Thank you for your interest in the Daniel Murphy Scholarship Fund.
Applications to become a Murphy Scholar are now closed.
Applications to become a Murphy Scholar are now closed.
Murphy Scholar Requirements
8th grade applicants who demonstrate financial need as well as academic and leadership potential are the best candidates for a Murphy scholarship. Applicants must live in the Chicagoland area or Lake County to be eligible for the scholarship.
Important Dates
Application Deadline - The application deadline for DMSF’s Class of 2028 is October 6, 2023.
High School Fair - Mark your calendar for Tuesday, September 19, 2023 from 5:00 p.m.-7:30 p.m. at Saint Ignatius College Prep High School, 1076 Roosevelt Rd., Chicago, IL 60608. This is a great opportunity to learn more about DMSF and to meet with representatives from over 65 of our partner day and boarding schools. Virtual Visit - If you would like a DMSF representative to speak to interested 7th and 8th graders about DMSF and the application process, please fill out this form or email DMSF at admissions@dmsf.org. |
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Frequently Asked Questions
WHO IS A GOOD CANDIDATE FOR THE DMSF SCHOLARSHIP?
Applicants that demonstrate academic potential, strong character and financial need are the best candidates for a DMSF scholarship.
Aspiring Murphy Scholars demonstrate academic potential through the grades they received in 7th grade. The applicant’s report card should contain mostly A’s and B’s in core subjects. DMSF also carefully considers teacher recommendations, which indicate the applicant’s ability to perform at grade level and contribute to a positive classroom environment.
Leadership potential is demonstrated through school and community activities as well as by the content of the applicant’s essays. Recommendations provided by teachers and a principal/counselor also factor in.
Financial need generally means families whose annual incomes are at or under $75,000. DMSF is only able to provide financial assistance to families who also qualify for financial assistance from our partner schools.
Aspiring Murphy Scholars demonstrate academic potential through the grades they received in 7th grade. The applicant’s report card should contain mostly A’s and B’s in core subjects. DMSF also carefully considers teacher recommendations, which indicate the applicant’s ability to perform at grade level and contribute to a positive classroom environment.
Leadership potential is demonstrated through school and community activities as well as by the content of the applicant’s essays. Recommendations provided by teachers and a principal/counselor also factor in.
Financial need generally means families whose annual incomes are at or under $75,000. DMSF is only able to provide financial assistance to families who also qualify for financial assistance from our partner schools.
HOW DO I APPLY?
The DMSF application is entirely online. The application requires students to write two essays, complete several short answer questions, and provide contact information for recommenders. Parents are required to provide detailed financial information and upload proof of income.
HOW MANY SCHOLARSHIPS WILL YOU AWARD?
DMSF will award approximately 130-140 scholarships to students each year.
CAN THE SCHOLARSHIP BE APPLIED TO ANY SCHOOL?
No, the scholarship only applies to DMSF partner schools. DMSF retains the right to limit the scholarship award to a specific school or schools.
DOES THE FAMILY PAY ANYTHING?
Yes, each family is required to pay a portion of their child’s educational expenses. Families will be responsible for a portion of the tuition and any additional supplementary fees, including but not limited to books, uniforms, technology fees, and registration fees. The average family contribution is between $2,500 and $3,500 per school year. The estimated family contribution (EFC) varies at each DMSF partner school.
WHAT HAPPENS TO THE APPLICATIONS?
Once an application is received by DMSF, it is reviewed to ensure that it is complete. Incomplete applications are not considered. Completed applications are reviewed by at least two readers, and ultimately about one in every five students who has submitted an application is selected to be interviewed.
WHAT IS THE INTERVIEW PROCESS?
Those applicants who are selected for an interview will be advised of their interview date at least one week in advance of the interview. At the interview, each applicant will meet with a panel of interviewers, all of whom are volunteers. Each meeting will last for about ten minutes. Then separately, the parents or guardians meet with each panel of interviewers. Everyone will also meet with a member of the DMSF Education Department.
HOW WILL I LEARN ABOUT MY STATUS?
No information about an applicant’s status is given out over the phone. After an applicant has been interviewed, he or she will receive an email advising the applicant of DMSF’s decision and next steps. If an applicant is not selected for an interview, they will learn their status at the end of interview season, typically in early December.
IF I AM AWARDED A DMSF SCHOLARSHIP, WHAT ARE MY NEXT STEPS?
Scholarship awards are not final until the applicant completes the steps that follow:
- Takes the appropriate high school admission test(s).
- Is admitted to a DMSF partner school.
- Completes the school’s financial aid forms by the school’s deadline and receives financial aid from the school.
- Registers at the school by the school’s deadline.
- Signs a DMSF scholarship contract.
- Attends DMSF’s mandatory two-week Summer Bridge program.
