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Scholars of Excellence Weekend

University of Dallas Scholars of Excellence Program

February 24 & 25, 2023

University of Dallas will host its fourth annual Chancellor’s Excellency Scholarship Competition on Friday and Saturday, February 24th and 25th. By invitation only, an elite group of students will be competing for one of 10 full-tuition scholarships.

The event will begin on Friday, February 24th and will include dinner. Throughout the weekend, students will hear from President Sanford, attend a mock lecture, have lunch on campus and compete in an essay contest. A detailed itinerary will be emailed out at least one week prior to the event. Participants also have the opportunity to schedule personalized visit events, such as meetings with professors, a meeting with an admission counselor, or visits to classes, on Friday, February 24th.

Additional Information:

  • You must complete your application for admission to the University of Dallas by our December 1 Early Action deadline. 
  • You must submit your application to the program by January 9, 2023. 
  • You will be notified by mid-January if you have been selected as a candidate to compete in the final round. 
  • This is an invitation-only event; individuals must complete the online application to be considered for the final round of the program. Do not forward your invitation to compete to other individuals.
  • If you are selected to compete in the final round, you will be required to attend an in-person competition on February 24 & 25, 2023.
  • Students will be allowed only one parent/guest. 
  • Students must be physically present for all events starting Friday and throughout the day Saturday to qualify to receive a scholarship. Be prepared to arrive on campus by 5:00 p.m. Friday evening. No exceptions.  
  • Click here to view the weekend schedule.

The competition will include a timed writing component. If you are eligible for ADA/504 accommodations please email the proper documentation to krcrnkovich@udallas.edu. If you have any questions about disability services or disability accommodations at UD, please feel free to contact Inelda Acosta Ed.D., pHCLE through email ada@udallas.edu or by phone at (972) 721-5056.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many people am I competing against?

Until the day of the event we can’t know the exact number, but we are anticipating approximately 75 students will be in attendance.

What do I wear?

We encourage a smart casual look. You should be comfortable enough to sit for long periods of time and walk across campus, but remember that you are here to impress. Additionally, it might be wise to bring a light jacket or sweater as classrooms can be chilly. 

What does the schedule look like?

A detailed schedule will be provided to the participants two weeks prior to the event. Be prepared to arrive on campus by 4:30 p.m. on Friday and at 7:00 a.m. on Saturday. Throughout the day you will have one essay writing session, a lecture, professor panel and a student life session. 

Parents/guests will have a separate schedule that will be provided to them on the day of the event. Please remember, each participant is allowed only one guest due to space constraints. 

Are meals being provided?

Dinner on Friday and breakfast and lunch on Saturday will be provided. There will also be water stations around campus during the day. 

What if I can’t make it or have to leave early on Saturday?

There will be no exceptions to arriving late or leaving early on Saturday. If you leave the event before it concludes you will no longer be eligible for the event’s scholarship consideration.

Please plan accordingly.

Will the essays be handwritten?

Yes, we will provide you with blue exam books. Please try to remember to bring your own pen or pencil, though extra pens/pencils will be available.

What will I be allowed to have during the essay writing session?

You will be allowed to use any handwritten notes you may have taken during lectures. No cell phones will be allowed. Use of a cell phone during the essay writing sessions will result in immediate disqualification. 

Is the essay writing session timed? 

Yes. The session will last one hour.  

Can I request accommodations?

If you are eligible for ADA/504 accommodations please email the proper documentation to krcrnkovich@udallas.edu. If you have any questions about disability services or disability accommodations at UD, please feel free to contact Inelda Acosta Ed.D., pHCLE through email ada@udallas.edu or by phone at (972) 721-5056.

How can I prepare?

The easy answer is, you can't. The lecture and materials provided will be unique to this event. Come prepared to listen attentively and take notes. 

When will I know if I am being awarded a scholarship?

No later than April 1, 2023.

How will the essays be graded?

Essays will be evaluated by professors, and from there a committee will make the final selection of scholarship recipients.  

Will I get my essay back after the event is over?

No. We will not be keeping the essays as part of your official record.

Is my family allowed to attend?

Due to spacing constraints on campus, each registrant is allowed only one guest. 

How many scholarship winners will be selected? 

We will select 10 scholarship recipients.  

If I win, can I use the scholarship on other institutional expenses?

No, this is a tuition-only scholarship. This will replace your current merit-based scholarship.

Is transportation available to and from campus?

Visitors are responsible for making airport transportation arrangements. The Dallas Area Rapid Transit (DART) system provides some options, or you can use a shuttle service or rideshare.

DART Rail from Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport: Take the Orange Line from Terminal A to the University of Dallas station.

DART Rail from Dallas Love Field Airport: Take Bus 524 to the Orange Line. Take the Orange Line to the University of Dallas station.

For directions to campus and a campus map, click here.

Is this a four year award?

Yes, this scholarship is renewable for up to four years. As with all of our scholarships, to maintain eligibility for any financial aid administered by the University, Satisfactory Academic Progress must be made. Please follow this link to read more about Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP).

What do you recommend for lodging?

Click this link to see a list of area hotels recommended by the Office of Admission.

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