by Kelsee Smith

Try to not to be too nervous. They are looking to have more of a conversation with you rather than a super formal interview. Their goal is to put a name/application to a face and simply get to know you.

• They know your application well, and each judge will have a copy of it in front of them during the interview. Typically, they will go down your interview questioning a little about each section.
  • It is probable they will ask about what you did in high school and how it will benefit you in the future.
  • Example -- One Terry Scholar said they questioned her on how sports affected her in high school, and what she learned from it.
• KNOW YOUR FINANCIAL STATUS.
• Be very genuine with your answers – just be real with them. Like I said earlier, they just want to get to know you as a person. It is obvious that you look good on paper, and that is why they picked you. Relax and be yourself.
• When you are talking, don’t only address the person who asked you the question, but address the whole panel of judges.
• You will sit in a chair with wheels that rolls and swivels – be sure to sit still.
• Be confident with your answers, but not cocky.
• Know your application inside and out.
• Know the qualities/values of the Terry Foundation.
• Dress professionally. Girls, make sure everything is covered very well.
• Whether or not you receive the scholarship, it is a great honor to be selected for an interview. There were 700+ applicants and you made it this far; be proud of yourself, and remember that the Terry does not define who you are. No matter what, you will have MANY opportunities to get deeply involved in Texas Tech University through many different organizations.

Good Luck!

by Beckie Irvin

 
            When I interviewed for the Terry Foundation Scholarship in the spring of 2013, I was proactive about preparing. When my interview arrived, I was confident I had prepped well and I walked out of the room knowing I had given everything I had to offer. I would soon learn a thirty-minute interview would change the course of my life. It was a wonderful feeling knowing that regardless of the outcome, I had done my absolute best. Below are five tips I would give to a Terry interviewee.
 
1. Learn about the Terry Foundation.
When I found out I had moved to the interview round of the Terry Scholar application process, I did not know anyone that was a Terry (if I had, I would have asked them a million questions about the Foundation). Since I did not know anyone I read over the Terry Foundation website. I read the Terry annual from cover to cover. I took time to learn the Foundation’s history and its values. This information would prove useful in my interview.
 
2. Anticipate what questions the interview panel will ask.
In the weeks leading up to my interview, I tried to anticipate what types of questions and subjects the Foundation would ask me about. I had answers prepared for questions like, “What does leadership mean to you?” Anticipating questions and preparing answers ahead of time helped me organize my ideas and prevented me from hesitating or fumbling for answers.
 
Additionally, my mom would ask me “behavioral interview questions” and I would practice articulating my answers to her. An example of a behavioral interview question is, “Tell me about a time your team failed. What was your role in the problem?” These types of questions can make you want to cry if you are not prepared. Behavioral questions often require an interviewee to be vulnerable and honest. With that being said, one should not be intimidated. The Foundation (or any interviewer) wants to see if you act intentionally and learn from mistakes. If you get asked a behavioral question, relax. Be honest and tell the Foundation how you grew from your behavior.
 
3. Re-read your application and essays.
Thirty minutes before I interviewed for the Terry Scholarship, I re-read my essays. Much time had passed since I initially applied and I had forgotten what I wrote. It felt good to reference my essays in my interview, and I believe it demonstrated how seriously I was taking my opportunity to interview.
 
One thing I did not do was read over my application. I wish I had done this because the Foundation asked me questions about my family’s estimated contribution and I had trouble recalling what my application said.
 
4. Dress your best.
The Terry Foundation does not want its applicants to buy new clothes for the interviews, and (even if you can afford it) you probably do not need to. Whatever is in your closet and is your best is what you should wear. To my interview I wore a conservative beige dress with a black cardigan, panty hose and black heels. (If you are going to wear heels, make sure you are comfortable walking in them. If not, stick with flats.) It was simple and professional. It was my best and I already owned all of it.
 
Gentlemen, wear a suit and a tie if you have one. If you do not, wear your nicest pants and collared shirt. Be sure to iron out the wrinkles!
 
I woke up with plenty of time to shower, fix my hair and do my makeup. Again, I opted for simple straight hair and natural makeup, and it was a good choice. I had a lite breakfast and I was off to my interview with plenty of time to spare.
 
5. Answer confidently and talk a lot.
It is good to be nervous about interviewing with the Terry Foundation. Nerves mean you care, but is it possible to be nervous and confident? Yes! I was nervous, but I felt prepared. When I sat down in front of the panel, I sat up tall and I relaxed.
 
Robert Parker – you will meet him soon – told me to “talk a lot” and I took his advice to heart. When the panel asked me a question, I answered and I elaborated. For example, when I was asked what “success” meant to me, I gave a 1-2 sentence answer, followed by an example of a time I felt successful, and finished by reiterating my original answer.
 
The Terry Interview is not something to take lightly, and it is possible to feel confident and prepared. This may seem like a lot to do, but a few hours on the weekend will get you farther than you think. I can attest, it is worth your time and energy to feel like you gave your best in your interview. 

                                                          News Release

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

DATE: May 22, 2013

CONTACT: John Davis, john.w.davis@ttu.edu

                     (806) 742-2136


Texas Tech Honors College Announces 32 Terry Scholars

Texas Tech is the fastest-growing Terry Scholar university in Texas.

Officials at Texas Tech University’s Honors College announced the names of 32 students receiving Terry Scholarships, making the university the fastest-growing school in the foundation’s 25-year history. No other university has grown in number of scholars as quickly.

In total, the 2013 class of scholars will be awarded a projected $454,000. The university received more than 500 applicants for the scholarship.

“Texas Tech’s incredible growth in the number of Terry Scholars shows not only the type of high-caliber students the university attracts but also reflects well on the type of education these students are seeking from Texas Tech,” said Stephen Fritz, dean of the honors college. “It is my hope that this year’s success will encourage even more students to apply to the Terry program in the upcoming years.”

The Terry Foundation provides four-year scholarships for Texas residents attending Texas Tech University and several other universities in Texas. Terry Scholars are selected from a highly competitive applicant pool of incoming freshmen who demonstrate exceptional leadership, character, financial need and scholastic ability.

The actual amount of the award will vary for each scholar depending on other scholarships and the ability of the scholar’s family to contribute to the cost of college.

“Texas Tech is one of the fastest growing schools in the history of our program,” said Ed Cotham, president of the foundation. “Every time we visit the campus we are amazed at the world class facilities and the energetic faculty and staff. We continue to be impressed with the students and look forward to a long and successful partnership with the university to develop the future leaders of Texas.”

The Terry Foundation was established in 1986 by Houstonians Howard and Nancy Terry out of a desire to help young people help themselves. The foundation’s goal is to strengthen the state of Texas by identifying, developing and supporting Texas high school graduates with high leadership potential.

Recipients of the scholarships are: Conner Atnip of McKinney; Nicole “Nikki” Beasley of Gruver; Brooke Boston and Braiden “Holt” Lamberson of Lubbock; Patrice Carmouche and Tramel Pennie of Houston; John “Jack” Clark of Hartley; Brenna Coffman of Baird;

Gracen Daniel of Quitman; Dayna Debeau of Round Rock; Casey Dennis of Odessa; Alexandria “Alex” Fletcher of Glenn Heights; Cathryn Gibbs of DeSoto; Jenna Guzzetta of Leander; Marissa Hernandez of Canyon; Rebecca Irvin of Hico; Thomas “Gabe” Jennings of Fredonia; Austin Jordan of White Oak; Kleg Kennedy of Lampasas;

Ashley Kincheloe of Roby; Leonardo “Leo” Martinez of Fort Worth; Dawson McClendon of Sundown; Sarah Morris and Vincent Shoup of Lamesa; Gala Myers of Wills Point; Alyssa Nakamura and Nicole “Nikki” Worley of Trophy Club; Raeann Rubenthaler of Whiteface; Macy Siegert of Seymour; Rachel Veale of Helotes; and

Ashleigh Wright of Eldorado.

For more information on Texas Tech’s Terry Scholarship Program, visit http://www.depts.ttu.edu/honors/Terry/.

Find Texas Tech news, experts and story ideas at www.media.ttu.edu and on Twitter @TexasTechMedia.

CONTACT: Heather Medley, director of admissions, Honors College, Texas Tech University, (806) 742-1828 ext. 240 or heather.medley@ttu.edu