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Southern Methodist University (SMU)

Dallas, TX

Travel:

3 hour flight + 30 minute drive | 15 hour drive from Charlotte

Local Airport:

Dallas Fort Worth International

Planning Your Visit
Places to Stay Near Campus

  • The Pittman Hotel Deep Elm

  • The Beeman Hotel

  • The Highland Dallas, Curio Collection by Hilton

  • The Lumen

  • Hyatt House - Dallas/Lincoln Park

  • Doubletree - Campbell Center

  • Hilton Canopy Dallas Uptown

  • Hilton Dallas/Park Cities

  • Warwick Melrose Hotel

  • Hampton Inn & Suites Dallas

Places to Eat

  • Shug's

  • Biscuit Bar

  • Dive Coastal Cuisine

  • Kuby's Sausage House

  • Olivellas Neo Pizza Napolentana

  • Dallas Grilled Cheese Company

  • Pokeu-O's

  • Baldo's Ice Cream & Coffee

Other Schools You Could Add to Your Trip:

  • TCU

  • University of Texas at Arlington

  • Baylor University

  • University of Texas at Austin

  • Texas A&M

  • University of Oklahoma

College Snapshot

Located in the heart of Dallas, Texas, SMU blends academic rigor with Southern sophistication and a strong sense of community. Known for its excellence in business, communications, engineering, and the arts, SMU attracts ambitious students who value opportunity, leadership, and connection—both on campus and across Dallas’s thriving professional network.


📊 Admissions Overview

  • Freshman Applicants (2025): 15,245

  • Acceptance Rate: 63.3%

  • Waitlisted Applicants: 1,480

  • Admitted from Waitlist: 67

  • Early Decision Applicants: 404

  • Early Decision Admitted: 353 (~87%)

  • Early Action Applicants: 7,610

  • Early Action Admitted: 6,932 (~91%)

🎓 Who Gets In

  • Class Rank: 95% of freshmen ranked in the top half of their HS class; 49% in the top 10%.

  • GPA Profile:
    22% had a 4.0 GPA
    30% had 3.75–3.99
    24% had 3.50–3.74
    Most admitted students had GPAs above 3.5.

  • Test Scores:
    Middle 50% SAT:     1340–1480
    Average SAT Section Scores: 698 Verbal / 706 Math
    Middle 50% ACT: 30–33+ (average 32)
    82% of students scored 30+ on the ACT

📝 What Matters in Admissions

  • Very Important: Academic GPA, rigor of coursework, application essay, recommendations

  • Important: Class rank, standardized test scores, extracurricular activities, character/personal qualities, talent/ability

  • Not Considered: Demonstrated interest, alumni relation, volunteer work, work experience, geography, religious affiliation

  • Test Policy: Test-optional (SAT/ACT considered if submitted)

College Snapshot
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