HERE Y'ALL GO! Good luck 2014 NHSC applicants!
NATIONAL HEALTH SERVICE CORPS - SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM (NHSC- SP)
2013-2014 Scholarship Application Review Instructions
Review Open Period: June 10, 2013 – June 21, 2013
The following instructions are provided as a guide for reviewers in the evaluation and scoring the 2013-14 National Health Service Corps Scholarship Program applications. Reviewers must complete an electronic Scoring Sheet for each application prior to finishing the review.
Review Criteria and Maximum Score
Criterion 1: Academic Letter of Recommendation: 15 Points
Criterion 2: Non-Academic Letter of Recommendation: 15 Points
Criterion 3: Resume/Curriculum Vitae: 10 Points
Criterion 4: Essay 1: 20 Points
Criterion 5: Essay 2: 20 Points
Criterion 6: Essay 3: 20 Points
Rating Scale: An "Excellent' rating is given for a response that clearly meets and substantially exceeds the required elements. A ‘Poor' rating is for a response that does not meet the required elements.
Review Criteria & Rating Scale
Criterion 1: Academic Letter of Recommendation (15 Points)
Rating and Point Scale
Excellent; 13 - 15
Good; 9 - 12
Poor; 0 - 8
Required elements:
A. The recommender provides a strong knowledge of the applicant's academic performance and the length of time the recommender has known the applicant.
B. The recommender's assessment of the applicant's characteristics, interest and motivation to serve populations in areas of greatest need in health professional shortage areas (HPSA).
C. The recommender's assessment of the applicant's work experiences, pertinent course work, special projects, research, or other activities that demonstrate an interest in and commitment to serving underserved populations.
D. The recommender strongly feels or provides examples that the applicant is culturally competent and trained to serve in an underserved community.
E. The recommender's belief in the applicant's ability to work and communicate constructively with other people.
Criterion 2: Non-Academic Letter of Recommendation (15 Points)
Rating and Point Scale
Excellent; 13 - 15
Good; 9 - 12
Poor; 0 - 8
Required elements:
A. The recommender provides a description of the individual's relationship to the applicant and the length of time the recommender has known the applicant.
B. The recommender's assessment of the applicant's community/civic or other non-academic achievements.
C. The recommender's assessment of the applicant's work experiences and training or other activities that demonstrate an interest, experience, and commitment to serving underserved populations.
D. The recommender strongly feels that the applicant is culturally competent to serve in an underserved community.
E. The Applicant's ability to work and communicate constructively with other people
Criterion 3: Resume/Curriculum Vitae (10 Points)
Rating and Point Scale
Excellent; 9 - 10
Good; 6 - 8
Poor; 0 - 5
Required element:
Evaluate the applicant's resume/CV to determine (1) If it matches the applicant's
educational, volunteer and work experiences and; (2) if it supports the applicant's
commitment in obtaining training in primary care and serving in underserved communities
as required by NHSC.
Criterion 4: Essay 1 (20 Points)
Essay Question: How will the applicant contribute to the mission of the National Health Service Corps in providing care to underserved communities?
Rating and Point Scale
Excellent; 18 - 20
Good; 12 - 17
Poor; 0 - 11
Required element:
The applicant clearly describes his/her future professional goals and commitment to pursue a career in primary health care, and his/her personal knowledge of underserved communities, and demonstrates interest /motivation and commitment to working in underserved communities to contribute to the mission of the NHSC.
Criterion 5: Essay 2 (20 Points)
Essay Question: What experiences have the applicant had or activities have the applicant participated in that have prepared the applicant to work with underserved communities?
Rating and Point Scale
Excellent; 18 - 20
Good; 12 - 17
Poor; 0 - 11
Required element:
The applicant clearly describes his/her experience and activities (for example, community service and/or volunteer work) which have prepared him/her to work with underserved populations/communities.
Criterion 6: Essay 3 (20 Points)
Essay Question: Discuss the applicant's commitment to pursue a career in primary health care.
Rating and Point Scale
Excellent; 18 - 20
Good; 12 - 17
Poor; 0 - 11
Required element:
The applicant clearly demonstrates his/her commitment and/or goals to pursue a career in primary health care and serving in underserved populations.
