How To Apply
Your Journey Starts Here
Applying for Distinguished Scholar Programs begins with one application. Through a single application, you'll be considered for multiple scholarship programs that recognize academic achievement, leadership, service, and the desire to make a lasting impact.
Distinguished Scholar Programs are available to incoming first-year students entering TWU in the fall semester. Through one application, students may be considered for:
- Terry Scholars
- Texas Leadership Scholars
- Legacy Leaders
- President's Leadership Council
- Honors Scholar Programs
- Wellbeing Leadership Scholars
Each program has its own selection criteria, but all applications begin with the same process.
Application Process
Step 1: Apply for Admission. Submit your application for admission to TWU using either the Common App or Apply Texas.
Step 2: Activate your Pioneer Portal. After applying for admission, you'll receive instructions to activate your Pioneer Portal account. Your Pioneer Portal provides access to important university information, including the TWU Scholarship System.
Step 3: Complete the General Scholarship Application. Log in to the TWU Scholarship System and complete the General Scholarship Application. This application helps identify scholarship opportunities you may be eligible to receive across the university.
Step 4: Complete the Distinguished Scholar Programs Application. After submitting the General Scholarship Application, complete the Distinguished Scholar Programs application. Through this application, you'll automatically be considered for all Distinguished Scholar Programs for which you meet the eligibility requirements.
Step 5: Submit Supplemental Applications. Students interested in the Terry Scholars Program will complete a supplemental Terry application. Students who wish to be considered for Texas Leadership Scholars will also complete an external TLS application. Links to both supplemental applications will be provided within the Distinguished Scholar Programs application.
Step 6: Attend Scholarship Invitational. Selected finalists will be invited to attend the Distinguished Scholar Scholarship Invitational on February 5–6, 2027.
The Scholarship Invitational provides an opportunity to:
- Participate in scholarship interviews
- Meet current scholars
- Connect with faculty and Scholar Programs staff
- Experience the Scholar Programs community
- Learn more about life at TWU
Final scholarship selections are made following the Scholarship Invitational.
Important Dates
swipe to see the full table⇨
| Milestone | Date |
|---|---|
| Distinguished Scholar Programs Application Opens | August 1, 2026 |
| Application Deadline | January 17, 2027 |
| Scholarship Invitational | February 5-6, 2027 |
| Scholarship Offers Released | Spring 2027 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I apply for more than one Distinguished Scholar Program?
Yes. One Distinguished Scholar Programs application is used to determine your eligibility for multiple programs. Based on your qualifications and application materials, you may be considered for one or more Distinguished Scholar Programs.
Do I need to know which Distinguished Scholar Program I want before applying?
No. You do not need to select a single program before applying. Our review process considers your application alongside the selection criteria for each Distinguished Scholar Program to determine where you may be the best fit.
Can I combine Distinguished Scholar Program scholarships with other awards, such as merit scholarships?
Yes. Students may combine (or "stack") scholarships up to the total Cost of Attendance. In some cases, a larger scholarship—such as Terry Scholars—may already cover most or all educational expenses, and other awards may be adjusted to remain within the Cost of Attendance.
Can I participate in more than one Distinguished Scholar Program?
In most cases, Distinguished Scholar Programs cannot be combined. However, students may be selected for both the Honors Scholar Program and another Distinguished Scholar Program. If offered both, they may participate in both programs as long as eligibility requirements are met and their total scholarship funding does not exceed the Cost of Attendance.
Do I need to be admitted to TWU before applying?
Yes. Students must first apply for admission to Texas Woman's University and activate their Pioneer Portal before they can access the TWU Scholarship System and complete the Distinguished Scholar Programs application.
How are Distinguished Scholar Programs selected?
Applications are reviewed holistically by Scholar Programs staff and trained reviewers. Finalists are invited to participate in the Distinguished Scholar Scholarship Invitational, where interviews and additional evaluations help determine scholarship recipients.
What if I am not selected for a Distinguished Scholar Program?
Students who are not receive a Distinguished Scholar Program may still be eligible for other scholarships offered through Texas Woman's University. We encourage every student to complete the General Scholarship Application to maximize scholarship opportunities.
Who should I contact if I have questions?
Our Scholar Programs team is happy to help! If you have questions about eligibility, the application process, or a specific scholarship program, please contact our office. We're here to help throughout your application journey.
Still have questions? We'd love to help.
Page last updated 3:15 PM, August 14, 2026