Imagine your child getting a full ride to college. Sounds too good to be true, right? Well, it's not. There is a scholarship program in Texas that can make this dream come true for many deserving students. It's called the Terry Foundation Scholarship, one of the most generous and prestigious scholarships in the state.
Want to learn all about the Terry Scholarship, how to apply, and the benefits of being a Terry Scholar? Then you're in the right place. This blog post is a must-read for any parent of a high school student looking for ways to pay for college.
What is the Terry Scholarship?
The Terry Scholarship is a program funded by the Terry Foundation, a private philanthropic organization founded in 1986 by Houstonians Howard and Nancy Terry. The Terry Foundation's mission is to help young Texans achieve their academic and leadership potential.
The scholarship covers up to the full cost of attendance at one of 13 partner universities in Texas, including tuition, fees, books, room and board, and other expenses. The scholarship is renewable for up to four years, as long as the student maintains good academic standing and participates in the Terry Scholars Program.
Who can apply for the Terry Scholarship?
The Terry Scholarship is open to Texas high school seniors who have been admitted to one of the partner universities. The scholarship is based on academic excellence, leadership, service, and financial need. The minimum requirements are:
- Be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident
- Be a resident of Texas
- Graduate from a Texas high school or home school
- Have a strong academic record and SAT or ACT scores
- Demonstrate leadership potential and involvement in extracurricular activities
- Show financial need
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How to apply for the Terry Foundation Scholarship?
The application process for the Terry Scholarship varies depending on the partner university. Some universities require students to submit a separate application for the scholarship, while others use the ApplyTexas application or the Common Application.
The deadlines also vary by university, but most are between November and February. You can find the specific information for each university on the Terry Foundation website.
The application typically consists of an online form, an essay, a resume, transcripts, and letters of recommendation. The applicants who meet the criteria are then invited for an interview with a panel of Terry Foundation representatives. The interviews are held in March or April at various locations across Texas. The final selection of the scholars is announced in May.
What are the benefits of being a Terry Scholar?
Being a Terry Scholar is more than just getting money for college. It's also being part of a community of talented and motivated students who share similar values and goals. As a Terry Scholar, you will:
- Receive mentoring and guidance from faculty, staff, and alumni
- Attend orientation and leadership conferences with other Terry Scholars
- Join campus organizations and activities with other Terry Scholars
- Participate in community service projects with other Terry Scholars
- Have access to networking and career opportunities with other Terry Scholars
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How to Prepare for the Terry Foundation Scholarship Interview
If you have applied for the Terry Scholarship, you might be wondering what to expect from the interview process.
Preparing for the Terry Scholarship interview is crucial. Here are some tips:
1. Research the Terry Foundation online.
2. Review your application materials, like essays and transcripts.
3. Practice answering common interview questions.
4. Dress professionally and arrive early.
5. Be confident, courteous, and maintain eye contact.
6. Listen attentively and answer clearly.
7. Thank the interviewers at the end.
FAQs
How much money does the Terry Scholarship provide?
The amount of money varies by university and by student's financial need. The scholarship covers up to the full cost of attendance, which includes tuition, fees, books, room and board, and other expenses.
How many students receive the Terry Scholarship each year?
The number of scholarships awarded each year depends on the availability of funds and the quality of applicants. In 2022, the Terry Foundation awarded 225 scholarships to incoming
freshmen.
What are the partner universities that offer the Terry Scholarship?
The partner universities are:
- The University of Texas- Austin
- Texas A&M University
- University of Houston
- Texas State University
- The University of Texas - Dallas
- The University of Texas - San Antonio
- Texas Tech University
- University of North Texas
- Texas Woman’s University
- The University of Texas- Arlington
- The University of Texas- El Paso
Can I transfer my Terry Scholarship to another university?
No, you can't. The Terry Scholarship is only valid at the partner university where you were admitted and awarded the scholarship. If you transfer to another university, you will lose your scholarship.
Can the Terry Scholarship be renewed?
The scholarship is renewable for up to eight semesters, as long as the recipient maintains a minimum GPA of 2.5, completes at least 24 credit hours per academic year, and participates in the Terry Scholars Program activities.
The renewal process is automatic and does not require a separate application. However, the recipient must submit a yearly report and transcript to the Terry Foundation by the specified deadline.
Wrap Up
The Terry Foundation Scholarship is an amazing opportunity for Texas high school students who want to attend college without worrying about the financial burden. It not only covers the full cost of college, but also provides support and guidance throughout the academic journey.
If your child meets the eligibility criteria and is passionate about learning and leadership, I highly recommend applying for this scholarship. It could be the best decision you ever make for your child's future.
