrialsusa.com?
It's never too early nor too late. Many scouts like to identify players early and will monitor the players progress. As soon as you start to consider an American University as an option you will find it worthwhile to register with soccertialsusa.com.
What is the SAT (Scholastic Aptitude Test)?
The SAT Reasoning Test is a standardized test for college admissions in the United States. The SAT is administered by the not-for-profit College Board corporation in the United States, and is developed, published, and scored by the Educational Testing Service (ETS). Map of states according to preferred exam of 2006 high school graduates. States in orange had more students taking the SAT than the ACT.
The current SAT Reasoning Test is administered in about 3 hours and 45 minutes and costs $43 ($68 International), excluding late fees. After SAT's introduction in 1901, its name and scoring has changed several times. In 2005, the test was renamed as "SAT Reasoning Test" with possible scores from 600 to 2400 combining test results from three 800-point sections (math, critical reading, and writing), along with other subsections scored separately.
Is the SAT test always required?
95% of colleges require SAT or ACT Test unless the player is already attending university. Some colleges will accept A level and GSCE’s and complete a calculation to give them a score but we still recommend taking the SAT or ACT Test.
Why should I take the SAT test?
We strongly recommend taking the SAT test. By taking the test the prospective student will have far more options and will be able to move more quickly through the recruitment process.
Most universities require foreign students to send their academic information to an evaluation service. The most common one is Josef Silny jsilny.com This service evaluates the academic work the student has already undertaken. The service the player would need to sign up for is the Course By Course evaluation with a GPA (Grade Point Average) calculated. The costs is approximately £80.
Admissions Process
The Office of Admissions must receive all necessary information by May 1 for the fall semester that begins mid-August, or by November 1 for the spring semester that begins mid-January.
U18 players (date of birth must be between 1st September 1992 to 31st August 1993) with a view to going to USA in Sep 2011.
U17 players (date of birth must be between 1st September 1993 to 31st August 1994) with a view to going to USA in Sep 2012.
NCAA (National Collegiate Athletic Association) Eligibility Center
This is a massively important part of the process as this is where academic and amateur eligibility is determined . We encourage players players to start this process ASAP if they are looking to attend US College in August. The website for this is www.eligibilitycenter.org. The NAIA (National Association Intercollegiate Athletics) has also started a clearinghouse as well. This process is quite bureaucratic so I would encourage starting the process early.
The player must send his academic certificates including SAT score (the Sat score can be sent when you take it by putting the code 99999 in) to the clearinghouse. This is how they will determine academic eligibility. They also must answer an amateurism questionnaire and provide contact info for clubs they have played for.
References
At least one recommendation by a teacher, headmaster or guidance officer.
Further Requirements
A completed Statement of Financial Support or a notarized bank statement showing enough financial support to afford at least the first year of study after any scholarships have been applied (if you qualify).
Enrollment Fees
Enrollment fees vary. Typical enrollment fees are in the region of $250 USD and housing deposit $150 USD.
Scholarships
International students can qualify for academic scholarships, which are determined at the time of admission. The level of scholarships vary enormously. When a sponsorship is awarded the families or sponsors are still expected to provide continued financial support towards fees, travel expenses, books and supplies and health insurance.
Student visa (F-1)
Once a player has been admitted to the university, the university sends out an I20 form, via post or sometimes email. Once this has been received by the player they then call the embassy to get an appointment for their visa interview.
To apply for this visa, you must:
- Decide which college you plan to attend.
- Check with the consulate regarding their visa application procedures and wait times .
- Present to the U.S. consul a Form I-20 Certificate of Eligibility from the campus you wish to attend.
- Provide documentation that you have sufficient financial resources.
- Present your letter of admission.
- Show proof of payment of the SEVIS fee.
- If English is not your first language present a copy of your TOEFL score report.
- Proof of professional and/or economic ties that would compel you to return to your home country and any forms or materials that document your previous studies in the United States.
Undergraduate students holding this visa must carry at least 12 units of coursework each quarter or semester. The accompanying spouse or child (under 21 years of age) of an F-1 student enters the United States on an F-2 Dependent visa. F-1 students are permitted to work part time on campus. F-2 visa holders are not permitted to accept employment.
The visa usually lasts for four years or until graduation has occurred (in a reasonable timeframe). Once they have graduated they get what is called an OPT which is a one year period where they are able to work in the USA. Once this year has lapsed they must either gain employment in a job that sponsors their visa or travel back to the UK.
What is the SEVIS (Student Exchange Visitor Program)I-901 Fee?
The SEVIS I-901 fee is mandated by Congress to support the program office and the automated system that keeps track of students and exchange visitors and ensures that they maintain their status while in the United States. Each student or exchange visitor issued an initial Form I-20 or DS-2019 on or after October 27, 2008, is responsible for paying this fee to SEVP.
Do I need a Student Visa to study in the USA?
Everyone needs a student visa to study in the USA, as the immigration laws are strict there. There are very few exceptions, such as family members living there and a small number of others. If you think you may qualify, consult the US embassy in your home country.
Do I qualify for a US Student Visa?
Undergraduates must study at least 12 credit hours per week and graduates 9 credit hours, though those with graduate assistantship need only do 6 hours per week. The USA is full of private colleges and most of these are accredited but, again, it's worth checking their status in your home country rather than at Denver airport.
What else do I need to know?
Have guarantees that you can look after yourself financially whilst in the USA. The immigration there is very sensitive about people coming in on student visas and then 'disappearing' into the countryside, so prove to them where you will be staying, studying and any other contacts there. America uses credit cards like no other country in the world and it is very useful to have one there. Also make sure you bring enough spending money to last the year.
Are you sure there's nothing else?
Actually, there is. When arriving in the US, an Immigration Officer will present you with an I-94 Departure/Arrival Card and a Form known as IAP-66. Keep these with your passport. Don't lose them. Trust me on that. It won't mean huge problems but can cause unnecessary headaches, especially if needing to travel abroad or extend your visa.
Can I extend my stay as a student?
Yes, but again don't leave it too late. If you apply late you risk being refused and facing a lengthy reinstatement process. Allow at least six weeks if you think you may need to extend your visa.
Can I work?
You may only work up to 20 hours per week but require written permission from your programme sponsor. This is slightly different if you are engaged on an assistantship place within your university, so ask your counsellor about the details before you arrive.
Can I bring family with me?
Spouses and (unmarried) children are allowed to enter on a non-immigrant visa. Again, you have to show that you can support them and that they will leave with you when the study ends.
Health Insurance
Be sure you have proof of health and accident insurance when you arrive on campus.
What ages are ideal for colleges to look at?
The ideal age would be a player who is either moving straight from A-Levels/BTEC or has had no more than a year out of education from the completion of his BTEC or Alevels. This would allow him to definitely have 4 years of eligibility. The more years of no education a player has, the more he risks having years of eligibility taken away from him.
There are sometimes exceptions. There are also ways (such as summer school) for a player to finish his degree in three years so that even if he does lose a year its not a lost cause. If a player is already enrolled at university he would be considered a transfer and would not need an SAT score. He would just have to get his credits transferred into whichever institution he decides to attend. These players are sometimes docked a year of eligibility and sometimes not. This depends mainly on whether or not the player played for the university team. (the ncaa can be quite arbitrary in it's decisions!)
Is There An Age Limit?
As a general rule for NCAA DIV 1 and 2 level colleges cut off for a non-transfer student would be 20-21. Once you get above 20-21 you would be risking losing up to 2 years of eligibility. If the student is just looking to use college to try and make the grade as a professional footballer this may not be the end of the world. Some colleges will take a player for only 2 years but these are usually transfers. Most colleges will generally not take an entry level student for just two years. This is because it would be very difficult for you to finish a degree in 2 years.
The basic rule is that each player gets a 5 year window in order to complete his 4 years of eligibility. They receive a grace year on the front end. For every year after this that they wait before coming out they could potentially lose a year.
Another rule of importance here is that once a player turns 21 and plays organized football after that birthday he would lose another year of eligibility.
Are There Any Other Requirements If English Is Not My First Language?
US Colleges and Universities will consider students from around the world. The only differences are if the player comes from a country where English is not the native language they have to sit another test called the TOEFL. This is an English proficiency exam and the "passing score" varies from university to university but is usually between 75 and 85.
The Process
Once a player has been admitted to the university, the university sends out an I20 form, via post or sometimes email. Once this has been received by the player they then call the embassy to get an appointment for their visa interview. A hint here is that London is usually the longest wait. It is sometimes quicker to go to Cardiff, Belfast or Edinburgh.
The visa usually lasts for four years or until graduation has occurred(in a reasonable timeframe). Once they have graduated they get what is called an OPT which is a one year period where they are able to work in the USA. Once this year has lapsed they must either gain employment in a job that sponsors their visa or go back to the UK.
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