The SM College Scholarship Program is a life-changing opportunity for Filipino students. While preparing your SM Scholarship 2026, you will encounter a very specific document: the Hand-Drawn Sketch of Home to the Nearest SM Mall.
While it might sound like an art project, the SM Foundation simply needs a clear, hand-drawn map to understand your location. Don’t worry if you’re not an artist; this guide will walk you through creating a professional and compliant sketch that boosts your application.
The #1 Rule: No Screenshots or Digital Maps Allowed!
The SM Foundation asks for a hand-drawn sketch. Any applicant who uploads a screenshot from Google Maps, Waze, or a digitally created map will likely face automatic disqualification or an incomplete application.
You may use online maps as a reference while you draw, but the final submission must be your own work on paper.
What to Include in Your SM Scholarship Sketch
Your sketch is important because it will guide SM Foundation representatives if you are selected for a home visit. Make sure your drawing is clear and accurate.
- Your Home (The Starting Point): Clearly mark and label it “My Home” or “My House.”
- The Nearest SM Mall (The Destination): Indicate the specific SM Mall that is closest to your residence.
- Major Roads & Street Names: Label the main highways, streets, and the specific road your house is on.
- Landmarks: Include at least 2-3 recognizable landmarks along the route. These could be:
- Churches or Chapels
- Public Markets
- Schools or Universities
- Barangay Halls
- Gas Stations (like Petron, Shell, Caltex)
- Prominent Bridges or unique buildings
- Directional Arrows: Use clear arrows to show the precise route from the SM Mall to your house. This is crucial for guiding visitors.
- House Description (Optional but Recommended): A small written description of your house (e.g., “blue gate,” “two-story green house,” “beside sari-sari store”) can be very helpful.
How to Create Your SM Scholarship Sketch of Home: A Step-by-Step Guide
You don’t need to be an artist to create an effective map. Just follow these simple steps:
Step 1: Draft the Layout (Pencil First)
- Start with a clean sheet of white paper (A4 or bond paper).
- Lightly sketch the general layout in pencil. Start by placing the SM Mall on one side of the paper and your house on the other.
- Draw the main roads and rough locations of landmarks. Don’t press too hard, as you’ll erase this later.
Step 2: Ink the Map & Add Details
- Once you’re happy with the pencil draft, trace over your lines with a black or blue ballpoint pen.
- Add the names of streets and major highways.
- Draw simple icons for your chosen landmarks (e.g., a cross for a church, a gas pump for a station).
- Clearly label each landmark.
- Use red or a distinct color for the directional arrows to highlight the path from the SM Mall to your home. Make sure the arrows are easy to follow.
Step 3: Finalize and Review
- Carefully erase any visible pencil marks.
- Add a small compass rose (N, S, E, W) if you know the general directions.
- Write a short, clear description of your house if you choose to include one.
- Double-check that all text is legible and that the route is clear and unambiguous.
Expert Tips for a Successful Application
- 7-Day Confirmation: After submitting your application and sketch, remember to log back into the portal within 7 days to click the “Confirm” button. This crucial step finalizes your application.
- SM Partner Schools: Ensure your chosen school is one of the SM Partner Schools. Your “Sketch of Home” helps verify your proximity to one of their covered areas.
- Complete Requirements: Don’t forget to review the entire list of SM College Scholarship 2026 to ensure all your documents are in order.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the sketch need to be professionally drawn?
No. You don’t need to be an artist or use drafting tools. A simple, neat hand-drawn sketch using a ballpoint pen and a ruler on a clean piece of white paper is perfectly acceptable. Clarity and accuracy are more important than “artistic talent.
Can I use a screenshot from Google Maps instead?
Strictly NO. The SM Foundation requires a hand-drawn sketch. Uploading a screenshot or a printed digital map can lead to your application being disqualified. You may use Google Maps as a reference while drawing, but the final upload must be your own work.
What is the purpose of this sketch?
The sketch is used for two reasons: First, to verify that you live within the areas covered by SM’s partner schools. Second, it serves as a guide for SM Foundation representatives if they select you for a Home Visit (a crucial final step in the selection process).
Which SM Mall should I use as my starting point?
Use the SM Mall that is closest to your residence, even if it is in a neighboring city. The goal is to show the foundation your home’s proximity to an SM landmark.
What file format should I use for the upload
Most applicants upload their sketch as a JPG or PDF. Make sure the photo is taken in a well-lit area so all labels and landmarks are visible. Ensure the file size is below the portal’s limit (usually 2MB).
Disclaimer: This guide and the provided illustrations are for reference and educational purposes only. We are not affiliated with the SM Foundation. While we strive for accuracy, following these examples does not guarantee scholarship approval. The final acceptance of your documents depends entirely on the SM Foundation’s evaluation and their specific internal criteria. We hold no responsibility for any application outcomes or rejections.