Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to complete a separate application to be reviewed for a Comet Scholarship?
Yes, you will need to complete a separate application. Visit the Apply for Scholarship page.
How should I submit my Comet Scholarship Application?
We accept only online applications available on this website. No late applications will be accepted.
How do error messages show up on the application?
Required fields on the application will have a red asterisk (*). Applications cannot be submitted unless a response is provided or an attachment is uploaded. If you have issues with the application, please contact our office at cometscholars@utdallas.edu.
Can you use my recommendation letter that was included with my admissions application?
No. Unfortunately, we do not have access to admission documents. Please also submit a letter of recommendation with your Comet Scholarship Application.
Who should I have a recommendation letter from?
We will accept a letter of recommendation from a professor/teacher or counselor/advisor signed by the individual writing the letter. Letters of recommendation can be submitted with the application or separately by the professor/teacher or counselor/advisor. If a recommender is interested in sending a letter directly to our office, please email us at cometscholars@utdallas.edu.
How many letters of recommendations should I submit for the scholarship?
We only accept one letter of recommendation for scholarship consideration.
Can a letter of recommendation be submitted before I submit my application?
Please submit your letter of recommendation with your application or after you have submitted your application.
How will I know that my application has been received?
After submitting your application, you will receive a message on the screen that your application has been received. If you have any questions, please email us at cometscholars@utdallas.edu.
If I started my application before the deadline, but I submitted it after 11:59 p.m. Central Time, will my application be accepted?
No, all applications must be submitted by 11:59 p.m. Central Time. The website will immediately close at 11:59 p.m. Central Time and no other applications will be accepted after this time.
What are your business hours?
We are open 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday.
Do I need to submit my transcript separately for the Comet Scholars Program?
No, we do not require transcripts for your scholarship application.
Do I need to submit confirmation or proof of my FAFSA/TAFSA submission for the Comet Scholars Program?
No, we do not require a copy of your financial aid application.
Do I need to accept my admissions to UT Dallas by the scholarship deadline to apply for the Comet Scholars Program?
No, you will only need to be admitted to the University by the scholarship deadline.
One of the requirements is participating in academic check-ins and volunteering for the Comet Scholars Program. Do I need to do this prior to applying?
No. After you have been accepted into the program, you will begin your academic check-ins with your appointed scholarship advisor and your scholarship volunteer hours.
One of the requirements is attending a Freshman or Transfer Student Orientation. Do I need to do this prior to applying?
No. Orientations are not held until summer. We will confirm that you have attended or plan to attend an orientation once you have been accepted into the program. For information about these sessions, please visit the Orientations website.
Is this scholarship available for spring semester?
No. We only offer this scholarship annually in the fall semester.
I am a current student who started last spring. Am I eligible?
No. Only incoming undergraduate students starting their first semester at UT Dallas in fall of each year are eligible to apply.
Is this scholarship available for the summer semester?
No. Only incoming undergraduate students starting their first semester at UT Dallas in fall are eligible to apply.
I am a current student and started last summer. Am I eligible?
No. Only incoming undergraduate students starting their first semester at UT Dallas in fall are eligible to apply.
I have not been admitted to UT Dallas by the scholarship deadline. Am I eligible?
Yes. Even if you have not been admitted to UT Dallas, please submit your scholarship application by the appointed deadline. We will review your admissions status when your scholarship application is reviewed.
I have not submitted my FAFSA/TASFA by the scholarship deadline. Am I eligible?
Yes. Even if you have not submitted your FAFSA/TASFA, please submit your scholarship application by the appointed deadline. We will review your financial aid information when your scholarship application is reviewed.
I am an international student. Am I eligible?
Most international students are not eligible for this scholarship. This is a need-based scholarship that requires a financial aid application. If you are ineligible to receive financial aid, you cannot apply for this scholarship. Please contact the UT Dallas Financial Aid Office to determine if you are an eligible noncitizen who can apply for aid.
I am applying for my second undergraduate degree. Am eligible?
No. You must be enrolling for your first undergraduate degree to be eligible for the Comet Scholars Program.
I am applying for an undergraduate certification. Am I eligible?
No. You must be enrolling in an undergraduate degree program to be eligible for the Comet Scholars Program.
I am applying for graduate school. Am I eligible?
No. You must be enrolling in an undergraduate degree program to be eligible for the Comet Scholars Program.
I am a high school senior, but I have taken college classes as part of my school’s dual credit program. Do I apply as a first time or transfer student?
First time in college student; even though you have completed college courses, you will still need to apply as a first time in college student.
If I am accepted into the program but decide to go to another school, can I use the scholarship at that school?
No. The Comet Scholars Program can only be used at UT Dallas.
When and how will I receive my scholarship?
Scholarships will be disbursed between the first day of class and Census Day directly to your tuition account with the UT Dallas Bursar’s Office.
Do I need to reapply each academic year to renew my scholarship?
No. Once you have been accepted into the program, the scholarship will automatically renew for eight semesters if you have met all the scholarship requirements or until you graduate. Your scholarship advisor will discuss your eligibility for renewal each year.