SMU
Southern Methodist University · Dallas, Texas · Private
SMU admitted 48% of 24,053 applicants (Common Data Set 2025-2026). First-year students who sent the SAT scored 1360–1470 in the middle half. Test scores are optional. 83% of students graduate within six years.
Your chances at SMU
Enter a score to see whether SMU is a reach, target or likely school for you.
Based on the admit rate (48%) alone. Add a score for a sharper read.
A rough read from the admit rate and test scores only. Grades, courses, essays and activities matter as much or more.
Early decision and early action
Early decision applicants were admitted at 80% (424 of 528), compared with 48% for all applicants.
SMU offers early action but didn’t report its early admit rate.
Early applicants often include recruited athletes and students with stronger applications, so the gap overstates how much applying early helps one student.
4,249 students were offered a spot on the waitlist, 1,074 took it, and 243 were admitted from it.
What admissions weighs
How SMU rates each part of an application, from its Common Data Set.
Very important
- Course rigor
- GPA
- Essay
- Recommendations
Important
- Class rank
- Test scores
- Activities
- Talent or ability
- Character
Considered
- First generation
- Legacy
- Volunteering
- Work experience
- Showing interest
Not considered
- Interview
- Where you live
- State residency
- Religion
High school GPA
First-year students averaged a 3.69 GPA. 49% of those who reported a class rank were in the top 10% of their class.
Some colleges report weighted GPAs, so compare loosely.
What it costs
Full price with housing is $86,090 a year. After grants, students paid $45,792 on average.
Average price after grants, by family income:
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