Eugene McDermott Scholars
Scholarship Overview
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 UT Dallas entering class of 2026 and offered an Academic Excellence Scholarship (AES) award.
Deadlines
- Applied to UT Dallas (with supplemental documentation) well before Priority Application Deadline, Dec. 1, 2025.
- McDermott Scholars Program Application and recommendations due before Dec. 1, 2025.
Frequently Asked Questions About the EMSP
Is there a separate application?
Yes, the McDermott Scholars Program 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.
How many McDermott Scholars are selected each year?
Around 16-20 McDermott Scholars are selected each year.
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