College admission requirements in the USA
Every American college has its own admission requirements. Some universities ask for an English proficiency test, others require SAT or ACT scores, and some ask for credential evaluations or recommendation letters. On this page, you'll find an overview of everything international student-athletes need to arrange before they can be admitted to a US college or university.
Studying in the US: What do you need to arrange?
Studying and playing college sports in the US is without a doubt one of the most exciting experiences of your life. But before you step onto campus with your gear, you first have to be officially admitted to an American college or university.
The admission process involves several moving parts and can differ from one university to another. You will need to provide proof of English proficiency (through tests like TOEFL, IELTS, or Duolingo), submit your academic transcripts, and in some cases, take college entrance exams like the SAT or ACT. Today, admissions offices also look closely at recommendations, personal essays, and extracurricular involvement.
Fortunately, you don’t have to figure it out on your own. At Made Scholarships, we’ve been guiding student-athletes through the US admissions process since 2009, successfully placing nearly 1,000 athletes at universities across the country. Below, we break down every aspect of college admission requirements in the USA.
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Overview of US college admission requirements
Preparing for an American university requires clear planning, attention to detail, and a firm grasp of academic standards. To help you get started, we’ve summarized the core components of the admissions process below. Click on the tabs for a quick explanation per topic.
Because all academic coursework is taught in English, American universities require official proof of your language skills. International students usually fulfill this requirement by taking standardized tests such as the TOEFL, IELTS, or Duolingo English Test. Which specific test is accepted—and what minimum score is required—varies depending on the university and academic level.
How does your European secondary or higher education diploma map to the US educational system? Whether you’re applying directly after high school, transferring from another university, or taking a gap year, there are different admission routes into US college sports.
Whether you need to take additional entrance exams like the SAT or ACT depends entirely on the institution’s policies. Many US universities are now test-optional or have eliminated entrance exam requirements altogether. However, at certain schools, a strong SAT or ACT score can still strengthen your admission profile or unlock higher merit-based academic scholarships. We inform you precisely which requirements apply to the universities that fit your profile.
Gaining admission to a US university involves much more than filling out a single application form. Your native high school transcripts and diplomas must be officially translated and depending on the university or athletic association, your diploma may need to be evaluated by organizations such as TEC, InCred, WES or ECE. Universities may also ask for recommendation letters or personal essays. Because there are multiple review stages, keeping track of deadlines is crucial.
In the United States, the terms “college” and “university” are often used interchangeably, but there are distinct differences. The main difference isn’t the quality of education, but rather the size of the institution and the scope of degree programs offered. A college is typically smaller and focuses primarily on undergraduate (bachelor’s) degrees. A university is usually larger and offers graduate (master’s and PhD) programs in addition to undergraduate degrees. Neither is inherently better. The right choice depends on your academic goals, athletic level, preferred campus size and budget. Made Scholarships helps you choose the type of institution that best aligns with your academic goals and sports ambitions.
Frequently asked questions about US university admission requirements
Can I study in America directly after finishing high school?
Can I do a gap year program in the USA?
How fluent does my English need to be to study in America?
What does the admissions timeline look like?
Which tests do I need to take for admission?
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