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Thinking of studying in Texas? That is a brilliant idea! In fact, the state is home to many prestigious public universities, such as the University of Texas and Texas A&M University. Furthermore, there are many life-changing opportunities to help you focus solely on your studies, such as the Terry Foundation Scholarship.
The scholarship first helped Terry Scholars to earn their undergraduate degrees from Texas’ top post-secondary institutions in 1986. Since then, the Terry Foundation— founded by Howard and Nancy Terry—has continued to provide financial assistance to students from all over the Lone Star State.
There are only certain schools that award this scholarship. But before jumping into it, it is best to learn more about the program and find out what you can actually benefit from it.
What is the Terry Foundation Scholarship?
As mentioned earlier, the Terry Foundation Scholarship, also known as the Terry Traditional Scholarship, is a financial aid awarded to Texas high school seniors who have been accepted to one of the Texas public universities recognized by the Terry Foundation.
This merit-based and need-based scholarship is granted on strict criteria, including academic achievement, leadership, financial need, and nomination. Currently, there are eleven Texas public universities affiliated with the Terry Foundation in providing this scholarship.
The renewable Traditional Scholarship covers up to eight full semesters of undergraduate education subject to meeting certain requirements. They include:
- Maintaining a GPA of at least 2.0 each semester,
- Writing a self-evaluation letter annually,
- Attending mandatory functions sponsored by the foundation, and
- Complying with other regulations as set by the respective universities.
How Do You Know If You Are Eligible for This Scholarship?
To be considered for a Terry Traditional Scholarship, you must:
- Demonstrate financial need as evidenced by filing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA),
- Be a United States citizen or permanent resident and meet the Texas residency requirements,
- Qualify for in-state tuition and federal financial aid,
- Have graduated from an accredited high school or home school in Texas, and
- Have applied to live on campus for your first year.
Above all, the Terry Foundation looks for bright students with well-rounded personalities who are goal-oriented and exhibit community involvement. If these sound like you, this is the scholarship for you. Keep reading to find out how to apply to it.
List of Texas Public Universities Awarding the Terry Foundation Scholarship
Here are the schools you can go to to get nominated for this opportunity:
1. The University of Texas (Austin)
If The University of Texas at Austin (UT Austin) determines that you are a potential Terry candidate, the UT Austin Office of Admissions will get in touch with you to request further materials, such as recommendation letters.
The foundation’s scholarship selection committee will then invite candidates in for a face-to-face interview. Click here to learn more.
2. Texas A&M University
You will need to be admitted to Texas A&M University to apply for this scholarship. The admission process includes completing the ApplyTexas Application or CommonApp for Freshman Admissions and submitting a supplementary essay.
Click here to learn more.
3. University of Houston
To be considered for this scholarship, interested University of Houston freshmen must complete a scholarship application and submit two essays and their resume. The essays should explain the applicant’s background and their leadership skills. Also, two letters of recommendation are necessary.
Click here to learn more.
4. Texas State University
You must first submit your application for admission to Texas State University. Then, prior to your first Summer or Fall semester, prepare and submit a Texas State scholarship application via the Bobcat Online Scholarship System (BOSS).
When a scholarship is mentioned under your “Recommended Scholarships” under the “Opportunities” tab in BOSS and you meet the initial qualifying requirements for it, you can apply for it there. Additionally, you will need two recommendation letters.
Click here to learn more.
5. The University of Texas (Dallas)
Once you are admitted to The University of Texas at Dallas (UT Dallas), you will be able to access your application for the Terry Foundation Scholarship through the Galaxy/Orion portal. Nevertheless, you can begin drafting the essay questions below while awaiting admission from the university.
In addition to the application, you will need an official copy of high school transcript, two personal essays, and two letters of recommendation.
Click here to learn more.
6. The University of Texas (San Antonio)
Applicants must get their scholarship application and admission to The University of Texas at Santa Antonio (UT Santa Antonio) before the deadline. Once submissions are complete, a committee will review applications and submit a list of nominees to the Terry Foundation.
The foundation will then confirm that list and extend invitations for interviews.
Click here to learn more.
7. Texas Tech University
Complete the application for admission to Texas Tech University before the priority deadline and complete the FAFSA. Next, you will be required to submit a completed scholarship application, two letters of recommendation, and two essays.
From the applications received, only a few candidates will be nominated and their applications forwarded to the foundation for review.
Click here to learn more.
8. University of North Texas
To be considered for this opportunity, you must be admitted to University of North Texas (UNT) as a full-time student in the Fall semester of the year awarded. Then, submit your completed scholarship application together with your other supporting materials, electronically to the UNT Honors College.
The university will recommend candidates to the Terry Foundation, which will review the nominations and interview candidates before making awards.
Click here to learn more.
9. Texas Woman’s University
After applying to Texas Woman’s University and creating a Pioneer Scholarship System account, you may submit your scholarship application. Candidates who advance in the process will be invited to participate in the scholarship invitational.
Following interviews, Texas Woman’s University will make nominations to the Terry Foundation for final interviews.
Click here to learn more.
10. The University of Texas (Arlington)
You must be admitted for Fall semester, full-time, for the purpose of completing an initial baccalaureate degree to be considered for this scholarship. The University of Texas at Arlington (UTA) will review all applications and nominate several incoming freshmen for the scholarship.
All nominees will interview with the Terry Foundation. From these nominees, the Terry Foundation will award scholarships for the next academic year.
Click here to learn more.
11. The University of Texas (El Paso)
First, make sure to apply for admission to The University of Texas at El Paso (UTEP). Next, complete the online scholarship application and submit necessary documents. After initial review, you will be notified that your application is complete and will continue to be reviewed by the review committee.
Following review of all completed applications received, UTEP will interview a select number of students. A final list of nominees will be selected for final scholarship interviews by Terry Foundation representatives.
Click here to learn more.
What’s Next?
Texas students are eligible for more opportunities! Consider also checking out the 40 Acres Scholarship Program and the Stars Scholarship Fund during your scholarship hunt.
