Southern Methodist University, often called SMU, is a private research university in the University Park neighborhood of Dallas, Texas. SMU has a robust Greek system, campus-wide traditions, and a popular undergraduate business school. While methodist is right in its name, it is nonsectarian in its teaching ie you don’t need to be a methodist to go there. Their acceptance rate is about 47%. Their supplement only has two questions so let’s break them down.
SMU appeals to students for a variety of reasons. Briefly describe why you are interested in attending SMU and what specific factors have led you to apply. (250-word limit)*
This is a classic “why do you want to go here?” essay. We see this question so often that we have developed an algorithm for how to approach it. The big trick here is to mention specific opportunities and programs. You will probably have to do a little research. Sometimes our students don’t take the time to research the school and we can always tell. If you do good research this will so much less painful to write.
You should start this with a quick personal story that introduces a topic you want to major in. You are also going to want to state your major. This is important. Don’t write this like you are undecided even if you are. You then want to mention 2 higher-level classes and a professor that you would want to work with. Talk about why you are excited for them. This should feel a bit personal. Connect SMU’s opportunities to your interests. You want to show that overlap. You can also mention any other specific academic opportunities that appeal to you. These specifics will not only ground your essay but also show that you are serious about SMU.
Once you have talked about academics, mention an extracurricular. The best extracurriculars are the ones that connect to something you already do. Why? Because then you get to talk about yourself. If you have time you can talk about why you want to be in Dallas for college, but honestly, this is a pretty short essay, so you might not have time.
You don’t need a formal conclusion but you should wrap it up and leave the reader with a sense that you would be great at SMU and that SMU is the school for you.
SMU is a diverse learning environment shaped by the convergence of ideas and cultures. How will your unique experiences or background enhance the University, and how will you benefit from this community? (250-word limit)*
This question asks you to bring the reader into your world. They ask for “your background.” Background can really be anything here as long as it feels personal. Your background might be that you are from a rural area or that you are an only child. Maybe you are from a close-knit community or spend all your free time at your ballet studio. Any of these things are part of your “background.” The trick here is to tell a story that brings the reader into your world so that they can see that background and the community that surrounds it.
You should end your story by connecting it to SMU and its campus community. If you wrote about being from a tight nit community, say how you are excited to make close connections at the school, etc. Again, this essay doesn’t need a formal conclusion but something should connect to SMU.
SMU’s questions are pretty standard when it comes to supplements. You may have already seen other similar supplements or you will. Take your time and you should be great!
Need help? We can do that here.