The Most Popular Sports for Scholarships in the USA

by CEO | Apr 10, 2025 | news

For student-athletes worldwide, securing a sports scholarship to study in the United States is a life-changing opportunity. These scholarships provide financial assistance while allowing athletes to train at great facilities, compete at a high level, and receive a quality education. With the U.S. being a global leader in collegiate sports, scholarships are highly competitive, but they can open doors to professional careers and long-term academic success.

In this article, we will focus on two of the most sought-after sports for scholarships: football (soccer) and basketball. These sports attract international talent and provide many opportunities for student-athletes to pursue their dreams.

Football (Soccer) Scholarships

The Growing Popularity of Soccer in the U.S.

Soccer, known as “football” in most parts of the world, has grown tremendously in the U.S. over the past few decades. With the expansion of Major League Soccer (MLS) and increased global interest, American universities have invested heavily in their soccer programs.

Unlike American football, which is primarily played by domestic athletes, college soccer teams actively recruit international talent. Universities seek skilled players from Europe, Latin America, and Africa, where soccer is a dominant sport. This makes soccer one of the best sports for international students looking to earn a scholarship in the U.S.

How Do Soccer Scholarships Work?

Soccer scholarships are available at different levels, including:

• NCAA Division I and II – These programs offer full-ride and partial scholarships, covering tuition, housing, meals, and other expenses.
• NAIA and NJCAA – These institutions provide scholarships for talented players and offer a stepping stone to NCAA programs.

While the competition is high, international players with strong technical ability, tactical awareness, and competitive experience stand a good chance of earning scholarships.

What Coaches Look For in Soccer Scholarship Applicants

• Strong technical skills – Passing, dribbling, shooting, and first touch are important.
• Tactical intelligence – Understanding game strategy and positioning.
• Competitive experience – Playing in national youth teams or top club academies increases chances.
• Highlight video – A well-edited video showcasing match performance is essential.
• Academic performance – Meeting eligibility requirements for GPA and standardized tests (SAT, ACT, TOEFL for non-native speakers).

If you’re an international soccer player looking for an opportunity in the U.S., it’s essential to build a strong athletic and academic profile.

Basketball Scholarships

Why is Basketball One of the Most Competitive Scholarship Sports?

Basketball is deeply ingrained in American culture, with college basketball tournaments like March Madness drawing millions of viewers each year. The U.S. is home to the best basketball development system in the world, producing NBA legends such as Michael Jordan, LeBron James, and Stephen Curry.

Given the sport’s massive popularity, basketball scholarships are among the most competitive. Thousands of high school and international players compete for limited spots on college teams, making it essential for athletes to stand out.

Scholarship Opportunities for Basketball Players

• NCAA Division I – Full-ride scholarships covering all major expenses.
• NCAA Division II – Partial scholarships combined with other financial aid.
• NAIA and NJCAA – Great options for players looking to develop before transferring to NCAA programs.

Unlike soccer, where international players are in high demand, basketball scholarships are more limited for non-U.S. athletes. However, exceptionally talented international players can still secure opportunities if they meet the physical and skill requirements.

What Coaches Look For in Basketball Scholarship Applicants

• Height and athleticism – Coaches prioritize players with strong physical attributes.
• Technical skills – Shooting, ball handling, defense, and passing.
• Basketball IQ – Decision-making, teamwork, and court vision.
• Game footage – Highlight videos demonstrating game performance under pressure.
• Leadership and discipline – Coaches seek athletes with a strong work ethic and commitment to training.

If you are an aspiring basketball player, developing your skills and gaining exposure through tournaments or recruiting showcases is key to earning a scholarship.

Other Popular Sports for Scholarships in the U.S.

While soccer and basketball are two of the most popular sports, student-athletes should also consider other disciplines that offer strong scholarship opportunities, including:

• American Football – The most well-funded college sport in the U.S., offering thousands of full scholarships annually.
• Tennis – Many U.S. universities recruit top international players for their tennis teams.
• Swimming & Diving – Another sport where international athletes can find strong scholarship opportunities.
• Baseball & Softball – Popular sports with substantial scholarship funding.

How SIS Scholarships Can Help You

Finding the right scholarship can be overwhelming, especially for international students unfamiliar with the American recruitment system. At SIS Scholarships, we specialize in connecting student-athletes with U.S. universities that offer sports scholarships.

Our network includes top NCAA, NAIA, and NJCAA programs, helping students find the best opportunities based on their athletic and academic profiles.

Many of our student-athletes have successfully secured scholarships and are now competing at the collegiate level in the U.S. You can read their stories here.

If you are an aspiring student-athlete looking for opportunities in the U.S., contact us today to learn more about how we can help you achieve your dreams.

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Applying for Scholarships to Study in the USA

by CEO | Apr 10, 2025 | news

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Applying for Scholarships to Study in the USA

Applying for scholarships to study in the USA is a big step toward achieving your academic and career goals. However, many students make avoidable mistakes that can cost them opportunities. To increase your chances of securing financial aid, it’s important to understand and steer clear of common pitfalls. Below, we outline the most frequent mistakes and how you can avoid them.

1. Submitting Generic Applications

A common mistake is sending the same personal statement or essay to multiple scholarships without tailoring it to each opportunity. Generic applications fail to highlight why you are the best candidate for a specific scholarship.

How to avoid it:

• Customize each application to match the scholarship’s goals and criteria.
• Research the scholarship provider and incorporate relevant details into your essay.
• Showcase how your achievements and aspirations align with the scholarship’s mission.

2. Poorly Written Essays

Scholarship essays are a key component of your application. Many students submit essays with grammar mistakes, weak arguments, or lack of personal insight, which reduce their chances of success.

How to avoid it:

• Plan your essay in advance and create a clear structure.
• Proofread multiple times and ask a teacher, mentor, or friend to review it for feedback.
• Make your essay personal, engaging, and reflective of your passion and goals.

3. Ignoring Instructions

Some students fail to follow application instructions, such as word limits, formatting guidelines, or required documents. Ignoring instructions can lead to immediate disqualification.

How to avoid it:

• Read the instructions carefully and create a checklist of required elements.
• Follow all guidelines regarding essay length, font, and submission format.
• Double-check your application before submission to ensure compliance.

4. Not Showcasing Leadership and Extracurricular Activities

Scholarship committees often look for well-rounded candidates who demonstrate leadership, community involvement, and extracurricular achievements. Focusing solely on academic performance without showcasing other strengths can weaken your application.

How to avoid it:

• Highlight leadership roles, volunteer work, sports, and other activities that make you stand out.
• Use specific examples to demonstrate how you have made an impact in your community.
• Connect your extracurricular involvement to your academic and career aspirations.

5. Providing Incomplete or Incorrect Information

Missing documents, incorrect contact details, or incomplete applications can disqualify you from consideration. Some students fail to double-check their applications, leading to costly errors.

How to avoid it:

• Review your application thoroughly before submitting.
• Ensure all required documents, such as transcripts, recommendation letters, and proof of financial need, are included.
• Provide accurate and up-to-date contact information.

6. Weak Letters of Recommendation

A strong letter of recommendation can boost your application, but many students either submit generic letters or fail to give their recommenders enough time to write quality letters.

How to avoid it:

• Choose recommenders who know you well and can speak about your strengths.
• Provide them with details about the scholarship and your achievements to help them write a strong letter.
• Request letters well in advance to give them enough time to craft a thoughtful recommendation.

7. Not Searching for Enough Scholarships

Some students limit themselves by applying to only a few scholarships. Since competition is high, applying to multiple opportunities increases your chances of success.

How to avoid it:

• Research widely and apply for as many relevant scholarships as possible.
• Use scholarship search engines, university websites, and local organizations to find opportunities.
• Consider both large and small scholarships, as smaller ones may have less competition.

8. Not Preparing for Scholarship Interviews

If a scholarship requires an interview, being unprepared can hurt your chances. Some students fail to practice or research the scholarship provider, leading to weak responses.

How to avoid it:

• Practice common scholarship interview questions with a mentor or friend.
• Research the scholarship organization and be ready to explain why you deserve the award.
• Dress professionally and be confident in presenting your achievements and goals.

Applying for scholarships requires careful planning, attention to detail, and a proactive approach. By avoiding these common mistakes, you can improve your chances of securing financial aid to study in the USA. Remember to stay organized, tailor your applications, and seek help when needed. With dedication and perseverance, you can achieve your dream of studying abroad with the support of scholarships.At SIS Scholarships, we specialize in helping students secure both sport and academic scholarships to study in the USA.

Visit our website to explore scholarship opportunities and get expert guidance on your journey.