A new way to tour SMU
A typical SMU tour can feel impersonal, leaving you with more questions than answers. You’re just a face in the crowd following a scripted tour led by a guide the school assigns you.
SchoolScoops offers private Southern Methodist University tours tailored to your interests. Choose your own SMU student tour guide and enjoy a personalized campus visit where you'll get candid answers to your questions.
SchoolScoops is the more personal way to tour Southern Methodist University
Private and personalized SMU tours
On a traditional Southern Methodist University campus tour you’re just a number in a big group. With SchoolScoops, you can book a private Southern Methodist University tour led by a real SMU student, giving you a personalized campus visit and the chance to ask all the questions that are important to you.
Choose your own tour guide
Unlike a traditional Southern Methodist University campus tour, SchoolScoops lets you choose your own tour guide. Whether you want to meet an engineering major, a student-athlete or a fellow transfer student, you'll get authentic insights and advice from someone who truly gets you.
No scripts, just scoops
Traditional Southern Methodist University campus tours are essentially a sales pitch—the tour 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 honest, unfiltered advice about the SMU experience.
Find out if SMU is the school for you
Choosing where to go to college is a major decision and a huge investment. A private SMU tour helps you decide if Southern Methodist University is the right fit for your academic goals, career ambitions and college experience.
Can't make it to campus?
Book a 1-on-1 video chat with an SMU student for personalized insights. Learn about academics, campus culture, and Dallas life without leaving home.
Book a video chat
Real feedback on student-led campus tours
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.
Become a SchoolScoops guide
In college? Earn $40/hour hosting 1-on-1 campus tours and video chats with future students.
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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