START YOUR
JOURNEY
START YOUR
Students from across Scarborough College were invited to join an informative session with Lewis McKissick from FirstPoint USA, exploring how sporting talent can open doors to university education in the United States.
The well-attended session, which took place in Lisvane Hall, attracted interest from students across several year groups, with many keen to discover how they could take their sporting ambitions to the next level abroad while continuing their academic studies.
FirstPoint USA specialises in helping aspiring student-athletes navigate the process of securing places at American universities, including opportunities to access athletic scholarships. During the session, Mr McKissick explained how students can build their sporting profiles, connect with university coaches and identify institutions that match their academic interests and athletic ability.
University sport plays a significant role in American higher education, with universities investing in competitive teams, coaching and sporting facilities. For talented athletes, this can create opportunities to combine a high level of competition with a university degree, with scholarships potentially contributing towards tuition fees and other costs.
For Scarborough College students, understanding these pathways early can help them make informed decisions about their future. The session also highlighted the importance of academic achievement alongside sporting performance when considering opportunities in the USA. As such, students were told that the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IBDP), as an internationally recognised qualification, provides a strong foundation for applications to American universities and institutions around the world.
The benefits of studying overseas extend beyond the classroom and sporting arena. Mr McKissick also discussed how international university experience is highly valued by UK employers, helping graduates demonstrate independence, adaptability, cultural awareness and the ability to thrive in new environments.
As a global school with a strong international outlook, Scarborough College encourages students to consider a broad range of future pathways. The College has a history of students progressing to prestigious institutions, including Ivy League colleges, alongside excellent universities across the globe.
The visit forms part of Scarborough College’s University and Careers programme, which introduces students to a range of academic and professional pathways and connects them with people who have specialist knowledge of the opportunities available.
Mr Sam Thurgood, Director of Sport and Deputy Head at Scarborough College, said: “We want our students to have the confidence to pursue their passions and the ambition to explore what might be possible beyond school.
“For some, that could mean competing in sport at the highest level while studying at a leading American university. Our role is to give them the guidance, knowledge and opportunities they need to make informed decisions about their future.”
The session with FirstPoint USA is one of a series of external talks and activities planned to broaden students’ horizons, helping them explore their options and prepare for life beyond Scarborough College.
Back to News