How to Apply

 

Who is eligible for a scholarship?

Any full time student who is a resident of Sherborn is eligible to apply. In addition, METCO students who have attended both Pine Hill and Dover-Sherborn High School are eligible to apply. Applicants may be high school seniors looking forward to entering their first year of college in the fall, along with current post-secondary students (both undergraduate and graduate school levels). Students must re-apply each year for consideration.

What does the application entail?

The application has two parts.  The first is a Financial Aid Questionnaire (FAQ) that asks for basic financial background information.  At no time does any member of the board review the Financial Aid Questionnaire. The FAQ is reviewed independently by Scholarship America, the parent organization for Sherborn Dollars for Scholars, which makes a simple scoring report to our awards committee.

The second part of the application is the Personal Data Application Form. This form asks the applicant for GPA, a referral by a teacher/guidance counselor, and a few questions about community service and other areas of achievement. 

Prior to any review by the Awards Committee an independent third-party blinding liason blacks out all references to the applicant’s name and address on the original application, and assigns an identification number to each application. Our blinding liason makes a notation as to the Financial Need Score on each application. All applications are then reviewed with only the assigned identification number and Financial Need Score, to insure anonymity.

Who determines the scholarship recipients?

The Sherborn Dollars for Scholars Awards Committee initially reviews the applications and proposes their recommendations to the full board.  The full board then reviews and votes to accept the awards.

Board members with children who are applying are prohibited from serving on the Awards Committee and are ineligible for the full board review and vote.

How are scholarship recipients selected?

Scholarships will be awarded primarily on the basis of financial need, with consideration given to academic achievement and community service.  Applicants are encouraged to provide specifics on contributions to school and community, work experience, and scholastic performance. Students already attending college should concentrate on activities pursued at the college level, rather than those achieved in high school.

Where can I get a set of application materials?

You may download a set of application materials using the following links: 
 
    - Application Instructions

    - Personal Data Form

    - Financial Assistance Questionnaire (FAQ)

Additionally, applications can be obtained from the following sources:

    - DSHS Guidance office – Ms. Eleanor Kinsella     508-785-1730, x8631

    - Sherborn Dollars for Scholars – President, Jackie Morris     508-653-3199

When are the application materials due, and where do I send them?

The Financial Aid Questionnaire sealed in a plain business sized envelope marked with a large “$” sign on the back of the envelope, must be received by April 22, 2008 at:  

                                        Awards Clerk

                                        Sherborn Dollars for Scholars

                                        P.O. Box 63

                                        Sherborn, MA 01770

 

The completed Personal Data Application form must be received at the above address no later than May 2, 2008.

 

Since this form requires a recommendation from someone who is familiar with you (i.e. teacher, guidance counselor), please be considerate and leave enough time for this to be accomplished and mailed. Please be aware that the committee has only a short time available to review the applications and make the final awards prior to announcement at the Dover-Sherborn high school graduation. Applications must be complete and recieved in full by May 2, 2008 to be considered.