Gymnastics is perhaps not quite as present in the median as for example track and field or some ball sports; however, it is a much bigger thing than in Germany. That’s why a lot of scholarships are awarded, particularly to women. However, men also have a good chance of getting a scholarship at an American university.
Timing
The best time to go to the USA on a sports scholarship is straight after you finish school. College coaches prefer to give scholarships to younger students, as it enables them to continually train and improve a player’s performance over a period of four years. It is also possible to go to the US for just one year. Due to the contact we have to a large number of college coaches we have been able to help athletes after they have completed their Bachelor to do their Master in the USA. The best timing is if you contact us about one year before you plan to start studying in the USA. Gymnasts can start studying either at the Spring Semester (January) or the Fall Semester (August).
Requirements for a Gymnastic Scholarship
You need to have front placings in National Championships and to have taken part in the German National championships. All-Rounders have particularly good chances of getting a scholarship. The coaches are very interested in gymnasts who are versatile. It is important that you are good on a variety of apparatus.
Training
Training varies at each University; however it can be said that training will usually take up a large part of your day, with about 6 training units in the gym per week in addition to athletic and fitness training units. Your individual training will be adjusted to your actual needs and requirements. Young gymnasts often develop their abilities enormously during their time at college as well as taking home a whole lot of new life experiences.
Competing
It is recommended you start at the Fall Semester as the gymnastic season starts in the winter. It is possible to get a scholarship six months after the season starts, however this depends on gymnasts who are already in the team, dropping out due to injury. Do remember to start your application procedure in good time, at least 9 months before you want to start studying.
The National Championships, the highlight of the season for both NCAA1 and NCAA2 take place in April.
