1. Starting the process too late

Many underestimate how early US coaches begin recruiting and spending their budget – often up to two years before the season starts. Those who get started shortly before graduating from high school often realize that all roster spots or scholarship funds have already been allocated. This can mean having to postpone the start of your studies by an entire year.

How an agency helps:

An experienced agency knows the exact deadlines of each task in the process, reminds you of important steps in good time, and ensures that you stay on schedule from the very beginning.
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2. Contacting the wrong universities

A common mistake is misjudging one’s athletic or academic abilities. Some applicants apply to universities they are not qualified for, while others underestimate themselves and miss out on great opportunities at colleges that would be a perfect fit.

How an agency helps:

Agencies give you a realistic assessment of your performance level and know which leagues and universities match your athletic and academic profile. This way, you don’t waste time on unsuitable applications and significantly increase your chances of success.
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3. Poor communication with coaches

US coaches receive hundreds of emails every day from athletes around the world applying for scholarships. Without existing connections, it is difficult to stand out from the crowd – often it comes down to pure luck whether you receive a response or not.

How an agency helps:

A good agency knows many coaches personally and enjoys a trusted reputation in the field.Coaches know that athletes presented through the agency are qualified and vetted – which leads to much higher response and success rates. The support of an experienced agency is also invaluable later on when negotiating scholarship amounts or choosing a college.
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4. Lack of knowledge about bureaucracy and regulations

The path to a US college is full of bureaucratic hurdles: eligibility rules, NCAA/NAIA regulations, visa processes, translations, certifications – even small mistakes can lead to long delays or outright rejections.

How an agency helps:

Agencies have experts who know every step of the process in detail. They guide you through registration, necessary documents, application materials, and the visa process. This way, you don’t lose your way in the bureaucratic jungle – and everything runs smoothly.
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5. Finding the best financial offer

Only a few athletes receive a so-called “full-ride scholarship” that covers all costs.Much more often, scholarships consist of several components – for example athletic, academic, and need-based aid. In addition, there are hidden costs such as housing deposits or health insurance that are easily overlooked.

How an agency helps:

An agency helps you correctly compare all financial offers and secure the best combination of athletic, academic, and additional scholarships. You know exactly which costs are covered and avoid unpleasant surprises once you arrive in the USA.
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Bottom line: With an agency, you’re on the safe side

The path to a sports scholarship in the USA is not a sprint, but a marathon – with many rules, deadlines, and obstacles. A professional agency supports you from the first application all the way to enrollment and ensures that you don’t make any costly mistakes.

From creating your highlight video, to optimized communication with coaches, and preparation for the standardized tests – you benefit from expertise and experience at every step.

The result:

• Higher scholarship offers
• Better college placements
• And a significantly less stressful application process

So if you truly want to make the most of your athletic and academic opportunities, working with an experienced agency is the safest – and often the most successful – path.