Southern Methodist University (SMU)

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Southern Methodist University can be found in Dallas, TX, a nonprofit private college which focuses on only a select few programs offered. Approximately 13,000 students are enrolled at SMU.

An ACT or SAT exam may be required before applying to this institution. Scores in the range of 1300 (25th percentile) to 1480 (75th percentile) on the SAT and between 29 (25th percentile) to 33 (75th percentile) for the ACT exam is common among applicants admitted to SMU. By applying sampled GPA data from over 150 schools, we are able to estimate that the Southern Methodist University (SMU) average GPA ranges from 3.68 to 3.89 for accepted students. Approximately 50% of all students which applied were admitted at SMU, and from those that were granted acceptance roughly 23% continued on to attend. Using acceptance rate data from previous years, we can project that the Southern Methodist University (SMU) acceptance rate in 2021 is going to be around 46%. You can get more information from the admissions office website at smu.edu.

Overall Southern Methodist University (SMU) Acceptance Rate - Fall 2020

47.3%

The overall acceptance rate for Southern Methodist University was reported as 47.3% in Fall 2020 with over 14,000 college applications submitted to SMU. Both in state and out of state applicants are included in these figures. We do not have data on transfer acceptance rates currently.

Accepted Applicants Profile

  • SMU ACT Scores: 29 - 33
  • SMU Average GPA: 3.68 - 3.89

How Hard Is It to Get into Southern Methodist University?

Applicant Selectivity: High

The selectivity of applicants for undergraduate admissions to SMU is considered high, with many applicants scoring in the top percentiles on the SAT or ACT exam, as well as having an excellent high school GPA.

Historical Trend and Acceptance Rate 2024 Projection

The historical trend chart shows acceptance rates from the previous years, from which we have projected the acceptance rate for the 2024-2025 school year. The overall acceptance rate trend for Southern Methodist University has been staying about the same from year to year.

Acceptance Rate By Year

  • 2016-2017: 48.9%
  • 2017-2018: 48.8%
  • 2018-2019: 51.2%
  • 2019-2020: 47.3%
  • Projected SMU Acceptance Rate 2024-2025: 45.5%

How Does Southern Methodist University (SMU) Compare?

47.3%
This School
56.7%
National Avg

The acceptance rate for Southern Methodist University is twenty percent lower than the national average of all colleges which is around 56.7%.

Nearby Similar College Acceptance Rates

SchoolAcceptance Rate
Texas Woman's University93.2%
Texas Christian University47.2%
Texas A & M University-Commerce43.1%
Southeastern Oklahoma State University73.7%
Baylor University45.3%

Admissions Rates & Enrollment Rates - Details

General Recommendations & Requirements for Admissions

  • High School GPA Scores are Required
  • High School Class Rankings are Recommended
  • School Records are Required
  • College Prep Classes are Required
  • Submit Recommendation Letters are Required
  • Standardized Test Scores (SAT,ACT,...) are Required
  • TOEFL Exam (Foreign Language Students) are Required

Number of Applicants, Percent Accepted, and Enrolled Students (Fall 2020)

TotalMaleFemale
Applicants13,95947.4%52.6%
Admitted6,60147.7%52.3%
Enrolled1,54451.0%49.0%

Average ACT/SAT Scores of Applicants to Southern Methodist University (SMU) (Fall 2020)

SAT® SectionScore Range
Critical Reading640 - 720
Math660 - 760
Total Score1300 - 1480
ACT®Score Range
English29 - 35
Math27 - 32
Composite Score29 - 33
To learn more about the data and calculations that power this site, please visit our data discussion page.