Southern Methodist University (SMU) Acceptance Rate 2022, 2023, 2024, 2025 & 2026

Southern Methodist University – Tuition and Acceptance Rate

Contents

Check here Southern Methodist University Acceptance Rate for all year. Here I have listed Southern Methodist University Acceptance Rate

  • Southern Methodist University Acceptance Rate 2022
  • Southern Methodist University Acceptance Rate 2023
  • Southern Methodist University Acceptance Rate 2024
  • Southern Methodist University Acceptance Rate 2025
  • Southern Methodist University Acceptance Rate 2026

Southern Methodist University: Southern Methodist University is located in Dallas, TX, a private, non-profit institution that concentrates on only a limited number of programs. Around 13,000 students are enrolled at SMU.

An ACT or SAT is usually required before applying to the institution. Scores between 1300 (25th percentile) to 1480 (75th percentile) on the SAT and between 29 (25th percentile) to 33 (75th percentile) for the ACT are standard for those who are accepted into SMU.

Southern Methodist University

Applying samples of GPA information from more than 150 schools, we’re in a position to determine that Southern Methodist University’s (SMU) average GPA is 3.68 up to 3.89 for accepted students. About 50% of applicants were accepted to SMU, and of those born, around 23% stayed to study.

By analyzing acceptance rates from prior years, we could estimate 2021 that Southern Methodist University’s (SMU) acceptance rate 2021 is expected to be 46 percent. More information can be found on the admissions office’s site at smu.edu.

History of Southern Methodist University

Southern Methodist University (SMU) is a private university in University park(near the center of Dallas), Texas. There is a second satellite campus in Taos County, New Mexico.

The Methodist Episcopal Church in South established the school on the 17th of April, 1911. It is among the nonsectarian institutions of education that accept students of various religions.

History of Southern Methodist University

It is among the religious institutions that have the most significant number of students. The school has more than 15273 students who are enrolled each year as students. This includes undergraduate and postgraduate students.

South Methodist university’s acceptance rate is much higher than other universities, which is why they accept a significant number of students each year.

Southern Methodist University Acceptance Rate

It is believed that Southern Methodist University has an acceptance rate of 53%.

In the case of applicants who enrolled in the college in the fall of 2020, 14,010 candidates submitted applications, while 7,379 (52.7 percent) were accepted and 1,531 were enrolled (20.7 percent) with a year-long retention rate (entering in the fall of 2019) that was 92% for the class of 2024.

Southern Methodist University Acceptance Rate

Despite this, the acceptance rates will fluctuate based on whether one is an early or late decision-maker.

It is crucial to remember that early decision applicants who apply to Southern Methodist University have an extremely high chance of receiving admission into the institution of higher learning and have an early acceptance rate being around 55-65%.

The deadline for applications to be submitted early is November 1st.

Acceptance Rate by Major

Since this college is selective in its admissions policy, excellent academic achievement guarantees admission. A score of 1450 on the SAT or 33 ACT or higher nearly ensures your admission.

Because the school accepts 47.3 percent of all applicants, your chances of being accepted are increased to almost 100% if you’re substantially above the average.

  • Finance14.1%
  • Economics8.2%
  • Mathematics5.4%
  • Sport and fitness administration/management4.3%
  • Marketing/marketing management4.1%
  • Mechanical engineering3.9%
  • Accounting3.8%
  • Biology/biological sciences3.6%
  • Psychology3.3%
  • Political science and government2.9%

National Rankings of Southern Methodist University

According to Collegiate Rankings, Southern Methodist University stands at:

  • #64 in National Universities
  • #37 in Best Colleges for Veterans
  • #151 in Best Value Schools
  • #360 in Top Performers on Social Mobility
  • #108 in Best Undergraduate Engineering Programs

According to Southern Methodist University, their school stands at:

  • #6 Best College for Dance Performance in the U.S.
  • #2 SMU 2nd in Texas in its comparison of 310 colleges and universities.
  • #11 for Best Quality of Life.
  • #14 Nation’s most beautiful campuses
  • #2 In the best graduate game-design program.
  •  #6 for internship opportunities and #13 for alumni network
  • # 73 in Kiplinger’s Best Value

SMU Admissions Statistics

Socioeconomic Three out of 4 SMU students are awarded scholarships or financial aid, which includes their needs and academics.

National, More than 50% of the undergraduates are from outside of Texas Students hail from every state and those from the District of Columbia. After Texas, first-year students from top states comprise California, Illinois, Florida, and Connecticut.

InternationalThe enrollment in the HTML0 program is international, with 1,596 students (14 percent of the overall enrollment) from 83 countries. Most international students are made up of China, India, and Mexico.

Religious If a student is interested in religion, 28 percent are Catholic, 14 percent are Methodist, 46% are members of different Protestant groups, and 11% belong to different religious beliefs (including Judaism, Islam, and Hinduism).

Many Campus Ministries organizations support and encourage students to develop their understanding of ethics and faith.

  • The acceptance rate for SMU in 2019 was 49%.
  • For the class of 2023, from 13,250 applicants, SMU admitted 6,482
  • Admissions at SMU is 47.3 percent. For every 100 applicants, 47 are accepted.

SMU Admission Requirements

SMU will require students to submit ACT and SAT scores to apply for the process. The average score of SMU’s SAT is 1300 to 1480, whereas the average ACT scores range between 30 and 34.

SMU GPA is between 3.68 as well as 3.89 for accepted students. According to previous information, out of the fifty percent of applicants to SMU, only 23 percent were taken.

Students can go to the official site of SMU to learn more about SMU admissions rates and acceptance rates, SMU requirements for GPA and SMU SAT prerequisites.

The SMU admissions selection process has a higher degree of sprucing. In addition, it has a higher SMU accept rate of 53 percent. SMU’s early acceptance rate was 55.6 percent.

Most students who apply for admission to SMU can show an SAT score of between 1250-1450a and an ACT score of between the range of 29-33. One-quarter of students who get accepted to SMU is above this level, and one-quarter have scores below this range.

SMU admissions authorities require applicants to submit GPA scores and view them as an essential SMU admissions prerequisite.

Furthermore, the leaders look at a student’s High School score, if there is one significant factor in determining the admissions process.

SMU Admission- Basic Details

  • Application Deadline – Jan. 15
  • Application Fee- $60
  • Common application – Accepted
  • Early decision deadline – November 1

SMU acceptance rate – Entering Class Stats

  • Selectivity – More selective
  • Acceptance rate – 53%
  • Early decision acceptance rate – 65%

Southern Methodist University acceptance rate For Transfer Students

  • Accepting applications – Fall, Spring, Summer
  • Minimum credits needed  to apply – 24
  • Minimum SMU GPA requirements – 2.7
  • Has guaranteed admission agreement with at least one other institution – No

SMU Admission Requirements – For International Students

  • Application deadline – N/A
  • Separate application form required – No
  • Conditional admission offered – Yes
  • Early decision or early action options available – Early decision and early action both are available
  • TOEFL (paper) – N/A
  • TOEFL (internet-based) – Required in some cases
  • Michigan Test – N/A
  • IELTS – Required in some cases
  • SAT – Required in some cases
  • ACT – Recommended
  • Advance deposit required – No
  • TOEFL accepted instead of SAT or ACT – Yes

Average Academic Profile of Accepted Southern Methodist University Students

GPA

The GPA of the high school class of the Southern Methodist University 2025 class 2025 was 3.63, and 20.84 percent of the students graduated from high school with a grade of 4.0.

SAT/ACT

Middle 50% of SAT scores for Southern Methodist University’s class 2025 was 1250-1440. The Class of 2025’s median 50 percent ACT score is 29-33.

Class Rank

About half ( 47%) of Southern Methodist University’s Class of 2025 graduates with the top tenth place in their high school class.

SMU GPA Requirements

The GPA score required to get admission into SMU can be as high as 3.7. It’s incredibly competitive, and applicants must have an overall GPA of 3.25 to be accepted into the University.

SAT and ACT Requirements

Every school has its specifications for standardized tests. Most schools require the SAT or ACT, and many require SAT subject tests.

You must pass one or both the SAT and ACT to apply to SMU. More importantly, performing the right thing to make a robust application is essential.

SMU SAT Requirements

Some schools claim that they do not have an SAT score threshold. However, there’s indeed a secret SAT requirement. It is based on the average score of the school.

A typical SAT score composite at SMU is 1390 on the 1600 SAT scale.

This score puts SMU moderately competitive in the SAT scores.

SMU SAT Score Analysis (New 1600 SAT)

The 25th percentile of the New SAT score was 1230, and the 75th percentile. Of New SAT score of 1450.

That’s right, the 1230 score on the New SAT places you below the average. A score of 1450 score will elevate you into the upper quartile.

Here’s a breakdown of the latest SAT scores for each section:

Section Average 25th Percentile 75th Percentile
Math 710 660 760
Reading + Writing 680 640 720
Composite 1390 1230 1450

SAT Score Choice Policy

Your Score Choice policy at your school is a crucial component of your test strategy.

SMU is a member of its Score Choice policy, “Highest Section. “

It’s also known as “superscoring.” This means you can pick the SATs you wish to submit to the school. Out of all scores they receive, the applicants can judge your top section scores across all SATs you take.

Click here to find out more about how superscoring impacts your test strategy.

So, if your SAT score is less than the 1390 mark, it is highly recommended to consider preparing to take the SAT and retake it. There is a good chance of improving scores, which could dramatically increase your odds of being accepted.

And, thanks to the Superscore, it allows you to focus all your efforts on one section at once. If the Reading score exceeds the other sections, you should prepare for only the Reading section and then test on the SAT.

Concentrate on Math to take the test again and so on. This will result in the best Superscore you can get.

SMU ACT Requirements

Like SAT, SMU likely doesn’t have a strict ACT cutoff; however, your application could be rejected if you score below.

Its mean ACT score at SMU was 31. This score puts SMU highly competitive in ACT scores.

The 25th percentile ACT score is 29, while the 75th percentile ACT score is 33.

While SMU is likely to say they do not have a minimum ACT requirement, Applying with an ACT score of 29 or less will be challenging to get into the school unless there are other impressive things to show on your resume. The number of applicants who scored 31 or more than 29 would appear weak academically.

ACT Score Sending Policy

When you’re taking the ACT instead of the SAT, You have an advantage in how you report scores. This drastically impacts your test strategy.

Here’s the thing: when you send ACT scores to colleges, you control which tests you submit. You could take 10 tests and only send the one with the highest score.

This is different from the SAT, which, in many cases, will require that you send all the tests you have ever taken.

This means you’ll have greater chances of increasing the quality of your ACT score. To try to achieve the school’s ACT requirements of 31 and over, you need to make an effort to take the ACT at least as many times as you can. Once you’ve got the final score you are happy with, then forward that score only to all of your schools.

ACT Superscore Policy

In general, colleges don’t superscore the ACT. (Superscore means that the college uses your top section scores from all test dates and then blends them to create the highest possible combined score). So, most schools take your total ACT score from one session.

We couldn’t find the same school’s ACT policies, but this likely means it does not have a Superscore. Whatever the case, you’ll be able to select your highest ACT score to submit to SMU, which is why you need to practice until you get to our suggested target ACT score, which is 31.

How to Apply to Southern Methodist University

Deadlines

Application Timeline Deadline
Early Decision I November 1
Early Decision II January 15
Early Action November 1
Regular Decision January 15

Application Requirements

Southern Methodist University accepts the Common Application, ApplyTexas, and Coalition Application. The other requirements for admission include

  • High school transcript
  • Recommendation of a counselor
  • Extracurricular resume
  • SMU Essay supplement
  • Portfolio/Audition (required for courses such as Art, Film (BFA), Dance, Music, or Theatre)

Materials that are optional include:

  • SAT/ACT scores
  • Teacher’s recommendation

Southern Methodist University Cost

For the first-year class, the Southern Methodist University tuition fee for 2022-2023 is $61,980. The average cost for accommodation and dining is $17,750. The Southern Methodist UniversityCost is $79,730. The cost of housing and dining vary based on the students’ choices.

Southern Methodist University Courses

  1. Accounting
  2. Advertising
  3. Africa and Mexican American studies
  4. Anthropology
  5. Applied Physiology and sports management
  6. Hearts
  7. Art history
  8. Biochemistry
  9. Biological science
  10. Business
  11. Business administration
  12. Business analytics and supply chain management
  13. Business energy management
  14. Business entrepreneurship
  15. Chemistry
  16. Chinese
  17. Civil engineering new like computer engineering new like computer science new like computer science with cyber security specialization
  18. Corporate communication and public affairs creative computing
  19. Data science
  20. Dance performance
  21. Economics
  22. Economics with finance application specialization
  23. Educational studies
  24. Electrical engineering
  25. Electrical engineering with biomedical specialization
  26. Engineering
  27. English with creative writing specialization
  28. Environmental engineering
  29. Ethnic study
  30. Fashion media new life film and media arts BT a
  31. Finance
  32. Finance with alternative asset management specialization
  33. French
  34. German
  35. Health and society
  36. History
  37. Human rights
  38. Individualized studies in the liberal arts
  39. International Studies
  40. Italian
  41. Journalism
  42. Marketing
  43. Management
  44. Markets and culture
  45. Mathematics
  46. Mechanical engineering
  47. Mechanical engineering with management and entrepreneurship specialization
  48. Medieval studies
  49. Music Composition
  50. Music performance
  51. Music therapy
  52. Philosophy
  53. Political science
  54. Pro-health
  55. Prelaw
  56. Psychology
  57. Real estate
  58. Risk management and insurance
  59. Sociology
  60. Spanish
  61. Sports management
  62. Sports performance leadership
  63. Statistical science
  64. Theater audition required
  65. Women’s and gender studies
  66. World languages and literatures

Southern Methodist University Deadlines

Admission to fall began on April 1 (for the deadline for scholarships) and June 1 (for the expected due date) as well as August 1 (for the final deadline).

Admission to spring starts at the end of November. of November. Summer admission begins with one day in June.

Transfer applications for fall and summer begin on November 1, and spring transfer applications open on August 1.

How Hard Is It to Get Into Southern Methodist University?

The process of gaining admission into Southern Methodist University is challenging. SMU accepted fourteen hundred and ten candidates for the class of 2025 and only took 7 379 students, which gives the school an acceptance rate of 53 percent general acceptance rate.

SMU accepted 527 applications via the early Decision admissions process and admitted 343 applicants, which equals a 65% early Decision acknowledge rate.

Although the acceptance rate isn’t high, the chances of being accepted depend on the strength of your profile. CollegeVine will help you better understand your prospects for acceptance at SMU.

Our admissions calculator for free utilizes factors like your academic grades, test scores, and extracurriculars to calculate the likelihood of your approval. We also provide suggestions to increase the credibility of your profile.

What is Southern Methodist University Looking for?

Southern Methodist University takes a holistic approach to the admissions process. The emphasis is on academic achievements, but other factors such as writing skills, extracurricular activities, and recommendations are considered in admissions decisions.

SMU is looking for students. However, they are also looking for people; consequently, your skills, traits, personality, and experiences are also considered when reviewing your application.

How Southern Methodist University Evaluates Applications

According to their 2020-2021 Common Data Set, Southern Methodist University considers the following factors “very important”:

  • Course rigor
  • GPA
  • Test scores
  • Essay
  • Recommendations

These factors are “important”:

  • Class rank
  • Extracurricular activities
  • Talent
  • Character

These are “considered”:

  • First generation
  • Legacy
  • Racial/ethnic status
  • Volunteer work
  • Work experience
  • Applicant interest

And these are “not considered”:

  • Interview
  • Religious affiliation
  • Geographic location
  • State residence

How to Improve Your Chances of Getting into Southern Methodist University 

1.Achieve at least a 3.63 GPA while taking the most challenging classes available

Southern Methodist University views GPA as “very important” when determining admissions. As a result, SMU students generally have been at or close to the very top in their class.

The high school average GPA of the Class of 2025 at SMU is 3.63. Just under half (47 percent) of the Class of 2025 graduated from high school in the top tenth percentile of their class.

Highly selective schools, like SMU frequently use a tool called”the Academic Index to assess a candidate’s academic credentials.

Academic Index is your entire academic performance summed up into one numerical score. When the Academic Index is below SMU’s standards, your application won’t be seriously considered.

If you’re in the early stages of your high school years and you have a low GPA, There’s still an opportunity to increase your score (check the suggestions to boost the GPA of your students). If you’re a senior or junior is more challenging to boost your GPA, which makes achieving more scores on tests the most straightforward way to boost your Academic Index.

At top-quality schools such as SMU, high-quality grades won’t make you stand out academically. You’ll have to get them in the most challenging courses. It’s typical for a student accepted into SMU to have taken Between five to 12 AP classes at High school.

2. Aim for a 1440 SAT and 33 ACT

The scores of standardized tests are available for applicants to Southern Methodist University for the Spring 2023 and Fall 2022 period of application; according to SMU, “no preference is given to applicants who submit or do not submit test scores.”

However, according to the SMU 2020-2021 Common Data Set, SMU is adamant that test scores are “critical” to admissions.

A failing test will not hurt your application, But submitting an excellent test score can help boost your chances. The middle 50% of SAT/ACT scores for SMU’s class of 2025 is 1250-1440and 29-33.

Any score that falls in the middle 50 percent range is excellent; however, the higher you get, the higher your chances of being accepted. Get advice on whether or whether you should take the test-optional route with our free changing tool.

SMU beats in both SAT in addition to ACT. This makes taking the tests two or three times a great strategy to increase your score and, consequently, your chances of being accepted to SMU. For a better score on the SAT/ACT, take a look at these CollegeVine free resources:

  • How to Get a Perfect 1600 Score on the SAT
  • How to Get a Perfect 36 Score on the ACT
  • More SAT Info and Tips
  • More ACT Info and Tips

3. Write engaging essays

Whatever application you submit, regardless of which application you apply to Southern Methodist University with–the university accepts the Common Application, Coalition Application, and ApplyTexas. You’ll have to answer the required essays and two short-answer SMU-specific (250 words) questions.

SMU believes that essays are “critical” to admissions decisions, and they use essays to learn more about you and evaluate your writing ability. Essays provide an excellent opportunity to differentiate yourself from other academically competent applicants.

A winning admissions essay is written in your unique voice, highlighting your strengths and individual qualities (both of which SMU considers “important”). It highlights how your strengths and talents are compatible with the requirements of SMU.

For additional tips on succeeding in SMU’s essay, read our guide, ” How to Write the Southern Methodist University Essays 2021-2022.”

4.Get great recommendations

Southern Methodist University deems recommendations “very important” to admissions. The school requires that you make a counselor recommendation and have the option of providing an instructor recommendation.

Since SMU appreciates recommendations, it’s a great idea to make one. Before you ask a teacher for recommendations, you should be familiar with the process. 

the nine guidelines to request a letter of recommendations from instructors can be a helpful guide to be aware of whom to ask, how much time you can provide to them and what you’ll need to do to help the recommendation.

5.Cultivate strong extracurriculars.

Activities outside of school can be “important” to Southern Methodist University admissions officers and a fantastic way to stand out against other candidates.

A keen passion (known as”spike”) ” spike”) and at least one or two special extracurricular activities (among many different) is a proven method to be noticed by admissions officers.

What is considered an activity that is top-of-the-line in terms of extracurricular quality? The four levels of extracurriculars can help you understand how colleges evaluate your activities beyond the classroom;

however, as a rule of thumb, the more a particular program demonstrates accomplishment, leadership, and rareness, the more attractive the college will find it.

For instance, an admissions officer may only receive one application per year from a student who participated in a prestigious merit-based summer camp such as that of the Telluride Association Summer Program (Tier 1), and they’ll receive numerous applications from students who were involved in the robotics club of their high school (Tier 4.).

6.Apply Early Decision

Southern Methodist University has four processes for applying: Early Decision (ED I), Early Decision II (ED II), Early Action (EA) along with Regular Decision (RD).

Applying Early I and ED II will increase your odds of acceptance to SMU. The 65percent Acceptance Rate for Early Decision for the Class of 2025 at SMU was much higher than the 53 percent overall acceptance rate.

The admissions benefit offered with ED I and ED II has a price. In particular, both are binding, and you are bound to attend SMU should you be accepted by applying through the process.

Early Action could provide an advantage to your application, though not as crucial in the same way as ED I and ED II–as it shows an interest (which SMU “considers”) but doesn’t tie you to SMU if you are accepted.

Southern Methodist University Undergraduate Yearly Tuition And Fee

The tuition and fees for Southern Methodist University are $61,980, and the median cost for housing and dining is $17,750.

The cost of dining and housing depends on the student’s preference: fees and tuition cover around 2/3 of the costs of the school. The remainder of the 1/3 goes to the cost of gifts and other revenue that is generated annually.

Southern Methodist University Undergraduate Scholarship/Financial Aid

75% of 100% of Southern Methodist University students receive scholarships/financial aid. Here are the details of the scholarships you could apply to as a Southern Methodist University student.

All Southern Methodist University undergraduate student scholarships

President Southern Scholar Award
Nancy Ann Hunt and Ray L. Hunt Leadership Scholars Program
SOUTHER METHODIST UNIVERSITY Distinguished Scholarship
Second Century Scholarship
Provost Scholarship
National Merit Scholarships
International Baccalaureate (IB) Scholars
Dallas County Mustang and Mustang Promise Scholarships

NOTABLE ALUMS

SMU is the source of business tycoons, politicians, and entertainers, as well as musicians, media figures, and leaders in numerous other areas.

Here’s a list of famous alums:

  • Texas governor Bill Clements
  • British Airways CEO Alex Cruz
  • Kroger Co. President David B. Dillon
  • Nobel Prize-winning physicist James Cronin
  • Actress Kathy Bates
  • Actor Powers Boothe
  • Film director Tsui Hark
  • Entrepreneur Kourtney Kardashian
  • Playwright Beth Henley
  • NFL running back Eric Dickerson
  • Professional golfer Payne Stewart

Why Choose Southern Methodist University?

Southern Methodist University offers unique educational research and career and social opportunities, allowing our students to impact around the globe.

The innovative, flexible curriculum provides solid liberal arts and liberal studies foundations that permit students to study a variety of specializations and encounter diverse cultures. They also provide the information employers require.

The graduates of this college are part of the workforce by demonstrating multiple extraordinary skills and worldwide survey results.

Over 93 percent of Southern Methodist University graduates have jobs or are enrolled in graduate school following graduation. Southern Methodist University was ranked in the top tier as the most highly-paid graduate and the top school based on earnings potential.

FAQs

Q.1 What GPA do you need to get into SMU?

ANS. A 3.63 GPA You must achieve, at minimum, a 3.63 GPA while taking the most challenging classes offered. Southern Methodist University views GPA as “very important” when it determines admissions; therefore, SMU students generally have completed their studies at or close to the highest in their high class.

Q.2 Is SMU a prestigious school?

ANS. A nationally-ranked private institution located in the heart of Dallas, SMU is a prominent center of global research and the liberal arts as a tradition.

Q.3 What kind of students go to SMU?

ANS. SMU is an excellent school for all or anyone. It’s open to different thoughts and ideas. It is home to a significant portion of the students who are part of Greek Life, but academics are the university’s primary focus.

Q.4 What is SMU most famous for?

ANS. SMU is the only most highly rated comprehensive research university located in Dallas. A vibrant hub of culture and business, Dallas has a positive outlook in SMU, and our entrepreneurial spirit helps transform the city into an international destination for any background.

Q.5 Why do people go to SMU?

ANS. SMU provides all kinds of things “from a great social life and extracurricular activities to fun and interesting classes,” including the “phenomenal business school” and “amazing” facilities.

Location & Contact

Address

PO Box 750181
Dallas, TX  75275-0181
United States

Contact

Ms. Elena Hicks
Dean of Undergraduate Admission
Emailugadmission@smu.edu
Phone: 214-768-3417
Fax: 214-768-1083

Conclusion

Everything you need to know about Southern Methodist University acceptance, the exact GPA and admissions requirements, and test scores to be focused on while applying for Southern Methodist University, and the most efficient steps to follow to help your application make it stand out from the other applicants is described in this article.

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