Southern Methodist University, or SMU, is a private research university in Dallas, Texas. As one of the largest metro areas in the US, Dallas offers SMU students impressive opportunities for internships and field-based learning. The city is, in fact, an extension of the classroom for the 7,000 or so undergraduate students, who pursue programs across business, engineering, education, and the humanities. A large percentage of students, 41%, come from Texas, but the community represents all US States and Territories, and dozens of countries. The acceptance rate is 61%.
SMU is test-optional, so you are not required to submit an SAT or ACT score. We recommend that our students with strong scores submit them, as a solid score underlines a strong application. For SMU, a strong SAT is 1440 or higher and a strong ACT is 31 or above. Students can apply Early Decision I, Early Action, Early Decision II, or Regular Decision. Applying early offers a boost, but choosing an early application route is especially important if you are not submitting scores.
In addition to strong grades and scores, your supplements are a key piece of your SMU application. The supplemental essays absolutely cannot be an afterthought. Even if SMU isn’t your first choice school, phoned in supplements are a quick way to a rejection. If they can feel that you don’t really care, they won’t let you in. And if SMU is a dream school, the essays are even more important. Below, we’ll break them down.
Strong supplements are scaffolding for an impressive application. Learn more.
The SMU supplement is comprised of two essay questions that allow for 250 words each. This is an exceptional length to work with because it’s long enough to have room to play but not so long that you get have space to go off track. We’ll go into each question, helping point you towards your strongest possible response.
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 SMU’s first filter for why you are interested in them. They don’t want to hear generalized compliments like mentioning how they have a beautiful campus or cool community. So, the first think that you need to do is to come up with precise reasons why you want to apply. And remember, you are applying to college. You would be going to SMU to study, so academics absolutely must play a central role in your response.
This is your research checklist, but feel free to go beyond it:
Major
2 courses you would like to take
A professor you would hope to study under
An academic opportunity you are excited to take advantage of, like a research opportunity, field-based study program, or study abroad run by SMU
A minor
A student group/club
A residential community or opportunity
This is a long list, we know, but it’s important to find something for each one. Sharing these things with SMU proves that you actually know why you want to be there.
But you don’t want to just list what you like and be done with it. The supplement must be a story, so make it one. Start the supplement with a small story that highlight why you want to study your prospective major, then connect this to the program at SMU. Leading with the academics is important, so write about your major and minor before pivoting to the social side of SMU. What would you do outside of the classroom?
End with a short paragraph that helps the SMU admissions officials envision you at SMU — either in a classroom or contributing to the community.
SMU is a diverse and welcoming learning environment shaped by the convergence of ideas and cultures. How will your unique experiences enhance the University, and how will you benefit from this community? (250-word limit)
This second supplement gives you an opportunity to share a piece of your life so far that doesn’t necessarily have anything to do with school. Unless you have something personal that must be shared, though, we highly recommend focusing this supplement on a leadership or team-based experience outside of a structured classroom. This could be mentoring new members of Model UN, troubleshooting in an academic competition, or leading your peers to success. It should not be athletic, but we do love when students show key characteristics about themselves through the lens of one their most impressive academics.
Remember to clearly share how you will bring these characteristics to SMU, supporting their community in the process. We like when students can mention a specific way or two for you to do this, but be sure not to reiterate anything you’ve already said in the first supplement.
Resume
SMU also invites you to upload a resume. We have resume-specific resources for you as you pull your resume together, but let’s get a few things clear. Uploading a resume is super important. The activities section lets you list 10 things, but you only have 150 characters to explain each. In the resume, we recommend highlighting a smaller number of activities and experiences that connect to your area of academic interest. In the resume, you’ll have the chance to say more about what matters most to you. This is why the resume is so powerful, and why it isn’t optional even when it is marked as “optional.”
The SMU application is, to us, a perfect mix. You have two supplements plus the resume to make an impact. It isn’t so much that it’s overwhelming, but it is enough space to truly make an impact. As you begin drafting, make sure that there is absolutely no repetition. Model UN may be your favorite thing in the world, but that doesn’t mean that SMU should be hearing about it in every piece of writing that you submit. Focus is good, but showing a diversity of experiences paired with focused passions is the most powerful way to present yourself.
A strong supplement requires equally strong strategy. Get yours.