Many students only realize that they want to study in America late in their high school years. It's not always clear how it works if you're in havo, vwo, mbo, or hbo.

Today you'll learn everything about: 

• What to consider if you want to study in America
• Studying in America after havo 
• Studying in America after vwo 
• Studying in America after mbo 
• Studying in America after hbo or wo

What should I consider if I want to study in America?

Since we at Plus31 Sports assist many athletes who want to study in America and continue playing sports, we have to consider two different admission requirements:

1. Requirements for the sports organizations
2. Requirements for the universities

In America, you can play sports in different sports organizations and divisions. For instance, there's the NCAA, NAIA, and NJCAA. In the NCAA and NAIA, schools offer four-year programs. In the NJCAA, you'll find schools offering two-year programs, which serve as a bridge between high school and university. 

With every educational background, there are opportunities to play sports and study in America. However, we need to check per level what's possible. Read on to find out what you qualify for.

Studying in America after havo

In principle, you can start a four-year program in America right after havo. However, there are a few things to consider: 

Age 

Often, you're only 17 years old after completing havo. In America, students are 18 when they finish 'high school', which means you're often younger than the rest. 

Requirements of the Sports Organization

To be eligible to play in the NCAA, you must have completed certain core subjects during your high school years. If you've done havo, you might be missing some subjects because havo only lasts 5 years. 

So, you've had one less year to complete these subjects. Together, we can check if you've taken the right subjects. 

University admission requirements 

While you can start at a university in America with a havo diploma, some (renowned) schools require at least a vwo diploma. We can help you find out which schools would be a good fit for you with a havo diploma. 

Other remarks 

For some players, it's often a good idea to start at a Junior College (NJCAA) after havo. These colleges offer a two-year 'preparatory' program. After these two years, you can directly enter the third year of the university. The advantage is that you can more easily integrate into the American school system.

Studying in America after vwo

If you've completed vwo in the Netherlands, you can be admitted to any school and play in any sports federation. However, there are a few things to keep in mind.

Average Grade

Although vwo is the highest achievable high school diploma in the Netherlands, and only the top 10% of students complete it, the sports federation and often the university in America don't take this into account. It's important to have a good average grade to be eligible to play and to be admitted to the university. 

For the NCAA division 1, you need at least a 6.3 average, and for division 2 and NAIA, a 6.2. For top universities like Harvard, you'll need to score much higher, above an 8 average.

Studying in America after mbo

If you want to study in America after mbo, it's important to have completed level 3 or 4. With level 3, you only qualify for a Junior College, but with level 4, you can also play in the NAIA.

Admission requirements of a junior college or university

To play and study at a junior college, you need at least an mbo level 3 diploma.

In principle, you can be admitted with an mbo level 4 diploma to universities. However, it becomes difficult to meet the core subject requirements to be active in the NCAA.

Contact us to find out which level suits you best.

Other remarks

It's often challenging to play in the NCAA with an mbo diploma. This is because the NCAA has strict rules. For instance, you must have taken several years of math, English, and Dutch at a certain level. We often find that mbo programs don't meet these requirements. 

However, there are good opportunities in the NAIA or NJCAA.

Studying in America after HBO or WO

With an HBO or WO diploma, you can pursue a master's degree in America. You can only do a master's at a university, not at a junior college. Keep the following in mind:

Number of Study Years

In America, the academic timeline is important for your eligibility in different sports federations and divisions. In general, you have 5 years to play 4 seasons. This means you lose eligibility if you take longer than usual for your studies.

Contact us if you're in a situation of study delay so we can evaluate your possibilities.

Other remarks

If you're in your 1st or 2nd year of your subsequent education, you can also make a 'transfer' to an American university to continue your studies. It's important to have earned your study points for each year. 

Contact us if you'd like to continue your studies in America.

Q & A

Q: Can I study in America after mavo? 

A: You cannot study in America if you've only completed mavo. Afterward, you'll first need to complete havo or obtain an mbo level 3 or 4 diploma. 

Q: I want to study in America after my havo. Is that possible?

A: Yes, you can start a four-year program in America right after havo. However, there are a few things to consider, such as your age, requirements of the sports federation, and university admission requirements.

Q: What's the difference between NCAA, NAIA, and NJCAA? 

A: The NCAA and NAIA are sports federations where schools offer four-year programs. The NJCAA consists of schools offering two-year programs, serving as a bridge between high school and university. 

Q: I've completed vwo. What are the admission requirements for American universities? 

A: With a vwo diploma, you can be admitted to any school. However, it's important to have a good average grade. For the NCAA division 1, you need at least a 6.3 average, and for top universities like Harvard, you'll need to score above an 8 average.

Q: Can I study in America after completing an mbo program? 

A: Yes, with an mbo level 3 diploma, you qualify for a Junior College. With an mbo level 4 diploma, you can also play in the NAIA. However, it can be challenging to meet the core subject requirements for the NCAA. 

Q: I have an HBO or WO diploma. What are my options in America? 

A: With an HBO or WO diploma, you can pursue a master's degree in America. However, the academic timeline is important for your eligibility in different sports federations and divisions. 

Q: I'm in my 1st or 2nd year of my subsequent education in the Netherlands. Can I continue my studies in America? 

A: Yes, you can make a 'transfer' to an American university to continue your studies, provided you've earned your study points for each year.

Conclusion 

As you've read, there are various opportunities to study in America after havo, vwo, mbo, or hbo. 

Contact us for a personal evaluation of your opportunities to play sports and study in America!

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