Hydrocephalus Association Scholarship: Top Application Tips

How to Prepare for the Hydrocephalus Association Scholarship Application

Before beginning your Hydrocephalus Association (HA) Scholarship application, we encourage you to review the program details so you’re familiar with the requirements and eligibility criteria. With a little preparation and organization, you can put forward a strong and thoughtful application. The tips below will help you get ready.

Important Deadline:
The 2026 Scholarship Application closes on April 15, 2026, at 11:59 PM ET.
Late submissions will not be accepted, and no exceptions will be made, so please plan accordingly to complete your application on time. 

Click here to learn more about eligibility, criteria, and frequently asked questions.

Tips for a Smooth and Successful Application

1. Double Check All Required Materials

The scholarship application is a Google Form and, therefore, must be completed and submitted in one session. Before opening the Google Form, review the application instructions carefully and confirm that you have all the required materials ready to upload. Because you must complete every section in one session, having everything prepared ahead of time is essential 

Submitting a complete and accurate application the first time helps it move smoothly through the review process. 

 2. Start the Application Process Early and Plan Ahead

Even though the Google form must be completed in one sitting, you can—and should—prepare your materials well in advance. Because the application cannot be saved and returned to later, plan ahead by setting aside enough uninterrupted time, ensuring you have a stable internet connection, and keeping your drafted essay responses open for easy copying and pasting. Starting early helps you avoid last-minute stress, gives you plenty of time to gather required documents, and reduces the chance of technical issues. 

 3. Prepare Essay Question Answers in Advance

Because the scholarship application is hosted in Google Forms,  the application cannot be saved and returned to later, so if you close the application window before submitting, all progress will be lost. Preparing ahead of time is the best way to avoid stress and ensure your answers are thoughtful and complete. 

Before you begin the application, take time to read through all the essay questions and instructions. This helps you understand what information you’ll need and prevents you from rushing through important sections. 

We highly recommend drafting your responses in a Word or Google document first so you can revise, edit, and save your work before starting your application. 

Preview the essay questions here. 

4. Use Clear, Specific Examples in Your Essays

Specific experiences make your responses more meaningful and memorable. Share real stories of challenges you’ve faced, accomplishments you’re proud of, or moments of growth. These examples help the committee understand your journey and what has shaped who you are today. 

5. Provide as Much Information as Possible

The Scholarship Committee values detailed, thoughtful answers. When in doubt, include more information rather than less. Use your responses to paint a full picture of your experiences, achievements, challenges, and goals.  The more context you provide, the better the scholarship committee can understand your journey and what makes you a strong candidate.   

6. Obtain Your Diagnosis Verification Early

Diagnosis verification can take time, especially when requesting documentation from healthcare providers. Reach out as early as possible to avoid delays and ensure your paperwork meets all application requirements. Starting this step ahead of time helps prevent last-minute stress and keeps your application on track. 

7. Contact Your Recommender Early

Your letter of recommendation is an important part of your application, so reach out to your recommender well in advance. Giving them extra time ensures they can write a strong, thoughtful, and personalized letter on your behalf. 

Encourage your recommender to include examples and insights that highlight your strengths, character, and accomplishments. 

All recommendation letters must be emailed directly from the recommender to:
 scholarship@hydroassoc.org. 

8. Who Makes a Good Recommender?

Choose someone who knows you well, can speak to your strengths, and has seen your growth over time. Strong recommenders include: 

• Teachers or professors who can speak to your academic strengths and work ethic 
• Coaches who can highlight dedication, leadership, perseverance, and teamwork 
• School counselors or advisors familiar with your goals and personal journey 
• Supervisors or employers who can describe your responsibility, reliability, and character 
• Mentors or volunteer coordinators from community activities or programs 

The person recommending you cannot be a relative, as they cannot provide the objective perspective required for the scholarship committee. 

9. Follow All Instructions Carefully

Be sure to: 

• Review all directions thoroughly 
• Ensure every required field is complete 

The application cannot be submitted unless all required fields are filled in. Google Forms will display a notification if any required question is left unanswered. Review these prompts carefully so you don’t miss anything essential. 

10. Proofread Before You Submit

A careful final review can improve clarity and help you catch small mistakes before submitting your application. Try: 

• Reading your essays out loud 
• Using spell check 
• Asking someone you trust to review your responses 

Taking a few extra minutes to proofread ensures your application is polished and professional. 

11. Expect to receive an editable link after submission

After you submit your application, you will receive an automated email from Google Forms with a link that allows you to edit your responses if needed. This option is only available after your initial submission. 

12. Save Copies of Everything

Make sure to keep copies of all important materials, including: 

• Your essay responses 
• Your confirmation email 

Having these on hand is helpful if you need to make edits or reference your submission later. 

13. Ask Questions if You’re Unsure

If any part of the application is confusing or unclear, we encourage you to reach out for help. You can email us at: scholarship@hydroassoc.org. 

We’re here to support you throughout the process.

Final Tips for a Strong Scholarship Application

Submitting a strong scholarship application starts with preparation, attention to detail, and giving yourself enough time to put forward your best work. We encourage you to start early, stay organized, and reach out if you have any questions along the way. 

We look forward to receiving your application and learning more about your journey, goals, and achievements! Wishing you the very best of luck!