SMU Admission Requirements
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SMU Admission Overview
SMU admission requirements are moderately competitive. Last year SMU admitted 63.3% of applicants. Enrolled freshmen typically had about a 3.68 GPA (A-) and SAT 1340-1490 / ACT 30-34. SMU is test-optional, so you choose whether to send SAT or ACT. Those figures describe last year's class, not a score you must hit.
Data Source, IPEDS 2025 survey for academic year 2024/2025
SMU is test-optional for 2026-27. You choose whether to send SAT or ACT.
SMU Acceptance Rate
Admission Rate & Difficulty
Acceptance rate Share of applicants offered admission last year.
Admission Standards Measure of enrolled testers' SAT/ACT scores vs. other colleges.
Applicant Competition Measure of this school's acceptance rate vs. other colleges. A low acceptance rate indicates high competition.
Low
Admission difficulty for Southern Methodist University
Acceptance Rate
The SMU acceptance rate is 63.3%. Last year, 9,657 of 15,245 applicants were admitted. That is the 20th lowest acceptance rate in Texas.
Admission Selectivity
How hard is it to get into SMU and can you get accepted?
SMU is a moderately competitive school to get into, admitting a large majority of applicants. You have a strong chance of acceptance if you meet last year's profile. Getting an offer is relatively likely compared with more selective schools, but last year's class still posted a strong academic profile.
Southern Methodist University typically attracts "A-" 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. 18% of those admitted chose to enroll.
Data Source, IPEDS 2025 survey for academic year 2024/2025
SMU GPA
GPA of enrolled freshmen
Avg. High School GPA The average high school GPA for incoming freshmen on a 4.0 scale.
3.68Typical High School Grades Letter grade on a 4.0 scale for last year's average, not a cutoff.
A-Average GPA (4.0 Scale) 3.68
Average GPA
Enrolled freshmen at SMU typically have around a 3.68 GPA (A-) on a 4.0 scale. That is last year's class average, not a cutoff. Enrolled students typically have very good grades in high school. SMU is test-optional. If you withhold SAT or ACT, GPA carries more weight.
21% of enrolled freshmen had a 4.0. The school ranks #12 in Texas for highest average GPA.
See additional colleges accepting applicants in the 3.7 GPA range.
Competitiveness by GPA Ranges
Share of last year's freshmen in each GPA range, compared with the rest of the class.
GPA Data Source, Peterson's Data 2024
SMU Test Policy
Test Submission Requirements
Southern Methodist University is fully test-optional for first-year applicants in 2026-27, with Early Action and Early Decision I on November 1, 2026, and Regular Decision and Early Decision II on January 15, 2027. Students may submit SAT or ACT scores or apply without them; SMU gives no preference either way and still considers applicants without scores for the Cox School of Business, honors, and academic merit scholarships. Applicants may self-report scores on the Common Application, Coalition Application, or applicant portal; official scores are required at enrollment. SMU superscores the SAT and the ACT and does not include SAT Essay or ACT Writing. Homeschooled applicants must submit SAT or ACT scores.
Cycle: 2026-27. Source: https://www.smu.edu/admission/apply/undergraduate-admission/testing
SMU SAT Scores
SAT scores of enrolled freshmen
SAT Range The middle 50% of enrolled testers who sent SAT. The maximum score is 1600.
1340-1490Freshmen who sent SAT Share of enrolled freshmen who submitted SAT scores. This is enrolled testers, not all applicants.
16%25th Percentile Scores
- Reading 670
- Math 670
- Composite 1340
75th Percentile Scores
- Reading 740
- Math 750
- Composite 1490
Average SAT
Enrolled testers at SMU typically score around a 1420 SAT (middle 50% 1340–1490) out of 1600. That is last year's class, not a cutoff. The average SAT of enrolled testers is about the 96th percentile nationally. SMU ranks #3 in the state of Texas and #93 in the nation for highest average SAT composite score.
SAT Range (25th-75th Percentile) 1340 to 1490
SAT policy
SMU is test-optional. You choose whether to send SAT. If you send a score, it is considered.
View other colleges which accept students in the 1420 SAT score range.
Data Source, IPEDS 2025 survey for academic year 2024/2025
How SAT scores compare with last year's enrolled testers
This table compares SAT ranges with last year's enrolled testers and the school's acceptance rate. It is not a personal chance of admission. If you withhold SAT, skip this table.
Data Source, IPEDS 2025 survey for academic year 2024/2025
SMU ACT Scores
ACT scores among enrolled freshmen
ACT Range Mid-50 ACT composite among enrolled testers who sent ACT. The scale tops out at 36.
30-34Freshmen reporting ACT Percent of enrolled freshmen who reported ACT. Counts enrolled testers, not the full applicant pool.
9%25th Percentile Scores
- English 30
- Math 27
- Composite 30
75th Percentile Scores
- English 35
- Math 33
- Composite 34
Average ACT
Incoming testers at SMU typically have around a 32 ACT (mid-50 30–34) on the 36 scale. That reflects last year's enrolled testers, not a cutoff. That average sits near the 97th percentile of ACT takers nationwide. SMU places #2 among colleges in Texas and #86 nationwide for highest average ACT composite.
ACT Range (25th-75th Percentile) 30 to 34
ACT policy
You may apply to SMU without ACT. A score you do send is still reviewed.
See colleges with similar ACT profiles in the 32.0 ACT score range.
Data Source, IPEDS 2025 survey for academic year 2024/2025
How ACT scores compare with last year's enrolled testers
This table compares ACT ranges with last year's enrolled testers and the school's acceptance rate. They are not your individual odds. If you leave ACT off your application, you can skip this table.
Data Source, IPEDS 2025 survey for academic year 2024/2025
High School Class Rank
Class Rank of Admitted Students
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.
Data Source, Peterson's Data
Estimate How You Compare
See how your GPA and scores compare with last year's enrolled testers. You can mark that you will withhold scores.
Open the SMU chances calculatorApplying
Admission Statistics
Admission and enrollment rates by gender are detailed in the table below.
Data Source, IPEDS 2025 survey for academic year 2024/2025
Application Requirements
What are the requirements for admission to Southern Methodist University and what student information is used for admission decisions?
Test scores: school admissions site, 2026-27. Other fields: IPEDS 2025 survey for academic year 2024/2025
Fall 2027 Application Deadline
Applications Due
Jan 15, 2027Days left to Apply
137Applicants have 137 days left until the Fall 2027 term applications are due on Jan 15, 2027.
Application Fee
The cost for prospective students to apply to Southern Methodist University is $60.
Data Source, IPEDS 2025 survey for academic year 2024/2025
Credits Accepted
Data Source, IPEDS 2025 survey for academic year 2024/2025
Admission summary
SMU is test-optional for 2026-27. Last year it admitted 63.3% of applicants. Enrolled freshmen typically had about a 3.68 GPA (about an A- average). Send SAT/ACT if you are at or above this campus mid-50 (1340-1490); otherwise withhold. Mid-50 scores, where shown, are enrolled testers, not cutoffs.
Data Source, IPEDS 2025 survey for academic year 2024/2025
Other Colleges to Apply To
Students applying to Southern Methodist University often consider these colleges
Data source: NCES / IPEDS https://nces.ed.gov/collegenavigator/?id=228246.
GPA calculator: Southern Methodist University GPA calculator.
Last updated: August 2026