FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Our team is always ready to assist with any questions you may have about studying in the US. Here are some of the questions we get asked most frequently.

1. How do I get started?
Contact us through our website or email us at info@topathlete-sportsgroup.com. We’ll schedule an initial consultation to discuss your goals and assess your potential.

2. Who do you work with?
We work with talented athletes, age 16-21, primarily from Europe, who are looking to combine their athletic skills with academic opportunities in the U.S.

3. What is the cost of your services?
Our fees vary based on the level of services you need. Contact us for a personalized quote.

4. How does the process work?

• Initial Consultation: We assess your athletic and academic background.

• Profile Building: We create a professional athlete profile and highlight videos.

• Outreach: We connect with college coaches and programs that fit your goals.

• Guidance: We assist with applications, scholarship negotiations, and preparing for life as a student-athlete.

5. How long does the process take?

The recruitment process varies but typically takes several months, depending on the athlete’s readiness, the sport’s recruiting calendar, and academic timelines, but starting early is key.

Prepare by learning about the recruiting process, researching colleges.

6. Can you help with academic requirements?
Yes, we provide guidance on meeting NCAA eligibility requirements and navigating standardized tests like the SAT/ACT.

7. Do you guarantee scholarships?
While we cannot guarantee scholarships, our expertise and network significantly increase your chances of being recruited by U.S. colleges.

8. Why is a scholarship not guaranteed?

NCAA rules strictly forbid any company or individual from guaranteeing your placement at an American college or university with an athletic scholarship. NCAA rules state: “A prospective student-athlete may allow a scouting service or agent to distribute personal information to member institutions without jeopardizing his or her eligibility, provided the fee paid to such an agent is not based on placing the prospective student-athlete in a collegiate institution as a recipient of institutional financial aid." (see NCAA rule 12.3.3.1 ‘Talent Evaluation Services & Agents’)

9. What if I’m not sure about my chances?
That’s okay! Our team is here to evaluate your skills and provide honest feedback about your prospects and the best path forward.

10. Can you work with athletes already in the U.S.?
Yes, we can assist students already in the U.S. who are seeking new opportunities or better alignment with their athletic and academic goals.

11. Do you help with visa applications?
While we don’t handle visa applications directly, we provide resources and advice to ensure a smooth process.

12. How do you communicate with college coaches?
We use personalized outreach, including emails, phone calls, and sharing athlete profiles and game footage with our network of college coaches.

13. What does the term 'redshirting' mean in college sports?
Redshirting allows an athlete to delay their participation in competitions for a year to extend their eligibility period while still training with the team.

14. What expenses does a full athletic scholarship typically cover?
A full scholarship usually covers tuition, room and board, textbooks, and some additional academic fees. It may also include certain meals and travel expenses related to your sport.

15. What if I suffer a severe injury that will not allow me to go the USA? Will I get a refund?

While we deeply empathize with such situations, a letter from their doctor would be required to detail the extent of the injury to make sure it prevents the client from participating in their sport. At that point, a refund would be considered and calculated based on the stage of service the client was withdrawing from. However, if the injury was pre-existing or did not affect the client’s ability to compete, this would be reviewed on a case-by-case basis. Refunds are generally not issued once services have commenced, even in cases of unforeseen circumstances like injuries.

16. If I receive a Partial Scholarship, who is responsible for covering the remaining costs?
The remaining costs are the responsibility of the student-athlete and their family. Some families use personal savings, loans, or other scholarships to make up the difference.

17. How much should I budget for a year as a student-athlete?
On average, student-athletes should budget for personal expenses, travel, insurance, and any uncovered academic fees. This amount can range from $2,000 to $10,000 annually, depending on the school and lifestyle.

18. Why do you charge a fee before I am guaranteed a scholarship?

Our fee covers a range of services, including evaluating your academic and athletic eligibility and providing comprehensive guidance throughout the scholarship process. Since we are not allowed to charge fees based solely on securing scholarship offers, payment is required upfront before our services begin.

19. How many colleges will you promote me to during the recruitment process?
The number varies depending on your sport, skill level, and preferences. We aim to connect you with multiple opportunities to ensure the best fit.

20. What additional expenses should I be aware of as a student-athlete?
Potential costs include flights to the USA, SAT/ACT exam fee, F1 student visa, health insurance, NCAA or NAIA Eligibility Centre, social costs, off-season training, athletic gear not provided by the team and personal travel during breaks.

21. What happens if I’m unhappy at the college I choose?
If you’re unhappy, you can explore transferring to another institution. However, there are NCAA rules and transfer protocols to follow, which we can help guide you through.

22. Do I have to register with the NCAA or NAIA?

To compete in college sports at the NCAA or NAIA levels, you must register with their Eligibility Centers. It's best to do this during your junior year of high school if you're certain you'll play at either level. Before registering, determine the division level you're eligible for to avoid unnecessary time and expenses.

23. Are there specific tests I need to take for eligibility?
Yes, most universities require standardized tests like the SAT or ACT, as well as meeting NCAA or NAIA eligibility standards.

24. How long does an athletic scholarship usually last?
Sports scholarships are awarded on a yearly basis, not for all four years of college as some might assume. Each year, the scholarship must be renewed by the coach and athletic department, provided the athlete remains eligible.

You can receive athletic scholarships for up to five years of college. However, the coach can adjust the scholarship amount annually when it expires—this includes increasing, decreasing, or even canceling it entirely.

To maintain your scholarship, you must meet the expectations set for student-athletes: stay on top of your academics, maintain good grades, train diligently, and contribute to your team. If you become ineligible for any reason, the coach has the right to reassign your scholarship to another athlete.

25. Can my athletic scholarship be revoked?
Yes, scholarships can be revoked for failing to meet academic, athletic, or behavioral standards, or if you violate team or university policies.

26. Am I allowed to transfer to another college if needed?
Yes, transfers are allowed, but you must follow NCAA or NAIA transfer rules, which may include sitting out a year in some cases.

However, if you transfer more than once during your college career, you will be required to sit out for an entire year to regain your eligibility for competition. The acceptance of credits from one university to another is determined by the admissions office at the receiving institution, and not all credits may be transferable. Each case is reviewed individually.

27. Will I still maintain my amateur status as a college athlete?
Yes. But you must have an amateur status prior to entering the NCAA or NAIA. Your amateur status is determined by several factors, and the NCAA reviews an athlete's profile to ensure eligibility. Violations of amateurism can lead to penalties or loss of eligibility. Turning professional in one sport results in losing amateur status in that sport.

28. Do all universities offer athletic scholarships?
No, not all universities provide athletic scholarships. NCAA Division III schools, for example, do not offer athletic scholarships but may have other financial aid options.

29. What is the National Letter of Intent, and why is it important?
The National Letter of Intent (NLI) is a binding agreement between a student-athlete and a university, committing the athlete to attend the school for one academic year.

30. Can parents be involved in the process?
Absolutely! We encourage parents to be involved and informed every step of the way.

31. What happens if you’re unable to secure a scholarship offer from my preferred college? Do I get a refund?
Our role is to assess your potential for earning a sports scholarship and support you through the recruitment process with U.S. colleges and universities. We do not charge fees based on securing a scholarship, and refunds are not issued if a client finds the offered scholarships unsuitable. According to NCAA rule 12.3.3.1, “A prospective student-athlete may use a scouting service or agent to share their information with member institutions without risking eligibility, as long as the fee is not tied to securing financial aid from a collegiate institution.” Refund policies vary depending on our agreement, but we strive to ensure you have multiple options to pursue your athletic and academic goals.

32. Who decides which scholarship offer I should accept?
The decision is entirely up to you and your family. We provide guidance, but the final choice is yours to make.