Thank you for your interest in the Daniel Murphy Scholarship Fund! We have closed the application for the Class of 2027. Applications for the Class of 2028 will open in May 2023.
ApplicationTranslate this page en Español7th and 8th grade applicants who demonstrate academic potential, strong character and financial need are the best candidates for a Murphy scholarship. Applicants must live in the Chicagoland area, Cicero, or Berwyn to be eligible for the scholarship. We do not accept applications from students who live in other communities.
Application ProcessThere are three distinct portions of the application to be filled out:
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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 and test scores they received in 6th and 7th grade, although neither factor is determinative. Applicants’ report cards should contain mostly A’s and B’s in core subjects and test scores should display the ability to work at grade level or better. DMSF also carefully considers teacher recommendations.
Strong character is demonstrated through school and community activities the applicant is involved in, as well as by the content of the essays the applicant is required to write. Recommendations provided by teachers and a principal or guidance 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 those families who also qualify for financial assistance from our partnership schools.
Aspiring Murphy Scholars demonstrate academic potential through the grades and test scores they received in 6th and 7th grade, although neither factor is determinative. Applicants’ report cards should contain mostly A’s and B’s in core subjects and test scores should display the ability to work at grade level or better. DMSF also carefully considers teacher recommendations.
Strong character is demonstrated through school and community activities the applicant is involved in, as well as by the content of the essays the applicant is required to write. Recommendations provided by teachers and a principal or guidance 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 those families who also qualify for financial assistance from our partnership schools.
HOW DO I APPLY?
The DMSF application is entirely online. The application requires students to write two essays and complete a short answer questionnaire, provide contact information for a 7th grade English/Language Arts teacher, 7th grade Math teacher, and guidance counselor or principal who will submit recommendation forms on the student’s behalf, and also requires parents to provide detailed financial information. Parents will need to scan and upload proof of income (i.e. All forms 1040 and W2).
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.
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 approximately one week in advance of the interview. At the interview, each applicant will meet with two or three panels 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 a letter within two weeks of the interview date advising the applicant of DMSF’s decision.
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 school admission test(s).
- Applies to one or more of DMSF’s partner schools.
- Is admitted to a DMSF partner school.
- Signs a scholarship confirmation agreement.
- Registers at the school by the school’s deadline.
- Completes the school’s financial aid forms by the school’s deadline and receives financial aid from the school.
- Mails a copy of the school’s financial aid award letter to DMSF.
- Attends DMSF’s mandatory two week summer program.
- Signs a DMSF scholarship contract.
what important dates should i keep in mind?
High School Fair - All students are welcome to attend. This is a great opportunity to learn more about DMSF and to meet with representatives from over 75 DMSF partner schools. More information about the fair will be posted on our website as it becomes available
High School Fair Details
Wednesday, September 21, 2022 from 5:30 - 7:30pm
Saint Ignatius College Prep High School
1076 Roosevelt Rd. Chicago, IL 60608
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.
Virtual Open House - The DMSF Virtual Open House is an opportunity for students and families to learn about DMSF, the application process, and ask questions of the DMSF staff. Click on any of the links below to register for an upcoming session.
High School Fair Details
Wednesday, September 21, 2022 from 5:30 - 7:30pm
Saint Ignatius College Prep High School
1076 Roosevelt Rd. Chicago, IL 60608
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.
Virtual Open House - The DMSF Virtual Open House is an opportunity for students and families to learn about DMSF, the application process, and ask questions of the DMSF staff. Click on any of the links below to register for an upcoming session.
