Eugene McDermott Scholars
Scholarship Overview
Feb. 20, 2025: Our application review process is still ongoing. We expect to notify all McDermott applicants of their Finalist status in early March. Virtual interviews for Finalists will follow soon after notification, and offers will be sent in March. We appreciate your patience as we complete our review process.
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) by Dec. 1, 2024.
- McDermott Scholars Program Application and recommendations due by the deadline.
Timeline
Review & Finalist Selection
- January-March 2025: McDermott eligibility determined and McDermott Applications reviewed.
- Early March 2025: McDermott Finalists named.
- Early March 2025: McDermott Finalists’ Virtual Event (required to interview).
Interview & Offers Process
- March 2025: McDermott online interviews conducted.
- March 2025: McDermott Offers made.
- Early April 2025: McDermott Offerees’ Weekend.
- May 1, 2025: Deadline for acceptance of McDermott Offer.
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.
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