It's time to rethink college tours
Traditional campus tours feel impersonal and can leave you with more questions than answers. You’re just a face in the crowd following a scripted tour led by a random guide. Is this really the best way to make one of the biggest decisions of your life?
SchoolScoops is the smarter, more personal way to tour colleges
Private and personalized tours
With traditional tours you’re just a number in a big group, making it hard to ask the questions that matter most. With SchoolScoops 1-on-1 tours and video chats you can ask all the questions that are important to you.
Choose your own guide
On a typical college tour, the school assigns you a guide. SchoolScoops lets you pick a guide who matches your academic interests, hobbies, and personality. You'll get authentic insights and advice from someone who truly gets you.
No scripts, just scoops
Traditional campus tours are essentially a sales pitch—the guide works for the school and their job is to show you the highlights. SchoolScoops guides don’t work for their school, so there’s no sales pitch—just genuine advice to determine if the school is a good fit.
Find the school for you
Choosing where to go to college is a major decision and a huge investment. SchoolScoops 1-on-1 tours and video chats go beyond the basics to help you make a well-informed college decision.
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Connect with a student of your choice for personalized advice and insider insights during a 1-on-1 video chat
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What customers are saying
Get to know Southern Methodist University
Southern Methodist University (SMU) is a nationally respected research university that fosters innovation across business, engineering, the arts, and humanities, all grounded in a strong liberal arts tradition and a commitment to critical thinking, leadership, and global engagement.
Overview
Southern Methodist University (SMU), founded in 1911, is a private research university located in Dallas, Texas. It offers a wide variety of programs across its eight schools, emphasizing academic excellence, a vibrant campus experience, and strong NCAA Division I athletic programs.
Size
As of fall 2023, Southern Methodist University (SMU) has a total enrollment of approximately 12,000 students, including around 7,000 undergraduates and 5,000 graduate and professional students.
Acceptance rate
SMU has an acceptance rate of around 52%. Among admitted students who submitted test scores, half have an SAT score between 1340 and 1510 or an ACT score between 30 and 34.
Cost
For the 2024 academic year, SMU’s tuition and fees are approximately $65,000 for all students, regardless of residency. About 72% of undergraduates receive financial aid, with an average aid package of around $45,000.
Ranking
According to U.S. News & World Report, Southern Methodist University (SMU) is ranked #89 out of 436 National Universities.
Academics
SMU offers more than 100 undergraduate and graduate degree programs across its eight schools. Popular majors include Business, Engineering, Social Sciences, and Communications. The university maintains a student-to-faculty ratio of 11:1, supporting personalized academic engagement.
Traditions
SMU’s cherished traditions include Boulevarding before football games, the Rotunda Passage for new and graduating students, Peruna the Mustang mascot, the Celebration of Lights during the holiday season, and the annual Homecoming festivities—each reflecting the university’s vibrant spirit and strong sense of community.
Campus landmarks
SMU’s most iconic landmarks include Dallas Hall with its signature neoclassical dome, the George W. Bush Presidential Center, the Meadows Museum known for its Spanish art collection, the Mustang Plaza featuring the Running Mustang sculpture, and the lively Dedman Center for Lifetime Sports—all showcasing the university’s rich heritage and dynamic campus.
Student body
Over 60% of SMU students come from outside Texas, with strong representation from California, Florida, Illinois, New York, and Georgia. The university also boasts a vibrant international community, with students from more than 80 countries around the world.
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Become a guideYour Southern Methodist University questions, answered
What kind of grades do I need for SMU?
While SMU looks at more than just grades, accepted students usually have strong high school records, often with unweighted GPAs ranging from 3.5 to 3.9 on a 4.0 scale. Taking challenging classes also helps.
What's student life like at SMU?
Student life at SMU is very active and social, with a strong emphasis on Greek life and many student organizations. Students enjoy a mix of academic pursuits, social events, and opportunities to explore the city of Dallas.
How do I schedule an admissions tour of SMU's campus?
To see SMU in person, you can book an official campus tour through their admissions website.
What are the most popular majors at SMU?
Some of the most popular majors at SMU include Business Administration (especially Finance and Marketing), Engineering, Communication, and Psychology. The Cox School of Business is particularly well-regarded.
What's it like living in dorms at SMU?
SMU offers various on-campus housing options, including traditional residence halls and residential commons, designed to build strong communities. Most first and second-year students live on campus, making it easy to connect with peers and campus activities.
What jobs do SMU graduates typically get?
SMU graduates have strong career prospects, especially in business, finance, law, and technology, often finding jobs in Dallas and other major cities. The university's strong alumni network and career services help connect students with opportunities.
How does SMU support its students academically?
SMU provides extensive academic support, including advising, tutoring services, a writing center, and specialized programs for different majors. These resources are designed to help students succeed in their rigorous coursework.
What's it like living in dorms at SMU?
SMU offers various on-campus housing options, including traditional residence halls and residential commons, designed to build strong communities. Most first and second-year students live on campus, making it easy to connect with peers and campus activities.
Does SMU offer private campus tours?
Yes, through SchoolScoops, you can book a private campus tour led by a student guide of your choice.
Interested in other schools?
SchoolScoops also offers tours and video chats at many other schools
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