Eugene McDermott Scholars
Scholarship Overview
Oct. 15, 2024: The application for the 2025 class of McDermott Scholars is now open! You may access it through our website. Be sure to check back for additional updates and good luck on your application!
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 supplemental materials) and the McDermott Scholars Program by the deadlines.
- In the top academic tenth of the incoming class and offered an Academic Excellence Scholarship (AES) award from UT Dallas.
Deadlines
- Applied to UT Dallas (with supplemental materials) well before Dec. 1, 2024.
- McDermott Scholars Program Application and recommendations due by Dec. 1, 2024, at 11:59:59 p.m. CST (late applications are not accepted).
Timeline
Applying
- Aug. 1, 2024: UT Dallas Application opens.
- October 2024: McDermott Application opens.
- Dec. 1, 2024: UT Dallas Application deadline.*
- Dec. 1, 2024: McDermott Application & Collegium V Application deadline.
* The week before the deadline is Thanksgiving Break for UT Dallas and many other institutions. During the break, support is unlikely to be available from the university, the McDermott Program, and your recommenders. Plan accordingly.
Review & Finalist Selection
- January – February 2025: McDermott eligibility determined and McDermott Applications reviewed.
- February 2025: McDermott Finalists named.
- February 2025: McDermott Finalists’ Virtual Event (required to interview).
Interview & Offers Process
- February 2025: McDermott online interviews conducted.
- March 2025: McDermott Offers made.
- Late March 2025: McDermott Offerees’ Weekend.
- May 1, 2025: Deadline for acceptance of McDermott Offer.
Zoom Q&A Sessions
Want to talk to someone about the McDermott Scholars Program? Participate in one of our upcoming Zoom sessions! Open to prospects, parents/legal guardians and high school counselors.
Frequently Asked Questions About the EMSP
Is there a separate application?
Yes, the McDermott Scholars Program Application is 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.
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!