Deans' Excellence Awards

Let the love of learning rule humanity.
Phi Kappa Phi Motto

The Phi Kappa Phi Gathright/Deans' Excellence awards were created to recognize top first-year and sophomore students for their achievements. These university-wide awards are presented annually to the top freshman and sophomore students in each college who display exceptional promise. The award is administered in partnership with the TAMU chapter of Phi Kappa Phi, one of the oldest and most prestigious honor societies in the world. The goal of the Deans' Excellence awards is to identify and honor those students who exemplify the Phi Kappa Phi motto to "let the love of learning rule humanity."

The top student in each college and classification is designated as a Gathright Scholar, with the second student recognized as the Deans' Excellence Award winner.

Eligibility

All applicants must be full time students and a member of the awarding college at Texas A&M University (as shown in university records). Applicants must not possess a record of academic dishonesty or any student conduct violations.
To compete in the Freshman category a student must have been admitted to Texas A&M University through the Freshman admissions process in the fall or spring semester immediately preceding the application due date. (This classification is based on the number of semesters, not credit hours.)
To compete in the Sophomore category a student must have completed at least 2 but no more than 4 fall/spring semesters at any institution by the application due date. (This classification is based on the number of semesters, not credit hours.)

Timeline

Application Components

Required Components

Course Information
Personal Statement
Research and/or Creative Production
Community Engagement
Accomplishments/Awards
Unofficial TAMU Transcript
Letters of Recommendation*

Document Formatting Requirements

With the exception of transcripts and recommendations, each component should be:
- Single-spaced
- 12pt font
- No longer than 1 page
- Each page should contain a header identifying the document (e.g., Personal Statement, Community Engagement, etc.).
Including transcripts, all documents (*except recommendations) should be combined into a single file:
- In PDF format
- Saved as 'Last Name_UIN_DeansExcellenceAwardPacket
  - Example: An application packet would be saved as: Smith_123004567_DeansExcellenceAwardPacket

Required Components Explained

Course information

In addition to uploading your transcripts, you must submit detailed information for each college-level course taken at Texas A&M University. This information should include the course title, course code, course number, credit hours, grades, etc. Failure to provide this information will result in a lower score during the evaluation of your DEA application (see example below).

Course Title: Computer Science I
Course Code: COSC
Course Number: 3809
Credit Hours: 3
Course Grade: A
Honors Course: True
GR (Graduate) Course: True

Personal statement
Discuss your background and interests in relation to both your short-term goals and long-term ambitions. Remember that a good personal statement answers not only the question "what?" but also "why?"
Research and/or Creative Production
Discuss any research you have conducted or are currently conducting and/or any creative endeavors you pursue (music, art, theatre, creative writing, etc.). Remember that reviewers will not necessarily be experts in your field.
Community Engagement
Discuss the ways in which you engage with your university, local, national, or even international community. How do you find meaning in this engagement? What have you learned from this experience?
Accomplishments/Awards
Explain any notable milestones or achievements and contextualize them within your interests and goals.
Unofficial TAMU transcript
The transcript should come from Howdy. Applicants should select the option for a PDF version of the transcript.
Recommendations
See below

Recommendations

Each application must include two (2) letters of recommendation. Letters should be no longer than two pages and preferably written by a TAMU faculty member; however, a letter from a graduate student serving as the instructor of record will also be accepted. The letter should address your academic abilities and potential in your intended field, providing clear, specific, and detailed examples.

REMINDER

Letters of Recommendation must be submitted by June 2, 2025 at 5:00 PM.

Award

Awardees will be honored with an official certificate at the annual Phi Kappa Phi Fall Breakfast in October.

Application

Students may access the application here

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