Frequently Asked Questions:
How do I get started?
Click here and sign up for a scholarship evaluation. A representative will be in contact with you shortly to discuss your options.
How long does it take?
The Placement Program takes about one month to complete. It is wise to begin the USA Scholarship Program Application process during your grade 10 year. Do not wait until grade 12, you need to start this process early as scholarship funding diminishes quickly.
What subjects do I need to take?
Athletes will need to take certain subjects. Click here for more info if you are an Athlete.
How long does it take to get into an American university?
Acceptance into a university depends on where you apply. Some have deadlines, and some have rolling admissions and accept applications until they are full. Universities usually respond to students by March before their freshman year (1st year of college). Students must confirm and pay admission by May 1 before their first year.
When do Universities start in the USA?
USA universities start in August and end in May of the following year. You should begin your university applications by grade 11 and plan to have submitted everything except your final Matric results by December of your grade 12 year. Note: you should not be applying to USA Scholarships this late, if you are an athlete you need to join our program in grade 9 or 10.
How much does university cost in America?
It is expensive. You are looking at spending anywhere between $20,000 and $70,000 per year including the cost of living.
Can you work as an International Students?
Yes, and No. Student visas do not allow full-time employment. You may work part time on campus up to 10 hours per week. You may request to work more hours, depending on your financial situation, which may or may not be granted.
What is SEVIS and what are the fees?
SEVIS (Student and Exchange Visitor Information System) is a web-based program used to monitor international students and visitors to the USA. The university that you will be attending will enter your details into the system, and issue you a I-20 Form. This form allows you to apply for a student visa.
The SEVIS fees are $200 for the F-1 and M-1 visa.
The SEVIS fees are $200 for the F-1 and M-1 visa.
What is a GPA?
GPA is essentially your high school marks that are converted into an average. GPA stands for "Grade Point Average" and is based on points assigned to your grade symbols from Grade 9 through to Grade 12.
How to convert South African marks to GPA?
Take your marks from Grade 9 to Grade 12 (or up to the present grade) and determine the letter symbol for all subjects (A, B, C, D, E, F). USA schools places a value on these letter symbol, which are as follows: A=4, B=3, C=3, D=2, E=1, F=0. Please see below for an example.
English Marks:
English 4 year Average:
Repeat this process until you have a GPA value for all your subjects. Add these values together and divide by the number of subjects, which will give you, your GPA
English Marks:
- Grade 9 = 70%
- Grade 10 = 68%
- Grade 11 = 77%
- Grade 12 = 81%
English 4 year Average:
- 70+68+77+81 = 296
- 296/4 years = 74%
- 74% = B
- B = 3 GPA Points
Repeat this process until you have a GPA value for all your subjects. Add these values together and divide by the number of subjects, which will give you, your GPA
What marks do I need to get an Academic scholarship?
It depends, universities look at your subjects, your marks, extra-curricular activities, community service, etc. If you require full academic scholarship, you will likely need to have an A average with a very high SAT or ACT exam score.
What is the SAT?
The SAT is the USA university admission test that show universities how you compare to other students. The exam will test the Reading, Writing and Math skills that you have gained in high school.
When do I need to take the SAT?
Students should take SAT during their grade 11 year or early in the grade 12 year. The SAT is used by most major USA universities to help them with tough admissions decisions.
Why do I need to take the SAT before grade 12?
There are three reasons why you should take the SAT early:
- Grade 12 is a busy year; you do not want to overburden yourself with additional work.
- USA Coaches only make scholarship offers once they know your SAT scores.
- If you are not happy with your first SAT results, you can retake the test multiple times.
Where will I be able to write the SAT Exam?
There are multiple testing locations in each major city around South Africa, and the world. When you have registered for the SAT, you will be able to pick the closest location to you.
What is an average SAT score?
Scoring 525 on each section is average. Certain universities expect higher scores; others will accept lower.
What is a good SAT score?
Highly selective universities only select students who score above the 700 range for each SAT section, but there are many other universities with lower averages.
What is the TOEFL exam?
The TOEFL is an exam for non-native speakers, that must be taken to establish their English ability before attending American universities
What can I do to boost my chances of playing sport in the USA?
Parents and students need to show interest in the team or university that is trying to recruit them. Be proactive, send emails, make follow up calls and be easy to reach. Playing a sport in the USA is very difficult as it is a massively competitive market, so do not hesitate to answer your emails and express your interest with the recruiter
What do coaches look for in recruits?
Firstly, athletes need to be a game changer in their respective sport, but academics are a vital component too. If an athlete has good grades and scores well on their SAT/ACT exams, coaches will be pleased to know they will not have to baby sit them to ensure they have met the minimum academic requirements. It’s important to note that if you do not meet the minimum academic requirements of a 2.0 Grade Point Average, you will not be able to play. For more information on requirements, click here.
How can parents help their children in the recruitment process?
Parents should provide advice and counsel for their children, but should never interfere or push their agenda. Choosing the correct college is ultimately the student's decision. While children will naturally go to their parents for assistance, it is a choice that needs to be made by them. During the recruitment process, athletes and parents will speak to the various coaches, where you will build relationships and begin to see which coaches want you on their team. How a student feels about the coach, sports program and the university can shape their college experience.