Overview of Southern Methodist University

Southern Methodist University is a private research institution situated in the University Park area of Dallas. The institution offers 90 bachelor degree programs through its five undergraduate schools. A robust student/faculty ratio supports students, and professors take a personalized approach to the teaching and learning process. Outside of the classroom, students will find plenty of opportunities to engage with the campus community via the university’s many clubs and organizations. In athletics, the SMU Mustangs play in the NCAA Division I American Athletic Conference.

Enrollment

• Total Enrollment: 5,210 (3,544 undergraduates)
• Gender Breakdown: 40 percent male/60 percent female
• 95 percent full-time

Cost of Attendance Information

• Tuition and Fees: $37,800
• Books: $1,250
• Room and Board: $11,000
• Other Expenses: $3,272
• Total Cost: $48,800

Financial Aid Information

• Percentage of New Students Receiving Aid: 98 percent
• Percentage of New Students Receiving Types of Aid
  • Grants: 97 percent
  • Loans: 55 percent

• Average Amount of Aid
  • Grants: $22,072
  • Loans: $5,694

Academic Programs Offered

• Most Popular Majors: Accounting, Business Administration, Elementary Education, Family Studies, Interdisciplinary Studies, Marketing, Psychology, Nursing, Fine Arts, Public Relations

Retention and Graduation

• First-Year Student Retention (full-time students): 77 percent
• Transfer-Out Rate: 22 percent
• 4-Year Graduation Rate: 38 percent
• 6-Year Graduation Rate: 60 percent

NCAA Athletic Programs

• Men’s Sports: Football, Basketball, Baseball, Tennis, Track and Field, Golf
• Women’s Sports: Track and Field, Basketball, Volleyball, Tennis, Softball, Soccer

Overview of Southern Methodist University Admissions

Southern Methodist University, which accepts half of all applicants, has a selective admissions process. Students whose SAT/ACT scores and GPA are within the institution’s requirements have a good chance of being admitted. This institution has a robust admissions process that involves a multitude of academic measures. Applicants must complete an online application. A persuasive essay and glowing recommendation letters can bolster your application, along with being involved with student organizations and attempting a challenging course load. Students with unique talents and accomplishments can still receive strong consideration even if their GPAs are outside of the admissions offices mean range. Interested students should check out the university’s website, which has helpful tips and contact information for the admissions offices. Students should make a campus visit to determine if the institution is a good fit for them.

Admissions Data                        

During the 2018-19 admissions phase, Southern Methodist University had an acceptance rate of 51%. For every 100 students who submitted applications, 51 students gained admission, making SMU’s admissions process competitive.

SAT Requirements and Scores

During the 2018-19 admissions phase, 49% of students provided SAT scores. This admissions data reveals that most of SMU’s students score within the top 20% nationally on the SAT. 50% of students admitted to SMU scored between 630 and 710 on the evidence-based reading and writing part, while 25% scored under 630 and 25% scored over 710. 50% of students scored between 650 and 750 on the math part, while 25% scored under 650, and 25% scored over 750. Applicants with a cumulative SAT score of 1460 or higher will have particularly competitive chances at Southern Methodist University.

ACT Requirements and Scores

During the 2018-19 admissions phase, 63% of students provided ACT scores. This admissions data reveals that most SMU students score within the top 9% nationally on the ACT. The median 50% of students admitted to SMU received a cumulative ACT score between 29 and 33, while 25% scored over 33, and 25% scored under 29.

GPA

In 2019, the mean high school GPA of SMU’s freshmen class was 3.6, and over 69% of students had a mean GPA of 3.5 and over. Successful applicants to Southern Methodist University have A and high B grades primarily.

Safety Net Schools: Easy to Gain Admission

If past admission data predicts that you would be a competitive candidate for Southern Methodist University, it should be easy to gain admissions to the schools below. If Southern Methodist University is currently out of your reach, then you are sure to be a competitive candidate for the schools below.

University of Texas at Dallas, Stony Brook University, Rochester Institute of Technology, University of Massachusetts Amherst, Syracuse University, Penn State University Park, University of Cincinnati

Same Tier: Just As Hard to Gain Admission

If you’re a competitive candidate for Southern Methodist University, you should have an equal chance of gaining admissions at these schools.

Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, University of California, Los Angeles, Villanova University, Wake Forest University, University of Maryland, Binghamton University, George Washington University

Reach Institutions: Gaining Admissions Will be More of a Challenge

These schools are more challenging to gain admission into than Southern Methodist University. If you improve your GPA and SAT/ACT scores, then you’ll be a competitive candidate for these schools.

Tufts University, Northeastern University, Georgetown University, New York University, University of Southern California, University of Michigan, Emory University

Applying to Southern Methodist University

Application Deadline: January 15

Undergraduate Admissions Website:

https://www.smu.edu/Admission

Undergraduate Application Link(s):

https://www.smu.edu/Admission/Apply/FirstYear

Graduate Admissions Website:

https://www.smu.edu/graduate

Graduate Application Link(s):

https://gradadmission.smu.edu/apply/