Your chances of getting into Southern Methodist University
Admission Rate & Difficulty
Acceptance Rate
The acceptance rate at SMU is 52.3%. Its admission rate is the 10th lowest in Texas.
Admission Selectivity
How hard is it to get into SMU and can you get accepted?
SMU is a more competitive school to get into. You have a good chance of acceptance if you meet the admission criteria. Last year, 8,439 out of the 16,150 who applied were admitted.
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 or better. 19% of those admitted chose to enroll in the school.
Can you get into SMU?
52% are accepted, can you get in? Use the admission calculator to see if you have the grades and test scores needed to get in. See your admission chances based on your extracurriculars, intended major, background, and more.
Admission Requirements in Brief
To have the best chance of getting into to Southern Methodist University you should:
- Have a high school GPA of 3.68 or better
- Earn B+ grades in high school
- Score 1440 on the SAT
- Score 32 on the ACT
- Graduate in the top 10% of your high school class
SMU GPA
GPA Requirements & Average GPA
What GPA do you need to get into Southern Methodist University?
GPA Requirements
The GPA requirements for getting into SMU are to have around a 3.68 high school GPA. You are required to have very good grades in high school.
If your high school GPA meets these requirements, there is a good chance you will be accepted as SMU accepts 52% of students who apply.
Average GPA
The average unweighted GPA at SMU is 3.68 on the 4.0 scale. 21% of students who get in have perfect 4.0 GPA's in high school. To achieve the average GPA for admission, you need to earn B+ letter grades and regularly score around 87-89 percent on tests and assignments in high school. The school ranks #12 in Texas for highest average GPA.
Importance of GPA
Since SMU is a test optional college, extra focus will be placed on your GPA when the school considers your application. As a result, it is very important that you meet the GPA requirements.
See additional colleges accepting applicants in the 3.7 GPA range.
Competitiveness by GPA Ranges
The table below outlines the number of admitted freshmen by GPA range as well as how competitive your GPA will be as compared with other applicants.
GPA Data Source, Peterson's Data 2022
SMU SAT Scores
Testing Requirements
Submission of SAT or ACT scores is not required for admission to Southern Methodist University. If you optionally submit test scores, they will be considered with your application, but they are not mandatory. 17% of students submitted SAT scores and 21% submitted ACT scores for admission for the most recent academic year..
SAT Requirements & Average SAT Score
| SAT Test | 25th Percentile Score |
|---|---|
| Reading 25th Percentile | 680 |
| Math 25th Percentile | 690 |
| Composite 25th Percentile | 1370 |
| SAT Test | 75th Percentile Score |
|---|---|
| Reading 75th Percentile | 740 |
| Math 75th Percentile | 770 |
| Composite 75th Percentile | 1510 |
| Average SAT Score | 1440
|
SAT Scores you need to get in
What are the SAT requirements for you to be admitted to Southern Methodist University?
Average Score & Range
The average SAT score at SMU is 1440 out of 1600 and the range for the middle 50% of accepted students is 1370-1510. Students who get into Southern Methodist University score in the top 6 percent of all SAT test takers.. SMU ranks #2 in the state of Texas and #70 in the nation for highest average SAT composite score.
Score for Acceptance
You should target scoring 1440 or above to be most competitive with other applicants. SMU regularly admits students with SAT scores down to 1370 on a 1600 scale. However, three quarter of admitted students score higher. If you score below a 1370, admission should be considered a reach. Some students may be accepted with minimum SAT's as low as 1300, but scores this low are outside the normal range.
Score Submission Requirements
Southern Methodist University is a test optional school meaning do not have to submit SAT scores with your application. The position on SAT scores from the college is "not required for admission, but considered if submitted (test optional)".
View other colleges which accept students in the 1440 SAT score range.
Data Sources, IPEDS for Fall 2022 starting classChance of Acceptance by SAT Score
The table below outlines your predicted admission chances based on SAT score alone. If you are an average applicant with a score of 1440, you have around a 52% chance of being admitted. A 1510 places you well ahead of most other applicants and gives you about a 67% chance of getting in.
SMU ACT Scores
ACT Requirements & Average ACT Score
| ACT Test | 25th Percentile Score |
|---|---|
| Reading 25th Percentile | 31 |
| Math 25th Percentile | 28 |
| Composite 25th Percentile | 31 |
| ACT Test | 75th Percentile Score |
|---|---|
| Reading 75th Percentile | 35 |
| Math 75th Percentile | 33 |
| Composite 75th Percentile | 34 |
| Average ACT Score | 32
|
ACT Scores needed to get accepted
What are the ACT requirements for students to get into SMU?
Score Range
The average ACT score for admitted students to SMU is 32, while the middle 50% of students (25th to 75th percentile) score between a 31 and 34. The school ranks #2 in Texas and #78 in the U.S. for highest average ACT composite score.
Score for Acceptance
For the best chance of admission, you should have an ACT of 32. This will place you in solid competition against other applicants. At a minimum, you should aim for a 31 and score in the score in the top 5 percent nationally. The lowest ACT score likely to be admitted is a 30.
21 percent of applicants submit ACT scores to Southern Methodist University.
Score Submission Requirements
You do not have to to submit ACT scores with your application as Southern Methodist University is test optional. The policy from the school on ACT scores is "not required for admission, but considered if submitted (test optional)".
Find other colleges with similar ACT score requirements
Data Sources, IPEDS for Fall 2022 starting classChance of Acceptance by ACT Score
Here are your predicted chances of getting into SMU for different ACT score ranges. A typical applicant with a 32 score has around 52% chance of getting in. Your odds increase to about 72% with a 34 ACT score.
High School Class Rank
52% of Southern Methodist University freshman are in the top ten percent of their high school graduating class. For your application to be competitive, you need to graduate at the top of your 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
Admission and enrollment rates by gender are detailed the the table below.
| Women | Men | Total | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Applied | 8,608 | 7,542 | 16,150 |
| Accepted | 4,675 | 3,764 | 8,439 |
| Acceptance Rate | 54% | 50% | 52% |
| Enrolled | 899 | 740 | 1,639 |
| Percent of Admitted Who Enrolled (Admission Yield) | 19% | 20% | 19% |
Fall 2024 Application Deadline
Applications Due
Days left to Apply
Applicants have 69 days left until the Fall 2024 term applications are due on Jan 15, 2025.
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 | Not required for admission, but considered if submitted (Test Optional) |
| High School GPA | Required to be considered for admission |
| High School Class Rank | Not required for admission, but considered if submitted |
| Completion of College Preparatory Program | Required to be considered for admission |
| Recommendations | Required to be considered for admission |
| Demonstration of Competencies | Not required for admission, but considered if submitted |
Credits Accepted
| AP Credit | Yes |
| Dual Credit | Yes |
| Credit for Life Experiences | No |
Admission Requirements Summary
Because SMU is fairly competitive, you have a decent chance of acceptance with the right GPA and test scores. If you have a 3.68 GPA, you have a good shot at getting in. An SAT score of 1440 will further improve your application. If you can get a 1510 on the SAT you will have a very good chance on getting in. Additionally a 32 on the ACT places you in a strong position.
Other Colleges to Apply To
Students applying to Southern Methodist University often consider these colleges
Primary data source, U.S. Department of Education https://nces.ed.gov/collegenavigator/?id=228246 IPEDS survey data for Southern Methodist University.
Last updated February 24, 2024