Navigating the recruiting process as an international student may seem stressful, confusing and overwhelming. But the truth is that if you understand the process you should end up going to the right school for you.
Need proof? Just look at Maria Atanassov, a rising sophomore basketball player studying at Rollins College who is originally from Spain. Maria was able to navigate her recruiting process successfully and chose a school that fits her perfectly. Not only that, but Maria was able to adapt to a different country and a different training method while making friends and excelling at her sport and in the classroom. Whether you're from the U.S. or are looking to move to the States to start your college career, all recruits can learn from Maria. Here's what she had to say about her journey.
How was your experience in the recruiting process? Do you think it was hard as an international student?
Actually, the recruiting process wasn't as bad as I previously thought. I got in touch with the college through an organization and the fact that I am an athlete made it way more simple. Overall, it was pretty easy because the guidelines were clear and the college staff was very helpful and always willing to help me when I had any doubt. It was hard due to the amount of documents and different paperwork that I had to submit. The college and the NCAA required a lot of documents that I didn't have and that was the most stressful part. I realized that if you have a good organization or a company that helps you and they know what they are doing the process becomes less complicated and more simple.
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At what age did you start looking at universities?
I started when I was 17 years old. I was in eleventh grade. I always wanted to study in the United States. At first I was going to study my last year of high school in California but due to COVID it got canceled. So another opportunity came up and instead of only studying my senior year of high school in the U.S. I had the chance to study my whole [college] career in Florida. I think that studying abroad is an experience that everyone should at least try and I was really eager to do it.
How fast was your recruiting process?
It went by really fast. I started doing the last step, my athletic profile in the NCAA in June 2020 and by August 2020 I was accepted in the college and everything was ready.
What was the hardest part in the recruiting process as an international student?
The hardest thing was to obtain all the required documents. I needed to send my transcripts to the college and the NCAA, [but] both of them turned them down so many times because it was not in the format they wanted. That was the most frustrating part. But, at the end, asking the school administratives and sending emails to the NCAA, I was able to understand the format and send everything the right way. Don't be afraid to ask.
What aspects of the universities did you look at when applying and deciding?
I was looking for a really good academic level and where I thought I could be happy. I was looking for the availability of the major I wanted and the quality of it. The location of the college, the weather, my connection with the coach and my prospect team were also important factors for me.
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Are you satisfied with your choice? Have you been able to improve in your sport, academic and personally?
I am more than satisfied with my choice, [and] I am able to balance everything. The college I chose turned out to be the best option for me. I had played a lot and at a really good level and improved my athletic skills. At first, I struggled a little bit academically because of the different education system [in] Spain. But I managed my time and found a way to accommodate myself to the change. Now I love it. No one said it was going to be easy. It has been a great challenge that I am overcoming every day.
What has it been like living outside your country?
It's been overall easy. The fact that I was happy with my choice made it way easier. I made a lot of great relationships and played basketball a lot which are the 2 most important things for me. My academic performance was really good as well so I do not have any complaints. It is true that there were some days where I was homesick but because of the things that I have mentioned before it was completely bearable.
Do you think studying in the U.S. has influenced your sport performance?
Absolutely–the fact that it is a new country and the type of game is completely different and you need to improve in the areas that are most required have made me improve a lot. So yes, it has definitely influenced my performance in a good way. It gave me the possibility and forced me to improve in different fields, which at the end of the season made me a better player.
What advice would you give to an international student who is trying to study in the U.S. in the future?
I would say to not be afraid and scared. This experience is amazing and If you work hard and consistently it pays off. So do not underestimate yourself and go for it. Always be yourself and embrace the fact that you are an international student. Also, look for help when you need it.
What aspects do you think are essential when applying as an international student?
I would say to always be yourself. Don't try to be someone else–be truthful to yourself when applying. That's how you are going to find your perfect place. Follow your instincts and be patient because the perfect college for you will eventually arrive.
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* Originally published on September 9, 2022, by Camila Cramer
