General HSC Questions
Q: Where should I mail my supplemental information?
A: Mail your completed forms to:
HSC Scholarship Committee
PO Box 685088
Austin, TX 78768-5088
Q: Where does the funding for the HSC scholarships come from?
A: Funding sources for scholarships include contributions by individual benefactors, corporations, and foundations.
Q: What if I still have questions after reading the FAQ?
A: Please e-mail scholarships@hispanicscholar.org. This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it if you have additional questions.
Eligibility Questions
Q: Do I have to Hispanic/Latino to apply?
A: Yes, you must be of Hispanic origin or descent. Students of mixed heritages (Hispanic and another heritage) may apply.
Q: Do I have to be a US Citizen or Permanent Resident to apply for a scholarship?
A: No, HSC will consider funding applicants attending college under the Texas Senate Bill 1528.
Q: Is there a minimum Grade Point Average to Apply?
A: Yes, applicants must have a minimum of a 3.0 GPA on a 4.0 scale when applying for HSC scholarships. Please note that some scholarships have higher GPA requirements. Go to the 2012 HSC Scholarship Program page on www.hispanicscholar.org for a complete list of awards and requirements.
Q: I’m only enrolled part-time. Am I eligible?
A: No, all students must enroll and complete the fall and spring academic semesters as full-time students (12 hours per semester or more). Failure to do so will negate your scholarship.
Application Materials
Q: How does the nominate icon work?
A: A nominate is your recommender (you nominate your recommender). The Nominate section corresponds to the “Letter of Recommendation (Nominable Section)” that you cannot access on your account. Click on the “Nominate Section” icon and follow the instructions on that page. Once you fill out your nominate’s information, they will get an email with a link to the “Letter of Recommendation (Nominable Section)” of your application. Your recommender will only be able to see that part of your application. Once they finish, you will receive a confirmation email that your recommendation has been submitted, at which point you may submit your entire application by clicking “Submit Application” on your dashboard.
Q: Who can fill out my recommender form?
A: An instructor or advisor must complete this form. A relative may not complete it. Be sure to alert your recommender that he/she must complete this form online and he/she will receive an email with instructions about the form. Allow your recommender at least two weeks to complete the form. Your recommender will not be notified about the recommendation until your application is complete.
Q: Can I send in my financial documentation, transcript and proof of residency separately?
A: No. The packet must be mailed in complete. Exceptions for this include transcripts if they are sent directly from the high school or higher education institution.
Q: Is there a fee to apply for a scholarship?
A: No, there are not any fees associated with the application process.
Q: Can I still apply after the deadline?
A: No, dates are set to accommodate review time and interview schedules. Late applications and supporting materials will not be reviewed and will be safely discarded.
Q: Do I have to submit financial documentation?
A: Yes, all candidates must submit financial documentation. Failure to do so will result in an incomplete packet that will not be reviewed. You must submit a copy of the Student Aid Report (SAR) you received after completing the Free Application for Financial Student Aid (FAFSA). If you qualify for financial aid under SB 1528/HB 1403, then you must submit a paper copy of the FAFSA or TASFA based on your institution.
Scholarship Process and Selection
Q: How are students selected?
A: Successful candidates are selected on the basis of academic achievement, financial need, community service, personal strengths, and leadership. First generation college students and students from low-income households are closely reviewed.
Q: Why is the personal interview by invitation only?
A: Due to the large number of applicants, only selected candidates will be invited to be interviewed during the final phase of the review process. An invitation does not guarantee an award to a candidate. Not all applicants who ultimately receive awards will be interviewed.
Q: Who reviews my application?
A: A prescreening committee will initially review your application. The Hispanic Scholarship Consortium is a collaboration of member organizations and individual benefactors. Therefore, your application may be reviewed by more than 12 different organizations and individuals. However, scholarship recipients may only receive one scholarship from one awarding organization per academic year.
What are HSC scholarships for?
Q: Does HSC provide scholarship for K-12?
A: No, all of our scholarships are strictly for higher education. Applicants must at minimum graduate from high school and are or are planning on attending an accredited two or four year college or university of higher learning.
Q: Does HSC provide scholarships for trade schools?
A: No, all of our scholarships are strictly for higher education. Applicants must be high school graduates planning on attending an accredited two or four year college or university of higher learning.
Q: What does this scholarship pay for?
A: Scholarship funds may be applied to any educational expenses such as books, fees, tuition, room and board, transportation fees to and from school or any other academic related expenses.
What happens after I’ve sent my application?
Q: If I am invited for an interview, when will I be notified?
A: Successful candidates will be notified by phone or e-mail about the interview process. Interviews will be conducted in April 2012.
Q: When will I be notified that I will receive an award?
A: Successful candidates will receive written notice via e-mail or direct mail by April 30, 2012.
Q: Will I be notified if I don’t receive an award?
A: Yes. You will receive e-mail notification by the end of April 2012.
Q: Are scholarships renewable?
A: The majority of our scholarships are renewable to eligible candidates up to four or five years depending on area of study. Scholars must maintain full-time), a minimum 3.0 GPA and must be active in HSC active status (12 hours a semester or more to qualify).
Q: My mailing address and contact info may change what should I do?
A: You can send an email to scholarships@hispanicscholar.org stating your name and new mailing address and contact info.
Q: How much can I expect to receive if I am awarded a scholarship?
A: Scholarships range from $2,000 – $5,000 per academic year. Average scholarships are $2,000.
Q: When will I get my award for the fall/spring semesters?
A: Stipends will be distributed in two equal payments for the fall and spring terms. In the fall you must submit your enrollment verification and class schedule verifying full-time enrollment. For the spring term, you must submit a copy of your class schedule, unofficial transcript and tuition bill. There is also a service requirement of at least five hours of community service per semester. Students will have a sponsor sign a document confirming their service. Upon receipt of the required documents, HSC will process your stipend and will mail it directly to the address your provided. Please allow up to two weeks for processing. Failure to submit required documents will result in the forfeiture of your award. Stipends will not be mailed to the higher education institution you are attending.
