Getting the Most Out of Your Scholarship Application: Tips for Success

Securing financial aid through scholarships can be a game-changer for students, helping to ease the burden of tuition and other educational expenses so students can focus on their studies. At Hardin-Simmons University (HSU), the Scholarship Universe platform simplifies the scholarship search and application process, ensuring students can access funding.

Here’s how you can make the most of your scholarship application and increase your chances of receiving financial assistance.

Understanding Scholarship Universe

Scholarship Universe is an online tool HSU uses to match students with endowed scholarships based on their academic background, financial need, and other eligibility factors. Once admitted to HSU, students can access the platform and answer a set of matching questions, which allows the system to connect them with applicable scholarships.

Essential Steps to a Strong Scholarship Application

1. Answer All Matching Questions Completely and Accurately
   The most critical step in the application process is thoroughly answering all matching questions. While the majority are simple yes/no questions, missing or incorrectly answering them can disqualify students from multiple opportunities. Take the time to read each question carefully to ensure accuracy. There are 18 pages, five questions each, equaling 90 questions. With 99% of questions being Yes/No, students can anticipate finishing in under 20 minutes (depending on browser speed).
2. Meet Key Deadlines
   Scholarship applications open on February 1st and close on May 31st. Submitting before the deadline ensures your name is included in the candidate pool for various scholarships. While late applicants may still be considered, meeting the deadline significantly improves the chances of securing awards.
3. File Your FAFSA
   While not required for all scholarships, submitting the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) can help identify students with financial need, making them eligible for additional funds. This step demonstrates proactive financial planning and can improve scholarship eligibility.
4. Communicate with Faculty and Departments
   Some departments at HSU may have additional scholarship opportunities that require supplemental information. For instance, art scholarships may require portfolio submissions, and physical therapy scholarships may consider volunteer experience. Reaching out to deans and faculty members can provide insight into department-specific requirements.
5. Maintain a Strong Academic and Extracurricular Record
   Many scholarships consider factors beyond GPA, such as involvement in campus organizations, leadership roles, and community service. Extracurricular activities can strengthen your application and set you apart from other candidates.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Incomplete Applications – Not answering all required questions can lead to disqualification from multiple scholarships.
• Submitting the Application Prematurely – Ensure all questions are answered before submitting the final application.
• Providing Incorrect Information – Double-check responses to avoid errors impacting eligibility. For example, incorrectly marking multiple church affiliations can disqualify students from faith-based scholarships.

Maximizing Your Scholarship Potential

The average scholarship award at HSU ranges from $500 to $6,000, with some program-specific scholarships offering even more significant amounts. For example. students who minor in music or Christian Studies could receive additional scholarship funds from those departments at the discretion of the department heads.

In conclusion, by fully engaging with Scholarship Universe, meeting deadlines, and proactively seeking departmental opportunities, students can maximize their financial aid potential and reduce the overall cost of their education.

For additional guidance, students are encouraged to contact the Financial Aid Office or relevant department heads.