McDermott Scholars Program

Colleges & Universities The University of Texas - GENERAL
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That is fantastic … and yes good move, especially as few tennis scholarships are full scholarships and a huge percentage go to international students/players.

Those are great memories and wonderful to have such a strong bond … a player and a coach have a special relationship at those high levels. To be able to an effective coach and parent at the same time is very impressive. Well done.

Also sounds like you are likely a high-ranked player yourself …
(I started as a 3.0 in 2016 at age 47 and just got bumped to 4.0 2 weeks ago … Yikes! as a female adult player it seems UTR just doesn’t want us to get much past a 7)

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Hi everyone!
I just wanted to give another perspective on McDermott scholars program.
I received an offer to be part of the Mcdermott class of 2019 last year- I turned it down.

I made a new account since I forgot my password but I’ve been active here and McDermott was my first choice- it was absolutely insane for me to even get an invite to finalist weekend, never mind get the offer.

It was an extremely difficult decision but I ended up turning down McDermott. I just thought it might be helpful to explain some things I noticed when I was in the program because while scholars I’m sure will want you to find the best place, the finalist weekend is still meant to plug the program and it’s a bit hard to tease out some cons.

With that said, I do believe this is still an amazing opportunity for the right person- I don’t need to state the pros of the program because many people have talked about them on this thread (the reasons why I was so excited about the program in the first place!). Still, some things I noticed/to consider:

  1. You can not go home in the summer- for some people, this is a small thing, but it was really important to me as a out-of-state student and someone who is very close to her family. I'm not sure what the reason but it was also a reminder that this program does impose restrictions on scholars (I believe they approve your activities, internships, etc).
  2. The scholars were touted to be very diverse, and in their activities & interests, they were. But I did feel like it was a relatively monolithic group racially and socio-economic-wise (of course, this is NOT to say everyone was affluent). I just felt a little bit different from everyone else. On top of that, the group of finalists (and scholars) seemed, as a group, very extroverted. As an introvert, this also made me feel very uncomfortable- the few more introverted finalists I met and gelled with also talked about how extroverted everyone else seemed to be. I'm sure not every scholar fits this and every year has a different vibe since the program is so small, but remember that in a program this small, the peer group matters tremendously, so really focus on observing if you would fit in during finalist weekend.
  3. Major/career interest: the vast majority of scholars were pre-med/bio or CS/engineering (there were some exceptions, especially in political science/pre-law/international econ I think). I was interested in business/finance and found that there were barely any scholars or alumni there (though I think UTD has a good business school, just underrepresented in the program). I also love the humanities and wanted to minor in Literature or English. While of course UTD has humanity classes, there's no doubt that the school is extremely STEM oriented and options would be extremely limited. This was a big con for me- to be honest, if I was pre-med (or possibly also CS or pre-law), I would likely have taken this program.
  4. Vibe- This is extremely subjective and some might disagree. While I liked finalist weekend, it was so stressful and hectic. I just didn't enjoy the constant activities, receptions, interviews, etc, all day as an introvert and it did color my perception of the program.

With that said, the career opportunities are amazing, the personal attention is probably unrivaled, and of course, the money is insane. It was really hard to turn down this program (and the financial security it gives you).

I actually do still mention this program to people who I think might be a good fit- I do think it’s better for pre-med/pre-law/CS students (especially pre-med since medical school is so expensive!), and students who are more extroverted.

Just a different perspective- a limited one, of course, since I am not a scholar. Feel free to DM me with questions about my stats, the application process, or any questions about both the pros/cons of the program.

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@bobobobobob Thank you for the additional insights about the program.

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@bobbobbob thank you for your perspective. I am sure it was a difficult decision. I assume you had amazing options to choose from and chose something that was a better fit for you. Your comments will help others find the right fit as well.

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Hey everyone! So glad this thread is still being used, it was so helpful to me when I went through the application process last year. I am currently a McDermott Scholar and am so excited to meet all the potential new freshmen at Finalists Weekend! Good luck to everyone who applied, and feel free to reach out if you have questions. The program has been an outstanding fit for me, and UT Dallas truly feels like home! Happy New Year!

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@rosegolden33 What types of questions are asked during the interview and/or group interview?

Thanks,

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I mean to include @bobbobbob too: What types of questions are asked during the interview and/or group interview?

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The group interview topics definitely vary from year to year, but they usually relate to current event issues that are in the news. Nothing more than general knowledge is needed to contribute meaningfully.
In terms of your individual interviews, they are very personalized- usually pertaining to things you have addressed in your written application.
In my own experience, I felt very prepared for the group and individual interviews. There was nothing meant to trick you. Although some of the questions required self- reflection, they were asked with a simple intention: to learn more about you.
Hope this helps :slight_smile:

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Thanks @rosegolden33.

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Any body got notification on McDermott finalist? It was supposed to be out on Feb 3rd.

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@bm12345 My D received it around Jan 24/25th.

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Only one more week until Finalists Weekend! We are so excited to meet all of the potential new scholars!

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Time to revive this thread.

Does anyone know when interview invitations will be extended? It says early February on the website but I’m not exactly sure how accurate this is. If anyone has any information or may have already received an invite, please let me know. Good luck to all who may be reading this!

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My older kids declined AES full tuition-plus scholarships (when they were easier to get several years ago) as they received COA scholarships at another state school. Back then, UTD sent flyers saying a 32 ACT was required for full tuition + $2K/yr, and a 34 score for tuition + $4K. Also back then, UTD’s NMF package was very close to today’s McDermott package. UTD’s current NSF package is still good but no where near as generous.

The McDermott screening process effort is average. Complete application, have some pre-interview virtual sessions, then a 6 question virtual recorded interview of preselected questions, and then wait a week for decision notification.

I saw the 29-page McDermott Program Handbook. On the one hand, the scholarship covers COA for 46 months (8 semesters plus 3 summers with the first summer being 1/2 time) plus $15K for additional enrichment activities. Plus there’s a monthly stipend on top. On the other it dictates quite a bit to where I’d recommend an alternate scholarship option. It is so detailed in covering the bases that several large law firm attorneys must have written it. I’ve never seen anything like it.

It does make sense that a school investing so much in a student (full COA plus more) expects things in return. They spell it out great detail including quantifiable terms (80 hrs leadership/ 80 hrs community service per academic yr, and needed approval for certain things). No working during school or additional outside scholarships are allowed and one can’t live at home during school sessions (if not on-campus then an off-campus lease must be provided) to mention a few. If you can deal with the terms, then the scholarship has much to offer, aside from the financial benefit. If you have other offers, I’d include ones less generous in your decision mix. I’d also review scholarship terms for your other offers. I’m not saying they own you, but the McDermott is the closest I’ve seen to it.

My D has a private univ full tuition offer and 3/4 tuition offer which only have GPA renewal requirements. Another private tuition offer which has a service requirement. She has another COA offer which has leadership, service, and conduct requirements. After viewing the McDermott handbook, we’ll inquire into supplemental conditions on these other offers. Something I suggest you also do, and not just compare dollar amounts.

First colleges got smart by front loading scholarships, cutting generous transfer scholarships. Now they seem to want your time and conduct in return.

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My older son, high school class of 2018 was both National Merit and a Mc Dermott Finalist. I think the interview/application back then was a bit different as the finalist interview was in person (travel and accommodations for both student and parent paid for by the program) but I agree with @CollegeDad8 the McDermott scholarship comes with both strings and extra perks. After comparing the NM offer with no strings other than a modest GPA requirement and the McDermott he opted to decline the McDermott but accept UTD’s National Merit.

I have to admit this put in him an interesting position, I don’t think many (any?) students turn down the McDermott scholarship but still attend UTD. Freshman year he was kind of an “honorary McDermott”. One of the many rules for Mc Dermott students is that they must room together with other McDermott kids on campus. The freshman dorms all have 3 people each and that year they had an empty bed in a McDermott room so they placed my son with 2 McDermott students. He of course hung out a bit with them. His next year he went with a different roommate group so he didn’t hang out with his McDermott friends too much after that. His third year he spent at home due to covid. His forth year (he was completing his masters because AP/DE credits and the Fast Track program) one of his professors approached him and asked him to consider staying on for his PhD and encourage him to apply for the McDermott Graduate Fellowship.

The perks have been amazing (tuition and fees, $37K per year stipend, health insurance, $10K per year research budget, research opportunities special programs…) So far just this semester my son has attended and presented at conferences in Abu Dhabi, Pittsburg, and in August - Las Vegas, all covered by his fellowship. I don’t think the graduate fellowship has many/any rules that differ from other fellowships, he is expected to do research and do some TA work, nothing else that I’ve heard about.

I firmly believe that his standing as an undergraduate McDermott finalist help him get the McDermott Graduate Fellowship. My son said one of the members of the review committee remembered him from his undergrad McDermott application.:slight_smile:

Another thing to consider is that all stipends beyond tuition, books and certain expenses including room and board are taxable income for undergrads at a crazy high tax rate.

My younger son didn’t apply for McDermott but also ended up at UTD and accepted their NMS. He graduated this May after 8 semesters with his master and starts work at his “dream job” tomorrow! Both boys will leave/left UTD with a great education, no debit, and money in the bank. I spent a lot of time fretting about prestige vs. full ride and I can tell you that I can’t image a prestige school would have produced any better opportunities for my sons.

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Your kids are smart cookies taking the minimum strings UTD NMF vs. the “we own you” McDermott. When I applied to college a long time ago, I wondered if the student made the school or the other way around. I’ve learned early in one’s career, the school makes the student with the school’s hope the student makes the school later on. So ultimately, career performance depends upon the individual with the college creating initial opportunities.

Today, UTD “is” a prestigious school with identical ACT scores as UT-Austin. Seems UTD offered what both your sons needed and desired. Good for them!

I have 5 kids who all wanted to go away to college, so none ended up at UTD. Three opted for a state school less competitive (ACT scores) than UTD (strategic move as being pre-med they needed a 3.9 - 4.0 undergraduate GPA at a T1 Research school plus ample time to study for the MCAT, and not attend a heavy premed school like UTD, Hopkins, WashU, Yale, or flagship state schools, UT-Austin included). The strategy worked for them as 2 are at T25 and one at T50 med schools, all without gap years. My 2 youngest are/will be attending different ivy league schools, both with generous need-based aid packages close to the full tuition/full ride my 5th received at two T25 schools, 1 public, 1 private. The public one’s financial package was similar to the McDermott but without the strings. She had a very hard time turning it down for the top ivy. Her friend at another local high school, also received the McDermott but turned it down for full tuition (1/2 on merit, 1/2 on need) at a T25 heavy premed school like UTD. He actually received the same merit full tuition at the private T25 my daughter did.

Based upon the other recipients (they stay in touch today via following each other on Instagram) my D met at the “sell / admit weekends” for heavy scholarship recipients, about 1/2 the recipients on average at such schools declined their scholarships. So your S was not alone.

I know 1/2 turning these down sounds shocking (to me anyway) but these kids get multiple great offers, yet can only accept one, leaving room for many alternates to receive the award. Based upon my kids’ results, I have a feel for what level of achievement an applicant needs for the McDermott, and what is under or overkill. In reviewing my kids’ scholarship and admission offers, one needs more than my oldest kids but less than my youngest to youngest two.

Exemplary grades and scores get one admitted to a T50 college, without guarantee of a scholarship. To secure a heavy scholarship or admission to a T20 college, one needs more. Aside from community service, leadership, activities, sports, they need to show impact on people or the community in some way. State-level competition placement in something seems very helpful. National is better. International level in more than one activity, like my youngest, is even better. She was the only one from her district to compete in a 3rd activity at the state level. All 3 non-sport activities were in different years of high school. (she’s not a robot), and she didn’t have time to continue her varsity sport in 12th grade. I feel admission standards are beyond crazy at the T20 level but she has expanded her network by meeting accomplished students through her admit weekends. This has also exposed me to another segment of society I would have never seen.

I can see my 4th not liking where my older kids attended and vice-versa. We spent considerable time in college selection. I feel each selected a college which worked well for them. Seems your sons did too.

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The selection process was very different this year. Everything was virtual and the entire process was quick in relative terms. My D received an email (sometime on a Thursday) to attend required virtual sessions for finalists, one Sat, one Sun. I think there may have been another informational session.

Then she had a recorded interview, I think 5 or 6 questions with 1 hr allowed for the entire interview. (I’m trying to remember as it was back in Feb or March). After hearing the question, one had 30 seconds to think about it, record an answer for up to 2 minutes, if one chose to re-record the answer (1 re-record allowed per question) then no set time between the 2 recordings. All this had to be completed within the 1 hr.

No human participants. No finalist weekend. She received a range of a few stated days to pick her interview time. I think the interview was about a week or so after the virtual info sessions for finalists. Then I think she received the offer a week or 1 1/2 weeks later. Quick compared to the other schools. Then we received an email asking to attend UTD’s McDermott “winners weekend.” UTD paid for the student and 1 parent’s airfare and hotel for the 2 days. The offer email contained the 29-page agreement and instructed to not inform anyone of being a recipient until UTD said it was ok to do so. We declined it after a couple days so an alternate could be selected prior to the “McDermott” weekend. I don’t how many initial offers they made or if an alternate was selected.

Unfortunately, my D was unable to attend due to conflicts with 2 other heavy scholarship “winners admit days” out-of-state. She flew to 5 schools (at schools’ expense) from mid-March to mid-April. Three covered housing and flight. One covered housing only. UMiami didn’t cover either for its full scholarship winner weekend. One covered both flight/hotel even for international student winners. Due to competitions, she really didn’t attend high school in those 30 days yet maintained the highest graduating GPA at her high school in years. I’ve never met anyone like her.

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Are you saying that about half of those offered the school’s top scholarship like McDermott turn them down and still attend the same school that offered them the top scholarship like my son did at UTD? I know that these kids get multiple offers and they can only accept one and attend one school but I find it hard to believe 1/2 the kids offered McDermott turned it down and but still chose to attended UTD. I would believe that about half the students offered McDermott or other top scholarships turn them down to accept other, even lessor scholarships, at different schools.

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At different schools. I think everyone tries to identify their best offer. Of the 2 full ride (UTD, T25) and 2 full tuition scholarships (T25 private, T50 private) about 1/2 of all the recipients turned down their scholarship offers based upon her networking with the recipients. The full ride T25 public school scholarship was the most prestigious of the 4. Of the 1/2 of recipients who declined, it was mainly for Harvard, Yale, Princeton, a couple each for Duke (Robertson), CalTech, Dartmouth and Stanford. My D said, one of recipients told her parents she decided on Yale and her parents cried. Most, if not all, of these students were full pay at these need-based only aid schools, so the parents will pay $360K ($90K/yr x 4) over attending the T25 public school for free without the McDermott strings. (For OSS recipients, the full ride was worth over $310K) For me, it boiled down to future regret and what alumni network she’d be in.

The T25 private who turned their full tuition merit down, did so for mainly Harvard, Princeton, Yale and Penn. Of those who turned down the T50 private full tuition merit, they did so for fewer ivys, more at the T25 tier. We didn’t secure a good idea of where the McDermotts who declined decided to attend.

As for UTD, until they relax the McDermott’s requirements, I’d still recommend UTD’s NMF scholarship with normal requirements vs. the McDermott “we own you for 4 yrs” scholarship.

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I totally agree will you that UTD’s national merit is a much better deal for most students than their McDermott program. I could see it being better for students like those that have political or business aspirations in the Dallas area. I think the local connections the program provides might be worth it in those fields.

I do hope they lighten up on the “we own you” attitude in the future. I can say this is not an issue at all for the McDermott Graduate Fellowship program. it’s the most generous fellowship UTD offers and there aren’t any more string attached to it than any other fellowship that I’m aware of, maybe even less.