Hispanic Scholarship Fund's Scholarship Suggestions, Tips, and Guidelines

The following suggestions will help you more efficiently and effectively apply for scholarships from HSF, or other scholarship agencies. We hope these guidelines will make the application process easier, and improve your chances, when being considered for a scholarship award.

• Many scholarship opportunities are available. Information is available through links on our web site www.hsf.net . Use other Internet sources; use search engines and type in key phrases such as: free scholarships. Each scholarship has its own specific guidelines. Before applying, be certain that you meet all qualifications.
• Be prepared. Maintain a high GPA, evaluate your strengths, participate in activities, and set goals for your education and career. Follow all directions and be sure not to miss deadlines!



• Ask for assistance. Build a network of educators who are willing to write recommendations, proofread your packet, and guide you. Many higher education and financial aid terms may be unfamiliar, ask for help.



• Applying for scholarships is a competitive process; use care and stay alert. If you were not selected in past years, reevaluate your application package, then reapply early in the next application period.

Your HSF Application

• Only answer what is asked; volunteering unnecessary information could actually negatively effect your evaluation! Simply answer all questions to the best of your knowledge.



• An incomplete application is a common error. Proofread your application. Pay particular attention to any spaces you have left blank -- blank spaces can deem your application incomplete and ineligible! If the answer is zero, write in '0' rather than leaving a blank spot. Re-read the directions -- did you follow all directions? Did you enclose all required materials?



• Find the most qualified person(s) to proofread your packet. Some schools offer free tutoring, or you may have a professor or school administrator who can help you. Check your spelling repeatedly, and have others check it.

Your Letter of Recommendation

• Give the writer advance notice so that he or she has time to do a great job for you. Find a professor or school advisor who will give you a letter that addresses all requested points in the instructions, on official school letterhead. Be polite and always supply the writer with a copy of the instructions when making your request.



• Review the letter. Make sure that the letter is written specifically about you since template letters can be detected. Did the writer cover all points and is the letter complimentary? If not, you may try to find another qualified person, provided that you have left yourself enough time. Show your appreciation by writing a thank-you card to the person(s) who took the time to help you.

Your Personal Statement

• Generic essays are easy to detect. Make certain you cover all required topics one-by-one in detail, using specific examples. Stating each new topic as a title and providing an organized, tidy application helps to make the selection committee's reading task easier (always remember, you want the committee to select you)!



• Part of your proofreading should include attention to tone. Do you sound like a student the Hispanic Scholarship Fund would be proud to call upon to represent them? Take pride in your life and work. The way you phrase your statement can have a positive influence on the selection committee. We wish you success!