Frequently Asked Questions
Who are TIP Scholars?
What are the goals of the TIP Scholars program?
How was I selected to join TIP Scholars?
What does it mean to be a member of TIP Scholars?
Why this emphasis on Critical Thinking?
What resources do TIP Scholars have at their disposal?
As a TIP Scholar, what is expected of me?
How will I benefit from being a TIP Scholar?
Do I have to join TIP Scholars if offered a position?
I received an invitation to apply, now what do I have to do?
Who are TIP Scholars?
The Texas Interdisciplinary Plan Scholars are students selected to be in a rigorous academic program in the Colleges of Liberal Arts or College of Natural Sciences. TIP Scholars are exceptionally motivated students who are committed to their own learning. TIP Scholars provides them with a small college atmosphere while at this major research institution. TIP scholars enjoy a challenging and rigorous academic experience along with a unique blend of support services and opportunities.
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What are the goals of the TIP Scholars program?
TIP Scholars have three primary goals for its students: (1) to achieve academic excellence, (2) to transition successfully to UT and (3) to reach their individual potentials at this University and beyond. All activities in TIP Scholars – from academic peer mentoring to academic advising – are focused on these goals.
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How was I selected to join TIP Scholars?
Each year the program administrators work closely with the Office of Freshman Admissions to identify freshmen who selected either the College of Liberal Arts or the College of Natural Sciences as their college of choice. These students are invited to apply for a position in the Texas Interdisciplinary Plan Scholars program. Our Faculty Selection Committee reads each application, looking for students who have demonstrated exceptional motivation and a commitment to their own learning. Academic goals, courses taken in high school, performance in those courses, involvement in extracurricular activities, leadership experiences, and a demonstrated commitment to learning are all key factors in inviting a student to join TIP Scholars.
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What does it mean to become a member of TIP Scholars?
When students decide to join TIP Scholars, they are accepting a unique opportunity to become part of a small academic community within this large research institution. Like all other UT students, TIP Scholars pursue a course of study in their area of academic interest. TIP Scholars, however, begin this experience by taking courses with a cohort of peers with similar interests and a collection of professors dedicated to their excellence. This cohort experience, combined with a variety of academic opportunities through peer mentoring, dedicated academic advisors, and free tutoring in the TIP Scholars Learning Lab, makes the TIP Scholar experience a unique and beneficial way to establish a solid and successful footing at the University.
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Why this emphasis on Critical Thinking?
TIP Scholars take a signature course: Critical Thinking for the 21st Century which emphasizes understanding and using the tenets of critical thinking. Critical thinking involves the mastery of important intellectual skills and abilities that are essential to excellence in any academic discipline and in the world beyond. This seminar was designed to ensure that all TIP Scholars would develop the facility to think and write critically, and become more intellectually dedicated, more proficient in questioning, and better able to think clearly and logically about information and decisions. Critical Thinking for the 21st Century forms a platform from which TIP Scholars can begin to confidently pursue their future as an educated member of society.
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What resources do TIP Scholars have at their disposal?
TIP scholars have access to a collection of extraordinary resources. First, TIP scholars have help in registering for their classes. Many courses are restricted to TIP scholars or have reserved seats. Second, each TIP freshman is matched with an academic peer mentor – a talented, experienced upperclassman dedicated to supporting their “mentee’s” pursuit of academic excellence and enhancing their transition to UT. Third, TIP students have access to free tutoring in many of their major entry level academic courses in the TIP Scholars Learning Lab. Academic peer mentors provide drop-in tutoring for Natural Sciences courses and on-call tutoring for Liberal Arts courses. The TIP Scholars Learning Lab is free and is available nearly every night of the week. Fourth, students take many of their TIP Scholars courses with faculty who will get to know them by name and work to ensure each student’s individual excellence. Finally, TIP Scholars have access to a dedicated group of TIP staff members and advisors who are ready to assist them with any question or problem. The TIP office is designed to be a student space, where students can study, socialize, or just take a break in a space they know is theirs.
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As a TIP Scholar, what is expected of me ?
The staff have lots of experience in working with students, and over the years we’ve learned a few things. We know that students who take responsibility for their own academic success are the most likely to excel at this University. We will strongly encourage our students to take advantage of the experiences made possible by TIP Scholars.
We ask that all TIP scholars:
- Focus on what it means to be academically accountable: meet with your advisor, go to office hours, use the TIP Scholars Learning Lab at least once a week, and let us assist you with problems or questions early, not later.
- Trust your peer mentor: Stay in contact! Attend your mentor meetings! You will discover that having an experienced, successful friend at UT is a very good thing.
- Explore your options: attend the faculty seminars and learn about research opportunities; check out the TIP Scholars workshops on how to excel on your tests, take great notes, and learn how to take care of your heath here at UT; participate in TIP Scholars intramurals and social events; learn more about the University Fellows certificate program option, and most importantly, make new friends among your fellow TIP students
- Take advantage of TIP Scholars open door policy: The staff are here to help you and everyone is welcome at all times.
How will I benefit from being a TIP Scholar?
As with anything else, you’ll get out of TIP Scholars what you put into it. If you take advantage of being a TIP Scholar, it is highly likely that you will experience great success here at UT. TIP students have consistently achieved higher grade point averages than other students in the same Colleges. TIP students are also more likely to graduate from the Colleges they started in. In the past five years, TIP graduates have gone on to successfully pursue medical school, law school, graduate school, and competitive employment. Congratulations on being in such fine company!
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Do I have to join TIP Scholars if offered a position?
Taking advantages of the benefits of TIP Scholars is a personal decision. Seldom do students choose not to accept the offer of a position in TIP Scholars but they certainly can make that decision.Those few students who choose not to participate in TIP Scholars typically do so because they transfer to a college outside of the TIP Scholars program. In any case, we want to be sure the student who makes such a decision is making an informed decision and we welcome questions about making the decision.
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What do I have to do after I receive an invitation to apply?
You MUST apply by the deadline. Instructions on the invitation letter will direct you to the online application. If you send it in after the deadline, your application will not be considered. If selected, you will receive an email inviting you to join TIP Scholars. You MUST let us know via the Web if you accept the offer of a position as a TIP Scholar – again by the deadline. If you don’t respond by this deadline, we will offer your position to another student. Our positions fill up quickly so it is important for you to keep track of deadlines and communications from our office. Email is the official form of communication at the University of Texas, and it will be our primary mode of contact with you.
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