Eugene McDermott Scholars
Scholarship Overview
The application for the 2026 class of McDermott Scholars is now closed.
The Eugene McDermott Scholars Program (EMSP) is a four-year, full-ride undergraduate merit scholarship program for domestic and international students in all majors. Scholars join a community of peers dedicated to academics, service, and leadership, working hard to improve themselves and UT Dallas.
Eligibility
- First-time-in-college first-year student admitted for the fall term immediately following high school graduation (no gap years, no transfers).
- Applied to UT Dallas (with supplementary documentation) and the McDermott Scholars Program by the deadlines.
- In the top academic tenth of the UT Dallas entering class of 2026 and offered an Academic Excellence Scholarship (AES) award.
Deadlines
- Applied to UT Dallas (with supplementary documentation) well before Priority Application Deadline, Dec. 1, 2025.
- McDermott Scholars Program Application and McDermott Recommendation Forms due before Dec. 1, 2025 at 3:59:59 p.m. CT. Late or incomplete applications are not considered.
Timeline
Applying
- October 2025: McDermott Application opens.
- Dec. 1, 2025: UT Dallas Application deadline.*
- Dec. 1, 2025: McDermott Application & Collegium V Application deadline.
* The week before Dec. 1 is Thanksgiving Break for UT Dallas and many other institutions. During the break, support is unlikely to be available from the university, the McDermott Scholars Program, and your recommenders. Plan accordingly.
Review & Finalist Selection
- January-February 2026: McDermott Applications reviewed and Finalists named; Finalists’ Virtual Event (required).
Interview & Offers Process
- February-March 2026: McDermott interviews, offers, and Offerees’ Event
Frequently Asked Questions About the EMSP
Is there a separate application?
Yes, the McDermott Application will be accessible on the Apply page of our website.
Do I have to apply to UT Dallas before applying to McDermott?
Yes, you must submit a UT Dallas application to receive your UT Dallas NetID, which is required to start your McDermott Application. You will receive an email with your NetID and instructions for its first-time account setup a few days after you apply to UT Dallas.
Do I have to complete the FAFSA?
Not for the McDermott Scholars Program*; the McDermott award is a merit scholarship and financial need is not a selection criterion. (*Completing the FAFSA is a good idea in general.)
Do I have to be from Dallas, Texas, or the U.S. to apply?
No, the Program is open to international and domestic students.
I am a transfer student. Can I apply to the McDermott Scholars Program?
Regrettably, no. The McDermott Scholars Program is a four-year program and not currently available to transfer students.
May I take a gap year and still apply to be a McDermott Scholar?
No. A McDermott Scholar must be admitted to UT Dallas as a first-time first-year applicant for the fall semester immediately following high school graduation. Gap years and deferrals are not permitted.
How many McDermott Scholars are selected each year?
Around 16-20 McDermott Scholars are selected each year.
Don’t see your question here? Visit our FAQ for more answers!