The vast majority of student-athletes who secure a roster spot and scholarship offer begin their recruitment journey one to two years prior to enroling in college (Years 11–12). However, starting as early as Year 10 allows student-athletes to get ahead and build their academic and athletic profile over a longer window.

Not necessarily. Across the various governing bodies (NCAA, NAIA, and NJCAA), there are hundreds of programs catering to different skill levels. During our initial evaluation, we provide an honest assessment of your athletic ability, academic standing and budget to identify realistic pathways where you can compete and thrive.

US college governing bodies assess international academic equivalency by converting your high school results into a US Grade Point Average (GPA). Consistent grades across Years 9 through 12 significantly improve your chances of meeting academic eligibility requirements and receiving academic-based financial aid.

Every prospective student-athlete has a unique athletic background, academic history, and set of personal goals. Our free initial consultation is designed specifically to discuss your aspirations, evaluate your potential fit for the US collegiate system, and determine if this pathway aligns with your family’s expectations.

They are three distinct governing bodies with different structures and regulations:

NCAA & NAIA: Four-year institutions. Athletic and academic scholarships are available in NCAA Divisions 1 and 2, as well as the NAIA. NCAA Division 3 schools do not offer athletic scholarships, but often provide significant academic and financial aid packages.

NJCAA: Two-year Junior Colleges (JuCo). They offer athletic and academic scholarships and serve as an excellent pathway for athletic and academic development before transferring to a four-year college.

In the US college sports space, these terms are completely interchangeable and refer to the same thing - an accredited higher education provider where you can earn a degree and play collegiate sports.

No. SUMMIT 61 is an independent college recruitment consultancy, not a sports or player agency. We do not "represent" athletes or provide sports agent services. We strictly provide advisory, educational, and hands-on recruitment management services.

No. No reputable recruitment service can or should guarantee a roster spot, scholarship offer or specific outcome. Decisions regarding admissions, roster spots, and financial aid (scholarships) rest entirely with each institution’s coaching staff and admissions department.

Yes. With thorough research and a significant investment of time, families can navigate the process independently. However, the key advantage of engaging SUMMIT 61 is our direct network of relationships with college coaches. Without these established connections, unassisted cold outreach often goes unanswered. We help avoid costly mistakes, streamline the administration, and ensure we target the right fit from day one.

We evaluate each student-athlete’s athletic level, academic standing, degree preferences, location priorities, and budget. From there, we compile a tailored target list of programs. Rather than using automated or mass-email campaigns, we leverage our direct, individual relationships with college coaches to present your profile effectively.

No. Regulations prohibit third-party recruitment services from directly negotiating scholarship offers with institutions. Once a college coach expresses interest and communications are underway with the athlete, all formal scholarship and financial discussions/negotiations occur directly between the coach, the college and the athlete and their family. We guide and advise you behind the scenes throughout this evaluation phase.

Following a free initial consult, we provide end-to-end recruitment management and advisory support. This includes strategic timeline planning, academic and athletic profile compilation (including video/highlight reel production), targeted coach outreach, scholarship evaluation, and administrative support and oversight through to final commitment.

Our ‘Scope of Work’ and fee structure are clearly outlined prior to engagement and detailed in each Client Service Agreement (CSA).

See ‘Our Pathway’ page for further detail.

Costs vary considerably depending on the institution, location, and scholarship level awarded. Overall out-of-pocket costs generally range from $30,000 to $70,000 AUD per year.

Financial aid - including full or partial athletic and academic scholarships - can significantly reduce these fees.

During an initial consultation, we evaluate your family’s target budget alongside your profile to identify financially viable pathways.

Contact us to book a no obligation free consult to explore if the US college pathway is the right fit for you.