Southern Methodist University

Southern Methodist University in Dallas, Texas offers so much of what my students are seeking. First of all, it’s not too big or too small; it’s the Goldilocks size: about 7,000 undergraduates and 4700 graduates. Secondly, it’s a beautiful, contiguous, quintessential college campus with green lawns and brick buildings, while also in a major US city. It’s hard to find all of that in one package. So although it has certainly gained more of a national presence in recent years, why isn’t it more popular? Why is the admit rate around 60%? I think it’s because SMU is still very southern, very Texan, very Dallas. In fact, 41% of the undergraduates are from Texas. SMU has a reputation of having a very wealthy student body, and that reputation is well deserved; there’s a culture here of money and expensive lifestyles. I’m sure SMU is not the only college where you can send your laundry out to be done, but having visited hundreds of colleges, it is the first time I’ve heard it mentioned.

The academics here are rigorous, and the Cox School of Business is particularly selective. Out of the 25,000 applications SMU receives for first-year admission, half are for Cox. These applicants are first notified about admission to SMU, and, if admitted, are notified about two weeks later regarding admission to Cox. Students are well advised to apply directly into Cox, as internal transfers are possible but extremely competitive. Last year, 50 were admitted, but most of them were transfers from another institution. The good news is that a minor in business is open to all students. The Lyle School of Engineering is 34% female, has its own career center, and students do not need to opt in when applying to the university. Within the Simmons School of Education and Human Development, all students must select a second major.

In their first year, students are placed into a residential hall within the Residential Commons – think Harry Potter, complete with faculty-in-residence. All of the Commons are coed, but with gender-specific bathrooms – something I see less of these days. Sophomore year, students may stay in their residential commons or move to Greek housing; 40% of students are involved in Greek life. Juniors and seniors often move off-campus; there are many apartments close by. Downtown Dallas is a 10-minute drive or three train stops away, but with Greek life quite prevalent, there’s also always a lot to do on campus. Tailgating for the big game is huge; SMU just joined the ACC conference. If that’s not your bag, the George W. Bush Presidential Library is here on campus.

Regarding admissions, the Early Decision acceptance rate is about 70%, the Early Action admit rate is 52%, and although 54% were admitted without tests, submitting scores does help in getting merit scholarships. SMU has an enormous amount to offer, and with 33% students of color and 70% receiving financial aid, the student demographic is evolving.