The future of an individual’s rowing career is largely shaped by rowing at university and intercollegiate level. Picking a university, despite its academic purposes, can become solely based on the rowing programme and athletic appeal. By endeavouring to find the seamless balance between academic and athletic agendas, the search for the perfect university can become difficult. With this in mind, most athletes will turn to the dazzling allure of universities in the states, which appear to offer much more than just a place on the rowing team. For instance, US colleges on the whole tend to be (without sounding stereotypical) ‘bigger and better’, regarding funding, campus life and post-school opportunities, the grass always looks greener from the other side, not to mention the prestige with accompanies attending college across the pond.
A large number of the GB rowing Team have had their university experience in the US. For a junior emerging into senior and U23 level, being able to row in the US provides a great opportunity to train, compete and experience elite level rowing at its finest. This makes the transition onto the Olympic team a natural phase, where the prior practice of having a constant demand for consistent results will be innate.
The majority of athletes who begin the recruiting process will have been identified by one of the coaches from a university in the US. They may have been spotted by competing at a high level or for pulling a ‘big 2k’ on the erg. From here, they will be contacted and opened up to the possibility of a completely different future, much further afield than previously planned. Others may have an agency who sends out their athlete portfolio to a number of universities and some may undertake this themselves. It really is a matter of getting in touch with the right people and allowing them to guide you in the direction of their university.
This can be overwhelming, especially for someone without prior knowledge of the pathway. Before exploring this option, it is important to note that each coach, as well as having an interest in a person’s talent, will do anything to coax the athlete into joining their university and rowing team. This is why its essential to maintain an open-minded approach and keep all prospects and options available until absolutely certain on a choice. After all, it is their job to construct and produce the strongest and fastest boats possible to succeed at the intercollegiate competitions. It is also in their best interest to pursue someone who is academically equipped and able to cope with the rigorous educational demands, so the person must be well rounded in this respect. For the most parts, the athletes who accomplish commendable results in sport will reflect this in their academic work, attributable to the hard working mentality.
Being offered a scholarship has a significant influence on a young person deciding which university they want to choose. It is easy to be swayed by the large quantities of money and additional compliments offered on a plate just because they can row a boat well. Considering the financial situations of most families, the attribution of this life changing decision can amount to which university offers the biggest scholarship rather than which is the best fit. This may result in the wrong choice being made which is greatly undesirable considering how far away the US is from home. Furthermore, training could become completed for ulterior motives such as: the intent to increase the awarded scholarship. This may promote an unhealthy competitiveness between the athletes who will be fighting for the same thing. Bearing this in mind, the decision should be made considering the university and its properties regardless of money, to avoid a regretful decision.
If you are thinking of applying, luckily, the US university application is not so dissimilar to that of the UK’s UCAS. It is called the Common Application and would be sent out to all of the universities you have applied for in the US. This part of the application will require you to list your top university choices and fill out your personal details form alongside an essay more widely known as the ‘College Essay’. If you are applying to a university through ‘early decision’, you have probably committed yourself to it so can only apply to that one. Whereas, if you’re applying ‘regular decision’, you can still apply to as many other universities as you would like, but the probability of being accepted will be reduced as you are not a firm applicant.
Depending on a specific university’s requirements, the process for each could be marginally different. Most universities will oblige the applicant to complete a series of ‘supplement questions’ which are small essay questions specific to the university. This will aid their decision on whether to offer you admission and gauges an insight into your personality and supposed fit for the university. Others many want you to submit another personal essay on a subject topic of your choice to further display your academic knowledge and essay writing skills. This part is particularly important to focus on,as your commitment to the essays will be reflected and reviewed carefully.
For a recruited athlete applying to their chosen university, the application process is exactly the same, but you may receive additional support from the athletic department. Their influence allows them to mark your application as a potential performer for the university.
Subsequent to the submission of the Common Application and additional ‘supplement questions’, the university will take time to process your application as with all universities. If an early decision application was the route taken, then a decision should be made by December, if not, then it may be in late March, but this will vary depending on the university.
By this time, if the student athlete has been admitted, they can excitingly prepare for their future taking place on the other side of the world and hope that the university lives up to its animating appeal and ultimate high standards. For an international student, living abroad looks like a ‘roller coaster’ there are going to be ups and there are going to be downs but the excitement of such a prospect can make your worries dissipate. Remember, if you are looking to apply, don’t be dazzled into making an early decision, way out options and offers from both the UK and USA and see where you would best thrive.
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