Frequently Asked Questions

Applying

• Do I have to be invited in order to apply?

  You do not need to be invited to apply. Applications can be found online in your Orion portal in Galaxy once you have applied to UT Dallas. Login to https://galaxy.utdallas.edu, enter your net ID (3 initials + 6 digits) and password. Click on ‘Orion Student Center’ under ‘My Menu’ and ‘Orion Self-Service (Student)’ in the middle of the page. Click on the tile Terry Scholarship to find the application. Please email terryscholars@utdallas.edu with any questions.

• I want to start at UT Dallas in the spring semester. Can I still apply?

  No — scholarships are only awarded starting in the fall semester.

• Do I need to file my federal income taxes for last year before I complete the application?

  You will need completed federal tax information to complete the FASFA (FREE Application for Federal Student Aid), but that does NOT have to be done prior to applying. FAFSA uses tax income from the year prior to the last year. For example, 2023 fall applicants will use 2021 tax information (filed in spring 2022).

• Can I apply to multiple universities?

  Yes. The Terry Foundation provides funding to 10 other Texas universities. Please check with each institution on specific application requirements, as they differ.

• How will I know if I'm selected as a potential scholarship recipient and when?

  Applicants will be notified of their status in early March. Those selected to move forward for an interview will be contacted by the Terry Foundation^®. Those not moving forward will receive an e-mail from the Terry Scholars^® at UT Dallas program. Interviews usually conclude in mid-April, and notifications are sent by the Terry Foundation before the end of the month.

Interview Process

• Can I interview for more than one school if I apply at more than one university?

  No — you can apply to as many universities as you wish but will only be allowed one interview. If you have several offers, you will be asked you to select one university where you wish to interview.

• What is the interview like?

  A panel comprised of current Terry Scholars, alumni and Terry Foundation staff will interview you for 30 minutes where you will discuss your achievements, high school career, and future goals. You will also need to be able to discuss your financial situation with the interview panel, so be familiar with that information.

Other Questions

• What if I am awarded other grants and scholarships - can I also receive the Terry Scholarship?

  The Terry Foundation encourages students to apply for other scholarships and grants, including the Pell Grant, if qualified. Receiving other grants and scholarships does not disqualify scholars from being awarded the Terry Scholarship. The specific amount of the Terry Scholarship varies for each scholar, depending on other scholarship awards and financial aid received.

• What are the requirements to maintain the scholarship?
  1. Attend 3 annual mandatory events hosted by the Terry Foundation (dates published well in advanced and available on Terry Foundation website.):
     • Orientation (August)
     • Fall Banquet (October)
     • Spring Picnic (early May)
  2. Maintain a cumulative GPA of at least 2.5 and a GPA of at least 2.0 each semester.
  3. Submit an acceptable annual self-evaluation letter to the Terry Foundation by the annual deadline.
  4. Comply with UT Dallas Code of Conduct and Terry Foundation Scholar Handbook requirements.
• What is the difference between this scholarship and other scholarships/programs at UT Dallas?

  The Terry Scholars Program at UT Dallas offers multiple student programming opportunities such as academic, service, cultural, and social events, mentoring, as well as leadership opportunities. In addition, students can receive $5,000 to help cover expenses associated with a study abroad trip. The scholarship also considers a family’s income and their ability to pay for college. The net annual family income is approximately $110,000 but is subject to a case-by-case review. Please contact us directly to discuss your financial eligibility.

• Do I have to live on campus?

  First year scholars are required to live on campus.

• What exactly does the scholarship cover?

  The scholarship covers the full cost of attendance each year (up to eight semesters). This includes tuition/fees, meal plan, housing, textbooks and other educational expenses.

• What if I decide to transfer to another university?

  Scholars are required to attend UT Dallas for at least one year before transferring the scholarship to another Terry-affiliated university.