Deferral Before Freshman Year

Incoming freshmen who accept a National Merit Finalist Scholarship may seek to defer their scholarship for a maximum of two semesters if they do not attend an institution of higher education prior to enrolling at UT Dallas. Incoming freshman attending another institution of higher learning prior to enrolling in UT Dallas will have their scholarship offer revoked.

Deferral Steps

1. Recipients must accept their award and receive approval for a deferral from the UT Dallas Office of Admissions and Enrollment Services prior to the first day of classes.
2. Then email scholar@nmerit.net with full name, scholar ID#, date they plan to enroll in full-time undergraduate coursework, brief description of their plans during the leave of absence, and written statement confirming that they have accepted admittance to a regionally accredited college or university within the United States, which has approved their deferment.
3. Complete the Deferral Request form below for NMSP records.

Deferral for Current Scholars

National Merit Finalist Scholarship recipients may defer their scholarship for a maximum of two semesters for extenuating circumstances or for study abroad or internship opportunities. Students must receive approval from the National Merit Scholars Program prior to the first day of classes.