It’s more and more competitive every year for football scholarships or grants. More high school students are looking for athletic scholarships as a means to play for college than before. Athletes area also becoming better educated to the proper way to get recruited to play college football. No longer can you sit on the couch and wait for a coach to call you. Athletes are starting earlier in the high school career preparing and laying the foundation for a scholarship.
1. Start early. Gone are the days of waiting until your senior season has ended and waiting for a couple of college coaches to contact you. Successful players are now starting in their sophomore and early in their junior year.
2. Attend summer camps and combines. By selecting the right camps and combines to attend you can go from high school athlete to college recruit in one day. Not all camps and combines are created equal so make sure you choose ones that will maximize your exposure and recruiting potential.
3. Get the best academic grades and test scores possible. Colleges keep raising the minimum that they will grant waivers for athletes. If you graduate with under a 3.0 GPA, you just shut the door on 50% of NCAA schools. It is never too late to increase your grades so make it a priority now.
4. Play multiple sports. College coaches like to see football players who excel in other sports like track, wrestling, lacrosse, baseball and basketball. Athletic diversity shows true raw athletic talent and can make up for minor deficiencies on the football field. Football is a sport where specialization does not matter as much as raw athletic talent.
5. Do it yourself. Handle the recruiting process yourself. This shows much more initiative than a player whose family pays a recruiting service to fax out online profiles and make a fancy highlight tape. College football coaches evaluate much more than your athletic ability. Determination and initiative show a lot towards whether the high school athlete will be a success in college.
What about tuition and books? Well, books are a joke most athletic departments keep libraries of used books that all the athletes have access to. Not to mention, they either have mandatory study times with free tutors where there are plenty of books and “practice tests”. So purchasing books is not a priority of a starting or back up linebacker for that matter. Tuition, now tuition is a little more difficult. The average public school with in state tuition is not that expensive so there are a number of ways to pay for this. Partial athletic scholarships along with academic and volunteer scholarships or grants can cover a majority of this. Tuition deferment also allows the student to delay the payment and use the funds from there “job” to pay for the rest. Private schools tuition is often six to ten times as much and is a completely different animal when it comes to athletic scholarships and football scholarships.
So as you can see not getting a full football scholarship is not the end of the world. If you are creative and intuitive enough to find other means they are definitely out there.
If you are above forty years old and you wish to go back to classes, first of all, I have to applaud you on your choice to get yourself a higher education. Scholarships for women over 40 are not very difficult to get if you follow the correct process. If you do this, you can get all the funding that you need. Scholarships for women over 40 will award you $5-$10,000 to help you pay for college.
If you are aware and you really have potential and ability you already have the advantage over the others. Be confident enough to show your best self in order to be noticed by those who give scholarships to deserving students.
Many colleges provide and sponsor college scholarships to students who have shown exemplary achievements. A well-rounded student has an edge over the others. It means you are not only academically excelling but also possess social awareness. This does not mean you have to have outstanding grades or results. It just means you need to show the determination to see through your degree and finish it. Just because you are older should not stop you and you can use this to your advantage if you are looking for scholarships for women over 40.
In order to be recognized and get a scholarship for your schooling, you can get involved in different activities. You can volunteer yourself to school organization which you think you can be of help. Get involved with community and charitable activities. Most companies that offer scholarships look for students who are involved and engaged in social and community services. They are instrumental to obtain the scholarship these companies are offering.
List down activities you have been engaged with, like being a team leader or team member of a committee. The more accomplishments and events you have successfully deal with, the bigger the chances of acquiring scholarships for women over 40.
Below are two examples of scholarships for women over the age of 40.
1. The Selected Professional Fellowships awards women anywhere from $5- $20,000 if you are entering graduate school. These scholarships are perfect if you are planning on studying anything in the science field such as engineering.
2. If you are into the arts, the National Scuplture Society award women $1000 per year to continue studies in Performing Art field of study. AIGA Scholarships are also available for women and will award you $1-5000.00 per year if you are studying to be an artist, a designer or plan to work in a studio as your career.
It is never to late to start school, and having money to help propel you towards your goal, regardless of your field of study is enough to motivate any woman.
TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) uses a multiple choice and essay format to measure student’s ability to understand North American English required to communicate in colleges and universities. It measures how well you read, listen, speak and write in English and can use these skills together in the university classroom.
Format of the Exam
Reading
Duration:
60-100 minutes
No of Questions:
36-70 questions
Score:
0-30 score scale. Total Score 0-120
Question Type:
3-5 passages from academic texts; approximately 700 words long; 12-14 questions per passage.
Listening
Duration:
60-90 minutes
No of Questions:
34-51 questions
Score:
0-30 score scale. Total Score 0-120
Question Type:
4-6 lectures, some with classroom discussion; each 3-5 minutes long; 6 questions each. 2-3 conversations; each 3 minutes long; 5 questions each.
Speaking
Duration:
20 minutes
No of Questions:
6 tasks
Score:
0-4 points converted to 0-30 score scale. Total Score 0-120
Question Type:
2 tasks to express an opinion on a familiar topic; 4 tasks to speak based on what is read and listened to.
Writing
Duration:
50 minutes
No of Questions:
2 tasks
Score:
0-5 points converted to 0-30 score scale. Total Score 0-120
Question Type:
1 task to write based on what is read and listened to; 1 task to support an opinion on a topic.
Eligibility Criteria
Min Qualification:
10+2
Qualifying Subject(s):
Candidates from any discipline who wish to study in colleges and universities in the U.S., Canada, U.K., Australia and New Zealand.
SAT Reasoning Test is a standardized test required for admission to undergraduate programs of most US universities. It measures critical thinking skills, problem solving skills and communication skills that are needed for academic success in college. It assesses how well a student uses the skills and knowledge he has attained in and outside of the classroom.
Format of the Exam
Critical Reasoning
Duration:
70 min. (two 25-min. sections and one 20-min. section
Score:
SAT scores are reported on a scale from 200-800, with additional subscores reported for the essay (ranging from 2-12) and for multiple-choice writing questions (on a 20-80 scale).
Question Type:
Reading comprehension, sentence completions, and paragraph-length critical reading
Mathematics
Duration:
70 min. (two 25-min. sections and one 20-min. section)
Score:
SAT scores are reported on a scale from 200-800, with additional subscores reported for the essay (ranging from 2-12) and for multiple-choice writing questions (on a 20-80 scale).
Question Type:
Number and operations; algebra and functions; geometry; statistics, probability, and data analysis. Skills such as estimation and number sense are measured through the multiple-choice and student response (grid-in) questions
Writing
Duration:
60 min. Multiple choice questions (35 min.) and student-written essay (25 min.)
Score:
SAT scores are reported on a scale from 200-800, with additional subscores reported for the essay (ranging from 2-12) and for multiple-choice writing questions (on a 20-80 scale).
Question Type:
Grammar, usage, and word choice to measure ability to Organize and express ideas, Develop and support the main idea, Use appropriate word choice and sentence structure.
According to the Institute of International Education, the number of international students at universities and colleges in the United States is at an all-time high. In the last three years, there has been a dramatic increase in the number of international freshman applications to U.S. universities. The number of prospective freshmen and parents who visit U.S. campuses and programs prior to choosing or applying to a college is also on the rise. Why are so many international students willing to leave all that is familiar and venture out to unknown places? What is it about a U.S. education that is so irresistible? Read on to find out!
World-class institutions
With over 4,000 colleges and universities, the United States has more institutions of higher learning than any other country in the world. Many of them are highly ranked, offering top-notch educational programs, opportunities for hands-on learning, and cutting-edge research at the graduate and undergraduate levels. Many professors at U.S. institutions have terminal degrees in their field of expertise, are internationally recognized for their scholarship, and represent a diversity of ethnicities and cultural backgrounds. In addition, a significant number of the teaching staff have traveled or lived abroad, which contributes to an enriched classroom experience. Moreover, graduates from
a U.S. university or college often find enormous success in the international job market. Employers recognize the value of such an education and the unique skills and qualities that these graduates possess. In short, a degree from a U.S. institution opens doors and is recognized around the world.
A wide range of majors
International students enrolled at U.S. universities can select from an endless list of majors or degree programs, ranging from business and social sciences (for example, accounting) to the natural and physical sciences (for example, zoology) and everything in between. Along with the incredible variety of majors, you can also select a specialization, concentration, or minor, enabling you to craft a curriculum that is unique to your goals. Students also have the freedom to start as a “no preference” or “undecided” major! Imagine an educational system where you can begin your university studies uncertain of what you want to do—in many countries, this is simply not an option.
Regardless of your academic choices, most universities require all students to complete basic or general education courses in areas such as math, writing, science, history, and social science. This educational philosophy is known as the liberal arts. (For more information, see the article on page 27.) Exposure to a wide range of subjects provides an excellent foundation for professional development and allows graduates to pursue jobs in areas outside of their major or expertise. In addition, graduates are well prepared to later pursue a master’s or a Ph.D., if they so desire.
Unlimited resources
Access to academic staff and educational resources at institutions in the United States is unparalleled. The use of cutting-edge technology in classrooms and laboratories provides an experience that inspires students to the highest level of achievement not only at the individual level but also as a community of collaborators involving students and faculty. Students meet and conduct research with numerous world-renowned teachers in their chosen field. It is the dream of many international engineering students to come and study in the United States, because they know they will have access to the latest technology and exposure to some of the world’s most innovative teaching methods.
The services available to students also provide an environment conducive to personal growth, allowing them to develop into citizens of the world. Personal counseling, academic advising, career development, intramural sports, student organizations, and cultural events are some of the other resources students can expect
to find at most U.S. institutions.
The difference between colleges and universities
The terms “college” and “university” are often used interchangeably; however, a college often refers to a four-year institution that offers none or few postgraduate programs at the master’s and doctorate (Ph.D.) levels. It is also important to note that a college can also refer to a two-year institution, such as a community college, where students can obtain an associate degree that may transfer to a four-year institution, where they can then obtain a bachelor’s degree. More and more international students are considering community colleges or two-year institutions as the starting point of their education in the United States.
A university commonly refers to an institution that offers degrees at the undergraduate (bachelor’s) and graduate (master’s and doctorate) levels, including professional degrees in medicine, business, or law. Universities, particularly public ones, tend to have larger student populations as well.
Getting started!
After you have decided to study in the United States, the question becomes: where do you begin? If you are reading this article, you already have an advantage! STUDY ABROAD GATEWAY GUIDE is an excellent book to help students become more familiar with a number of colleges and universities in the United States as well as every aspect of the U.S. educational system and student life on a U.S. campus. Your secondary school guidance counselors are also an invaluable resource, and you should make an effort to meet with them on a regular basis to discuss your university goals and plans. And, of course, there’s always the information overload that is the Internet!
But selecting a college doesn’t have to be complicated. Finding the right fit is a very personal process. The first step is to take a serious look at yourself. What kind of student are you? What is your academic profile (GPA, test scores, extracurricular activities, etc.)? Be realistic about your profile and compare it to the average admitted student’s profile at
the schools you are considering. (Every institution in the United States publishes such information.) Does your profile match that of the university? It is all about the match—finding a college where you believe you will be inspired, challenged, and mentored.
What will you study?
Think about your professional/career goals and interests. Perhaps you already know exactly what you want to study. Then again, maybe you have no idea! Either situation is welcome at most institutions in the United States. Frequently, students are expected to choose a major by the end of their second (sophomore) year, but changing majors throughout the undergraduate program is allowed and common at U.S. universities. Parents, on the other hand, may be a bit concerned if you are undecided about your future area of study. They just need to understand that some academic exploration will enable you to select a profession for which you have a true passion, one that will be a good fit for your aspirations in life.
Where will you study? Location
The United States is as geographically diverse as it is large! There are many regions, each with its own unique cultural and historical background, as well as climates that offer one-of-a-kind experiences. Do you have family or close friends already in the United States and would like to be near them? Or are you the adventurous type who would like to explore something completely unknown, like a snowy area complete with skiing, blizzards, and snowball fights? Would you prefer to be near the towering Rocky Mountains, the majestic Atlantic Ocean, or the vast prairies of the Midwest? Clearly, there’s a lot to consider!
A more practical consideration influenced by location is the availability of housing and dormitories. It is common for public rental housing to be less available and more costly for institutions in large cities and metropolitan areas. It is important to do plenty of research to determine which environment is the best for you. Visit if you can, but know that there are other ways to get a feel for a campus without actually being there. (For ideas on how to learn about colleges without visiting them, check out the article on page 16.)
Have you considered the pros and cons of studying in a city, suburban, or rural environment? You will find all three in the United States! Numerous universities are located in the middle of large cities or metropolitan areas, providing excitement and many cultural offerings. However, a significant number of institutions with a large international student population are located in smaller “college towns.” What makes you feel the most comfortable? Some students prefer a campus with plenty of green space, while others like the hustle and bustle of metros and crowded streets. Keep in mind that many universities in the United States are like small cities, offering plenty of social events and entertainment.
Size
Some students prefer colleges with small populations (4,000 students or less), while others like the services offered by larger institutions. But you should not correlate institutional size with quality of academic programs. Another common mistake is thinking that large universities are always impersonal, with huge class sizes. A large university can be personal, and you should ask for the average class size within your specific area of study—it may differ from the school’s overall average, and you might be surprised.
Conversely, you may expect smaller colleges to always offer greater access to professors and more chances to get to know people. In reality, these opportunities and resources exist at all institutions. It is incumbent on you, the student, to seek them out. You need to be proactive and take advantage of what universities and colleges have to offer. For example, professors at both colleges and universities frequently advertise their office hours, but very few students take advantage of this access to advising and mentoring.
Security is another aspect of life at a U.S. university to consider. But safety on campus is rarely a function of the size of the institution. Where the university is located (e.g., within a city versus a rural community) generally influences the level of security off campus. But no matter where you go, you are sure to find a safe and secure environment, with dedicated campus police officers and ample security measures.
Cost
Public and private institutions of higher learning do tend to differ in cost. Prior to choosing a college or university, you should realistically assess the total cost of the universities that interest you, then determine what you and your family can afford. Most universities provide accurate estimates of the total costs of tuition, lodging, meals, and miscellaneous expenses. Plus, when you apply for your F-1 (student) visa, you are required to demonstrate your ability to pay for an entire year at the institution. If you are awarded a scholarship, make certain to calculate the total amount that your family will need to contribute toward your education on an annual basis over the four (or more) years of your undergraduate program.
Many of the large universities in the United States are members of a public system of universities, which receive support from federal and state governments. The majority of public schools do not offer need-based financial aid to international students; however, they may have merit-based scholarships available to you. On the other hand, private universities, which are typically more expensive, frequently provide greater financial assistance to international students after they have been admitted. Be sure to consider cost and financial aid when making your decisions. When filling out your applications, be truthful about your family’s financial situation and what they can afford.
Are you ready to begin your journey? Be bold and take a step that will likely change your life and shape your professional future.
Canada enjoys a well-earned international reputation for the strength and quality of its political, economic, and educational institutions, ranking high on the United Nations’ list year after year for being one of the very best places in the world to live and work. Canada is a multicultural nation, officially bilingual in English and French. Canadians across the country understand the value and benefits of living harmoniously and productively within a culturally and linguistically diverse society.
More than 100,000 students from around the world are welcomed to Canada’s public and private universities each year, drawn by the consis-tently high quality of education and the country’s cosmopolitan communities and campuses.
The second-largest country in the world in terms of landmass, Canada offers geographic and climatic diversity, from the temperate rain forest on the Pacific West Coast to the rugged coastline of Canada’s Atlantic provinces to the High Arctic. Though well known for majestic snow-capped mountains, wide plains, sparkling lakes, and thick forests, Canada also boasts some of the most exciting and cosmopolitan cities in North America, offering a wealth of cultural attractions and affordable and extensive public transportation systems.
About Canadian universities
Education in Canada is the responsibility of provincial (not federal) government. Each of Canada’s 13 provinces and territories establishes, funds, and assures the quality of public universities within its jurisdiction. In addition, approximately 90 of Canada’s universities are also recognized through membership in the national Association of Universities and Colleges of Canada (AUCC), headquartered in Ottawa, the nation’s capital. However, international scholars can choose from more than 160 degree-granting colleges and universities located in cities large and small across Canada, with programs, tuition costs, and living experiences to suit every student’s needs.
Research of global significance is conducted in Canada’s major universities, and not just at the graduate level. Increasingly, students are invited to participate in research projects as part of their undergraduate experience. Some of the most sophisticated laboratories, research facilities, and extensive libraries in the world—in fields as diverse as particle physics and international law—are located in Canada’s top-tier universities.
Canadian universities offer bachelor’s, master’s, doctoral, and professional degrees in the fields of medicine, health science, law, business, education, and others. A Canadian bachelor’s degree is typically a four-year program, fully equivalent to degrees from the United States and from other Commonwealth nations. Well-prepared students have access to numerous program options, leading to internationally recognized degrees in virtually every discipline in the arts, humanities, life and physical sciences, health sciences, business, engineering, education, environmental studies, and more.
Universities offer a variety of accommodations for students—some on campus, some off campus—but all offer sports facilities, gymnasiums, stadiums, and playing fields. They also provide safe, supportive campus environments, outstanding professors, and friendly classmates.
Financing
For international students, studying at a public university or college in Canada is relatively affordable, compared to similar institutions in the United States or the United Kingdom. The cost of living is also generally lower in Canada, offering students exceptional value in relation to the quality of education.
