Eugene McDermott Scholars
Frequently Asked Questions
Application Questions
When is the deadline for the McDermott Application?
The McDermott Scholars Program Application is due by December 1, 2024, at 11:59:59 p.m. CST. Late or incomplete applications are not considered.
What do I need to submit for my application to be complete?
You must submit a complete McDermott Application and have two complete, submitted McDermott Recommendation Forms (one form from each of your two recommenders).
What if I was unable to submit on time due to factors totally outside of my control?
Due to the competitive nature of the merit scholarship selection process, the McDermott Scholars Program cannot accept applications after the stated deadline. The McDermott Scholars Program may, at its sole discretion, consider exceptions in circumstances influenced by a so-called act of God (force majeure) instances, such as strikes, stoppage of labor, riot, fire, flood, accident, order of any court, or specific cause reasonably beyond the applicant’s or University’s control. Any request for exception must be submitted in writing to mcdermott@utdallas.edu no later than 48 hours after the passing of the deadline (by 11:59:59 p.m. CST on December 3, 2024).
Do I have to accept my AES award offer for my McDermott Application to be eligible for review?
No, but you can. You have until May 5, 2025, to accept your AES award offer.
Is acceptance of admission to UT Dallas and/or an AES offer binding?
No. Accepting your offer of admission and/or a scholarship award is nonbinding. To accept a McDermott Offer, you will eventually need to accept your admission offer and your McDermott Offer.
Will McDermott Application reviewers see my test scores or grades?
No. That information is available only to the University’s admission and AES review processes. McDermott Application reviewers will see only your McDermott Application and two McDermott Recommendation Forms.
Will I get confirmation that my application was submitted?
The McDermott Application System will send an automated confirmation message to your UT Dallas email address and your personal email address in response to the following actions:
- Saving your McDermott Application.
- Submitting your McDermott Application.
- Recommender submission of a McDermott Recommendation Form.
May I edit my application after submission?
No.
Do I have to complete the McDermott Application all at once?
No. You may move freely between fields at any time until submission. Please use the blue “Save” button at the bottom of the McDermott Application form to protect your work. Use the blue “Check Form (Don’t Save)” button to verify that all required fields are completed. To submit the application, you must first click the green “Review Application” button. At that time, you will have the option to return to editing, view a PDF or submit. Be sure to save or print a copy of your work before you submit your application.
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.
May I defer my McDermott Scholarship offer?
No.
Application Process Timeline Questions
Once my McDermott Application is eligible, what’s the next step?
No further action is required from you. Application review will be conducted, and all eligible applicants will be notified whether or not their McDermott Application is moving to the finalist stage.
What happens at the finalist stage?
Finalists attend the McDermott Finalists’ Virtual Event, where they meet current McDermott Scholars, alumni, and program administrators to learn more about the award, the community, and what the next four years at UT Dallas might look like.
They also will learn about the interview process and be given access to the interview platform.
Is the McDermott Finalists’ Virtual Event mandatory?
Yes, but it is also relatively short.
What are the interviews like?
Interviews are conducted asynchronously over several days and use the VidCruiter online platform.
When are offers made?
Offers are made shortly after the interview phase is concluded. This usually happens in March.
Are alternates selected in addition to offerees?
Sometimes, depending on the applicant pool.
When are McDermott Offer acceptances due?
May 1, 2025.
General McDermott Program Questions
Is the award annual or renewable?
The McDermott Award is renewable annually for up to four years (through spring 2029) pending the Scholar’s continued eligibility in keeping with the academic and extracurricular requirements of the McDermott Scholars Program.
Do I have to pay taxes on the McDermott Scholarship?
Per the IRS, scholarships are taxable. Because tax liability depends on each individual’s circumstances, recipients should consult a personal tax advisor with any questions or concerns.
The McDermott Scholars Program does not provide compensation to offset tax liability.
What are the nonacademic requirements necessary to remain in the McDermott Scholars Program?
Scholars commit to participate in the extracurricular dimensions of the McDermott Scholars Program including, but not limited to: consistent activity in the campus and local communities through leadership and service (a minimum number of hours each semester, a summer of service at the end of the first year, and active engagement during the second and third summers); cohort travel; the First-Year Seminar (Friday afternoons); arts/cultural enrichment; McDermott-community events; Program recruitment events; and study abroad.
Do McDermott Scholars have to participate during the summers?
Yes. McDermott Scholars’ summers are funded. Year-round participation (including summer engagement) is required.
Do McDermott Scholars live on campus?
During their first two semesters, McDermott Scholars live in the University’s Honors Housing with an on-campus lease. During the remaining semesters, they hold a lease on or near campus. Scholars may not live at home except during University holidays/school closures.
Are McDermott Scholars expected to be certain majors?
McDermott Scholars may be in any major available at UT Dallas to which they have been admitted.