What are the benefits of USFSA?

USFSA is the program you must join if you want to take tests or compete. You can't compete or test if you're not a member. Those are the main benefits... You also get a subscription to Skating magazine which is pretty cool. Any other benefits are usually done through the club you join. Each ice rink usually has its own figure skating club that does things like club ice and maybe parties for members. It is expensive to join... but welcome to the world of figure skating! As far as college applications go, if you want to try to join a college with a synchronized skating team they will require you to be a member of USFSA, but if you're just going to college for something else, most likely the people won't even know what USFSA is. But maybe in your essays or something you could mention you've been skating for so many years, and you're a member of this and this skating club, and stuff like that. Testing isn't really scary at all - just make sure you're well prepared (ie practice A LOT!) Club ice really just depends on which club you join. For the most part, people are very nice, but there are divas pretty much wherever you go. Again welcome to the world of figure skating. But make some friends and enjoy it :) good luck