Chances of getting into Southern Methodist University
Admissions
How hard is it to get into SMU and can I get accepted?
The acceptance rate at SMU is 53%. It ranks #12 in Texas for lowest rate of acceptance. SMU is a more competitive school to get into with a good chance of acceptance for qualifying applicants. Last year, 7,379 out of 14,010 applicants were admitted.
The school has extremely high admission requirements for SAT and ACT scores, generally admitting students who score in the top 14 percent (SAT 1250/1450 ACT 29/33). Southern Methodist University typically accepts and attracts "B+" average high school students with an average GPA around 3.63. Most incoming freshmen graduate in the top quarter of their high school class. 21% of those admitted chose to enroll in the school.
Testing Requirements
You are required to submit admission test scores with your application. Southern Methodist University is not a test optional school. Note: Please consult the school directly to determine if testing requirements are temporarily suspended due to COVID-19.
SMU SAT Scores
SAT Requirements & Average SAT Score
| SAT Test | 25th Percentile Score |
|---|---|
| SAT Reading 25th | 630 |
| SAT Math 25th | 620 |
| SAT Composite 25th | 1250 |
| SAT Test | 25th Percentile Score |
|---|---|
| SAT Reading 75th | 710 |
| SAT Math 75th | 740 |
| SAT Composite 75th | 1450 |
| Average SAT Score | 1350
|
SAT Scores you need to get in
What are the SAT requirements for students to be admitted to Southern Methodist University?
Southern Methodist University typically prefers applicants to be in the top 18 percent of SAT test takers. The school consistently takes SAT composite scores down to 1250 on a 1600 scale, below which admission should be considered a reach. We estimate some students could be accepted with SAT's as low as 1150. The estimated average SAT composite for admitted freshman is 1350 out of 1600. SMU ranks #2 in Texas and #83 in the nation for highest average SAT composite score. 49 percent of applicants submit SAT scores to the school.
Data Sources, IPEDS for Fall 2020 starting classEstimated Chance of Acceptance by SAT Score
SMU ACT Scores
ACT Requirements & Average ACT Score
| ACT Test | 25th Percentile Score |
|---|---|
| ACT Reading 25th | 29 |
| ACT Math 25th | 26 |
| ACT Composite 25th | 29 |
| ACT Test | 75th Percentile Score |
|---|---|
| ACT Reading 75th | 35 |
| ACT Math 75th | 31 |
| ACT Composite 75th | 33 |
| Average ACT Score | 31
|
ACT Scores needed to get accepted
What are the ACT requirements for prospective students to get into SMU?
Admission data indicates that SMU regularly accepts students with ACT's of 29 and above. Successful applicants typically send ACT scores in the top 9 percent nationally. We estimate the school accepting minimum ACT composite scores around 27 in some instances. Prospective students submitting an ACT composite of 31 or higher should be in the upper half of applicants - and students with a 33 and above have very competitive chances. The school ranks #2 in Texas and #73 in the U.S. for highest average ACT composite score. Scoring well on the ACT is very important as 63 percent of applicants submit ACT scores to Southern Methodist University.
Data Sources, IPEDS for Fall 2020 starting classEstimated Chance of Acceptance by ACT Score
Explore Southern Methodist University
SMU GPA
Estimated GPA Requirements & Average GPA
What GPA do you need to get into Southern Methodist University?
Applicants require very good grades in high school to get into SMU. The average high school GPA of the admitted freshman class at Southern Methodist University was 3.63 on the 4.0 scale indicating that primarily B+ students are accepted and ultimately attend. The school ranks #15 in Texas for highest average GPA. If your high school GPA meets these requirements, there is a good chance you will be accepted as SMU accepts 53% of students who apply.
GPA Data Source, Peterson's Data 2021
Similar Requirements
High School Class Rank
79% of Southern Methodist University freshman were in the top twenty five percent of their high school graduating class.
| High School Class Rank | Freshmen Within Range |
|---|---|
| Top 10% of class | 47% |
| Top 25% of class | 79% |
| Top 50% of class | 94% |
Applying
Admission Statistics
| Women | Men | Total | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Applied | 7,296 | 6,714 | 14,010 |
| Accepted | 3,809 | 3,570 | 7,379 |
| Acceptance Rate | 52% | 53% | 53% |
| Enrolled | 758 | 773 | 1,531 |
| Percent of Admitted Who Enrolled (Admission Yield) | 20% | 22% | 21% |
Application Fee
The cost for prospective students to apply to Southern Methodist University is $60.
Application Requirements
What are the requirements for admission to Southern Methodist University and what student information is used for admission decisions?
| Test Scores | Required |
| High School GPA | Required |
| High School Class Rank | Recommended |
| Completion of College Preparatory Program | Required |
| Recommendations | Required |
| Demonstration of Competencies | Recommended |
Credits Accepted
| AP Credit | Yes |
| Dual Credit | Yes |
| Credit for Life Experiences | No |
Primary data source, U.S. Department of Education https://nces.ed.gov/collegenavigator/?id=228246 IPEDS survey data for Southern Methodist University.
FAQs
Does Southern Methodist University prefer SAT or ACT?
49% of students submit their SAT scores to SMU. 63% of applicants send their ACT scores when applying.
What is my chance of getting into Southern Methodist University?
53% of those who apply are granted admission to SMU. Admission competition is low and the college has exceptional admission standards. See if your grades and scores are good enough for admission.
What SAT score is required for Southern Methodist University?
The middle 50% of addmitted applicants have SAT scores between 1250 and 1450. 49% of students submit SAT scores when applying. See if your SAT score is good enough for admission.
What ACT score is required for Southern Methodist University?
The middle 50% of addmitted applicants have ACT scores between 29 and 33. 63% of students submit ACT scores when applying. See if your ACT score is good enough for admission.