The various scholarship boards advise students to apply only if they are willing to spend the time and effort necessary to prepare an outstanding application. Truman representatives report that successful applicants typically spend 50 hours or more preparing and revising their written applications and then spend as much time preparing for the interview. Once you reach the point that you're satisfied with the content of your application, edit it and proofread it until you're sure it's letter perfect. Tolerate no typos, misspellings or poor grammar. Always type, never handwrite, your application. Bear in mind that a sloppy application may signal an uncaring attitude. If you don't take your candidacy seriously, why should anyone else, particularly a selection committee?