While it is difficult to pinpoint an exact date or time frame, we always recommend to all athletes to start the process as early as possible. If going to college in America is an option for you, then there really are not any disadvantages of starting the process early. And here are a few reasons why:
First of all, it is very important to know how scholarships in the United States work. The governing bodies have certain scholarship limits that every team has to follow. That means that for every school year a coach will have a certain limited amount of scholarships available. These are constantly given out to athletes so as time progresses and you get closer to your actual start date, less and less scholarships will be available. So by starting early you will have more scholarships to choose from.
Secondly, coaches like to get to know you and to follow your progress. Some coaches are quicker than others to make an offer, but sometimes this process of getting to know each other can take several months. So again, if you start late and this process becomes a bit rushed, you are hurting your chances of finding the best possible scholarships.
Lastly, the process in general does take time and certain steps, such as the Toefl, Duolingo or SAT test should be prepared. Again, if you start late and you have to rush these tests just to get them done, your score most likely won’t be as good, which again will hurt your chances of getting the best possible scholarship package.
So again, it is hard to really give an exact date and time frame for when you should start the process and without a doubt every case is slightly different. However, if going to college in America with a sports scholarship is an option for you, don’t wait till it is too late. Start early to put you in the best possible position to maximize your scholarship opportunities!