Studying at college in the USA is a dream for many European students, especially for those who want to combine studies with high-level sports. But what are the requirements for college in the USA? What grades are needed, how do the SAT and Duolingo work, and can you be too old for a sports scholarship?

In this guide, we go through all the requirements for going to college in the USA, step by step.

Basic requirements for going to college in the USA and being eligible for a sports scholarship:
– Graduate high school (high school diploma)
– Take an English test (Duolingo or TOEFL)
– Submit a highlight video

Alla dessa delar måste vara klara innan du åker till USA, men hela processen görs tillsammans med Elite Athlete Scholarships, som guidar dig genom varje steg.

Why do I have to have graduated?
College in the USA is university studies, not an exchange year in high school. Therefore, a complete high school diploma is required to be admitted. If you want to go to the USA during high school, a high school year is required instead.

When should I start the process towards college in the US?
There is no exact starting point, but the earlier you decide to go to college in the US, the better your chances will be. Many American coaches recruit players 1–2 years before the start of the season. If you are an early bird:
increases your chances of getting a sports scholarship and then you get more school options, competing for more open places.

The usual timetable for European students to start the process is the second year of high school.

English tests – Duolingo and TOEFL
All international students must demonstrate proficiency in English. The most common test is the Duolingo English Test, which measures:
– Reading
– Writing
– Listening
– Speaking

Important to know:
Scoring scale: 0–160

Each college sets its own admission requirements. The test can be taken twice a month. You can retake the test as many times as you want. The results are used to determine which colleges in the US are possible for you.

SAT – American college entrance exam (Not required at most colleges in the US these days)
The SAT is the US equivalent of the college entrance exam. The SAT consists of:
– English
– Mathematics

Scoring system:
Total score: 400–1600
Each part: 200–800 points

The exam is only given a few times per year and is written in:
– Stockholm
– Gothenburg
– Malmö
If you write the SAT multiple times, you get to combine your best subscores, which often raises your final score.

Academic Requirements for Sports Scholarship in the USA
Sports scholarships are administered primarily through two organizations:
– NCAA
– NAIA

Minimum GPA requirements:
NCAA Division 1: 2.3 GPA
NCAA Division 2: 2.2 GPA
NAIA: 2.0 GPA (at 2.3 you don't have to take the SAT)

In addition to GPA, you must have completed a university preparatory high school diploma, or added courses in the second year of high school for your vocational education to be classified as university preparatory. That said, JUCO is an alternative if you have not done this.

Can you be too old for college in the US?
You can never be too old to study at college in the US. However, there are rules for sports scholarships.

General age rule:
After graduation, you have three opportunities to begin your college studies.

Example: Student June 2026 → possible starts:
August 2026
January 2027
August 2027

If you start studying in Europe within this period, you can later transfer to college in the USA.
If you wait too long, your right to a sports scholarship may be used up.

If you are no longer eligible for a sports scholarship
Even without an athletic scholarship, there are strong opportunities. NCAA Division 3:
– No age limit
– No core academic requirements
– Scholarship based on grades and nationality
– Studies can be financed with Government aid

Frequently Asked Questions About College in the USA:

How much scholarship can you get in the USA?
It varies depending on the sport, level, school and academic qualifications. Many students receive between 30–100% coverage.

Can you go to college without the SAT?
Many of the schools are now test-optional, but the SAT always increases your chances of both admission and scholarship.

Is Government aid enough for college in the US?
This depends on each European country and what they offer. But most offer sufficient funds when it comes to education.

Do you have to be an elite athlete?
No. There are colleges at many levels, from NCAA Division 1 to NAIA, JUCO, and Division 3.

Summary: requirements for college in the US
To go to college in the USA you need:
– High school diploma
– English test (Duolingo/TOEFL)
– Highlight video
– Passing grades (GPA)

With proper planning, good guidance, and a clear timeline, college in the US can be both financially feasible and academically rewarding. Want to know which schools are right for you? Contact us and we will help you all the way, from first contact to your degree in the US.