Chances of getting into Southern Methodist University
Acceptance Rate
How hard is it to get into SMU and can I get accepted?
The acceptance rate at SMU is 53%. It ranks #10 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, 8,333 out of 15,685 applicants were admitted.
The school has extremely high admission requirements, generally admitting students who can score in the top 7 percent on standardized admission tests. Southern Methodist University typically accepts and attracts "B+" average high school students with an average GPA around 3.68. Most incoming freshmen graduate in the top ten percent of their high school class. 19% of those admitted chose to enroll in the school.
Test Optional
Submission of SAT or ACT scores is not required for admission to Southern Methodist University. If you submit test scores, they will be considered with your application, but they are not mandatory. 16% of students submitted SAT scores and 23% submitted ACT scores for admission for the 2021/2022 academic year..
SMU SAT Scores
SAT Requirements & Average SAT Score
| SAT Test | 25th Percentile Score |
|---|---|
| SAT Reading 25th | 660 |
| SAT Math 25th | 680 |
| SAT Composite 25th | 1340 |
| SAT Test | 25th Percentile Score |
|---|---|
| SAT Reading 75th | 740 |
| SAT Math 75th | 770 |
| SAT Composite 75th | 1510 |
| Average SAT Score | 1430
|
SAT Scores you need to get in
What are the SAT requirements for students to be admitted to Southern Methodist University?
Southern Methodist University is a test optional school meaning applicants are not required to submit SAT scores with their application. The position on SAT scores from the school is "considered but not required".
Students who get into Southern Methodist University score in the top 9 percent of all SAT test takers.. The SAT composite score range for the middle 50% of students is 1340-1510.
Find other colleges with similar SAT score requirements
Data Sources, IPEDS for Fall 2021 starting classEstimated Chance of Acceptance by SAT Score
SMU ACT Scores
ACT Requirements & Average ACT Score
| ACT Test | 25th Percentile Score |
|---|---|
| ACT Reading 25th | 32 |
| ACT Math 25th | 28 |
| ACT Composite 25th | 31 |
| ACT Test | 75th Percentile Score |
|---|---|
| ACT Reading 75th | 35 |
| ACT Math 75th | 33 |
| ACT Composite 75th | 34 |
| Average ACT Score | 32
|
ACT Scores needed to get accepted
What are the ACT requirements for prospective students to get into SMU?
Southern Methodist University is test optional. Students are not required to submit ACT scores with their application. The policy on ACT scores is "considered but not required".
SMU regularly accepts students who score 31 and above on the ACT. These students typically score in the top 5 percent nationally. The ACT composite score range for the middle 50% of students is 31-34.
Find other colleges with similar ACT score requirements
Data Sources, IPEDS for Fall 2021 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 3.68 on the 4.0 scale indicating that primarily B+ students are accepted and ultimately attend. The school ranks #12 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.
Explore more colleges with similar GPA requirements
GPA Data Source, Peterson's Data 2022
High School Class Rank
52% of Southern Methodist University freshman were in the top ten percent of their high school graduating class.
| High School Class Rank | Freshmen Within Range |
|---|---|
| Top 10% of class | 52% |
| Top 25% of class | 81% |
| Top 50% of class | 94% |
Applying
Admission Statistics
| Women | Men | Total | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Applied | 8,360 | 7,325 | 15,685 |
| Accepted | 4,638 | 3,695 | 8,333 |
| Acceptance Rate | 55% | 50% | 53% |
| Enrolled | 831 | 741 | 1,572 |
| Percent of Admitted Who Enrolled (Admission Yield) | 18% | 20% | 19% |
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 | Considered but not 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 |
Other Colleges to Consider
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?
16% of students submit their SAT scores to SMU. 23% 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 1340 and 1510. 16% 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 31 and 34. 23% of students submit ACT scores when applying. See if your ACT score is good enough for admission.