The purpose of this study was to describe the pool of National Hispanic Scholar Awards Program applicants in the program's initial year, 1983-84, and compare Hispanic Scholars (winners) with Hispanic Honorable Mentions (awardees) and Semifinalists who did not receive an award; examine the characteristics of high-achieving Hispanic students; and isolate the factors associated with success in college. To fulfill this purpose, data was used from the Student Descriptive Questionnaire (SDQ), which includes background information on all SAT-takers, and administered a 12-page survey to 1983-84 applicants to the program. This survey collected additional information on applicants' academic and educational background, English language use, and experiences during the freshman year in college. (79pp.)