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Southern Methodist University Admissions 2025: Application Deadline, Requirements & Costs

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Dark Clock Icon Last updated on 17 Jun '24, by Chandra Shekhar (Study Abroad Expert)

SMU Admissions
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International students can apply for Southern Methodist University admission 2024 in early action, early decision, and regular decision. The Southern Methodist University deadline for UG and PG programs is given below:

  • The early action, regular decision, and early decision deadline for UG are closed.
  • The SMU deadline for PG programs varies as per the courses.

Southern Methodist University Admission 2024

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Commonly asked questions
On Admissions

Q:   Is it hard to get into Southern Methodist University?

A: 

The Southern Methodist University acceptance rate is 52% and for early application, the acceptance rate is 73%. This indicates the university follows moderate to easy selection criteria during SMU admissions. Students from hundreds of countries apply to the university due to its core values which include Excellence, Integrity, Open Dialogue, Diversity and Inclusion, and Intellectual Freedom. The university follows a lenient approach to selecting students and judging them based on previous school/ university academic records, standardized test scores, English proficiency scores, GPA, personal essays, teacher and counselor recommendations, and more.

Q:   What GPA do you need to get into SMU?

A: 

Southern Methodist University expects a GPA between 3.61 and 3.95 on a scale of 4 from international students. High school GPA showcases the overall performance of the students and maintaining a high GPA can positively impact the student's selection probability. Along with GPA, SMU expects to score between 31 and 34 on the scale of 36 on the ACT, and between 1370 and 1500 on the scale of 1600 on SAT. International students with high GPAs and SAT and ACT scores have a high probability of selection.

Q:   What are the documents required at Southern Methodist University?

A: 

International students must submit or fulfill the eligibility criteria to enroll in any UG or PG programs. They must submit academic records, recommendation letters, English proficiency scores, and many more during the time of the SMU admission process. The documents required at SMU for UG and PG programs are given below:

Undergraduate Requirement

  • Secondary school examination results
  • High school transcripts
  • Home school supplements
  • Personal essay
  • Proof of SAT or ACT scores
  • Proof of English proficiency
  • Application fee
  • Counselor recommendation
  • Criminal offense records, if any
  • Letters of recommendation
  • Extracurricular resume
  • Audition or portfolio requirements (if required)

Graduate Requirement

  • Official transcripts from the university
  • University results
  • Letter of recommendation
  • Proof of English proficiency
  • Statement of purpose
  • Resume/CV
  • Copy of the passport

Q:   What is the most popular major at Southern Methodist University? Why?

A: 

Southern Methodist University is one of the most reputed universities in Texas, USA. The university offers more than 100 programs in UG, PG, and other levels through its seven schools, namely the School of Education & Human Development, the School of Theology, the School of Business, the School of Law, the College of Humanities & Sciences, the School of Arts, and the School of Engineering.  According to the unofficial Report, 2024,  popular majors at Southern Methodist University include:

Majors

Percentage of Graduates

Business, Management

27%

Social Sciences

11%

Communication, Journalism, and Related Programs

14%

Engineering

6%

Mathematics and Statistics

6%

Southern Methodist University Application Process 2024

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Commonly asked questions
On Application Process

Q:   Is GRE required for Southern Methodist University?

A: 

GRE is required for postgraduate programs such as Ph.D. The minimum score required at SMU in GRE is 160 on the scale of 600 and 3.5 on the GRE analytic test with a minimum GPA of 3.5. There is no set expectation for the Ph.D programs, although the university demands a quantitative test. If look at the previous year's data, most applicants have scored an average verbal GPRE of 164 on the scale of 670, an analytic score of 4.5 with an undergraduate GPA of 3.7.

Q:   Does SMU demand an IELTS score?

A: 

SMU expects a band score of a minimum of 6.5 in IELTS. Along with IELTS, students must submit PTE, TOEFL, and Duolingo scores to prove their proficiency in the English language. Scoring good marks in English proficiency scores can benefit students coming from other countries to gain admission to any US university. The minimum English language requirements for students, coming from non-English speaking backgrounds are given below:

English Tests

Minimum UG Requirements

Minimum PG requirements

TOEFL iBT

90 or above

TOEFL Essentials is 8.5 with a minimum score of 8

IELTS Academic

6.5 bands or more

6.5 bands or more

PTE Academic

60 or more

-

DET

115 or more

110 or more

Q:   How to get into Southern Methodist University?

A: 

To gain admission to Southern Methodist University, international students must follow the steps outlined below:

  • Step 1: Select a program: International students can select a programme from a variety of major and minor programs in specializations such as Business, Management, Social Sciences, Communication, Journalism, and others, and then review their eligibility requirements.
  • Step 2: Fill out the application form. International students can apply to SMU using the University application portal. Before the Southern Methodist University admissions deadline, submit all required documents, including previous university/school transcripts, letters of recommendation from teachers and counselors, essays, standardized test scores, English language scores, and more.
  • Step 3: Pay the application fee: The Southern Methodist University application fee for international students is USD 60 (INR 5K). (USD 1= INR 83.54 on 17 June 2024)
  • Step 4: Wait for a response: SMU will review the student application and respond with an offer letter to join their undergraduate or graduate programme within a few weeks.
  • Step 5: Pay tuition fees: International students must pay SMU tuition fees based on their chosen course.

Q:   What is the application fee at Southern Methodist University?

A: 

The Southern Methodist University application fee is USD 60 (INR 5K) for international students. Students must submit the non-refundable application fee at the end of their application. Before that, they must submit academic records, recommendation letters, English proficiency scores, standardized scores, transcripts, and many more. The submission of the application fee indicates the student has completed and submitted their SMU application and can await a response in 3-4 weeks. (USD 1= INR 83.54 on 17 June 2024)

Southern Methodist University Enrollment Statistics for Undergraduate

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Commonly asked questions
On Admission

Q:   How much is the SMU tuition fee?

A: 

Southern Methodist University offers more than 100 programs in UG, PG, and other levels through its seven schools, namely the School of Education & Human Development, the School of Theology, the School of Business, the School of Law, the College of Humanities & Sciences, the School of Arts, and the School of Engineering.  The Southern Methodist University tuition fee is between INR 36L and INR 65L for PG and around INR 54L for UG. The SMU tuition fee for popular programs is given below:

Courses

1st Year Tuition Fees

MBA/PGDM (9-21 months)

INR 36 L - 65 L

BBA (4 years)

INR 54 L

MS (18-24 months)

INR 17 L

MIM (9-10 months)

INR 36 L - 44 L

Q:   Does Southern Methodist University accept international students?

A: 

International students from diverse countries take Southern Methodist University admission every year. As per the official enrollment data, over 11,000 students from all over the globe including domestic students took SMU admission, out of which more than 7,000 were undergraduates and over 4,000 were postgraduates. Out of the total undergraduate students, around 257 students were international, contributing 3.61% of the total. Students can check the enrollment statistics below:

Particulars

Statistics 2023-2024

Total admission

11,842

Undergraduates

7,115

Postgraduates

4,727

International students

257 (3.61%)

 

Q:   Does Southern Methodist University give full scholarships to international students?

A: 

Southern Methodist University offers various scholarships to international students. These scholarships are based on academic excellence, financial need, and merit of international students. The scholarships offered by the university are listed as follows:

  • President’s Scholar Award – A scholarship covering the full tuition fee is offered to students with a cumulative GPA of 3.30 in each semester. This scholarship is based on students’ merit.
  • SMU Distinguished Scholarship – A scholarship of USD 100,000 is awarded for eight semesters (USD 12,500 per year) to students who maintain a cumulative GPA of 3.00 in their chosen program. Students are required to secure outstanding academic scores.
  • Provost Scholarship – A scholarship of USD 120,000 is awarded for eight semesters (USD 30,000 per year) to students who maintain a cumulative GPA of 3.00 in their chosen program. This scholarship is based on academic excellence and merit.
  • National Merit Scholarship – A scholarship of USD 5,000 is offered to students annually based on merit and academic qualifications. Students are required to maintain a GPA of 3.00 in all years at the university.

Other scholarships include Transfer Scholarships, International Baccalaureate Scholars, United Methodist Scholarship, Athletic Scholarships, etc. For more information, students can refer to the university’s website.

Note: Scholarship deadlines and amounts may vary with progressive years. Students must check the exact deadlines and minimum requirements with their respective departments and apply for the desirable awards on time to make their profiles considerable.

Q:   What are the best reasons to attend Southern Methodist University?

A: 

Southern Methodist University is one of the reputed universities in Texas. Students find it difficult to enter due to its acceptance rate of 52%, however, the university compelled students to take part in its programs and explore campus life. Other than this, there are many reasons to attend SMU which are given below:

  • Range of Programs: The university offers more than 100 courses through undergraduates, postgraduates, and professional degrees to its national and international students. The major study areas are Business, Management, Social Sciences, Communication, Journalism, Related Programs, Engineering, Mathematics, and Statistics
  • Student Research Opportunities: SMU offers amazing research opportunities to its students through 33 doctoral-research degrees in the following areas: Students from undergraduate courses may also be a part of such opportunities. Research for undergraduates is funded through SMU’s Engaged Learning and Big iDeas programs.
  • High-salary jobs: According to the Employment Report for the Class of 2022 released by SMU,  more than 90% of its graduates were found to be either employed or pursuing higher education.

Degree Level

Average Salary

Bachelor’s degree

INR 50 LPA

Master’s Degree

INR 1 Cr per annum

SMU
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MS Computer Science - Batch of 2025
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College was a fun rollercoaster ride filled with emotions
Tips: The culture is SMU is pretty good, although the course can be a bit hectic as Bachelors and Masters are two different things. But it is something that you will adapt to soon. The college promotes mental health and tries to make it less hectic for students.
Likes (Indian Food): The Indian food here is very expensive and it is better to bring home the ingredients and cook the food as everything you eat at a restaurant is 10 times more expensive than what would you cook in the house. Overall the groceries in Dallas are not that expensive.
Dislikes (Safety): The problem is that there are some homeless people problem in Dallas, but the campus security is tight and there is no room for error. But it is generally advised to stay at your home at night as there could be instances of name calling or harassment which you should stay away from.
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Southern Methodist University Admission 2024 FAQs

Q:   Which university is more respected, Southern Methodist University or Texas Christian University?

A: 

SMU has a better reputation than TCU since Dallas has a bigger name than Fort Worth. SMU is more expensive, varied with international students, and sophisticated. TCU is an excellent school, but its student body is dominated by females. TCU has a very powerful football team that competes in the Power Five Conference. SMU was once a national football force, but it never recovered from the NCAA's death sentence in the 1980s. If a student wants to go to a school with a terrific football team, TCU is the place to be.

Q:   How is freshman housing at Southern Methodist University?

A: 

Southern Methodist University owns four apartments in the university park, near campus for currently enrolled UG or PG students. They provide 12-month contract housing to the students. The four apartment housing details for international students are given below:

Apartments

Type

Cost/ month

Fourplex

1 bedroom/ 1 Bathroom

USD 979 (INR 81K)

Hillcrest Manor

A. 1 bedroom/ 1 Bathroom

B. 2 bedroom/ 1 Bathroom

A. USD 979 (INR 81K)

B. USD 1051 (INR 87K)

Hilltop Heights

A. 2 Bedroom/2.5 Bathroom

B. 3 Bedroom/2.5 Bathroom

A. USD 3178 (INR 2.6L)

B. USD 4116 (INR 3.4L)

Red Door

1 bedroom/ 1 Bathroom

USD 926 (INR 77K)

(USD 1= INR 83.54 on 17 June 2024)

 

Q:   How good is the MBA programme at Southern Methodist University (SMU)?

A: 

The Cox School of Business department at SMU offers MBA programs for international students. SMU provides a 21-month Full-Time MBA programme with tuition fees of around INR 48L. International students must fulfill the eligibility to become a part of this curriculum including the official transcripts from the university, a letter of recommendation, proof of English proficiency, a statement of purpose, a resume/CV, and more. The course curriculum combines corporate engagement and networking, creative and up-to-date business training, and hands-on learning. Students get the opportunity to interact with industry professionals and corporate leaders in the nation's most economically dynamic business center.

 

Q:   Is Southern Methodist University expensive?

A: 

The Southern Methodist University is quite expensive for international students. The tuition cost is between INR 36L and INR 65L for PG and around INR 54L for UG. Along with tuition, students must pay housing costs; food; book, and supply costs; insurance, and more. The below table suggests the estimated cost of living at SMU:

Direct Costs

On-Campus

Off-Campus

Estimated Tuition (12-18 credit hours enrolled)

USD 59,500 (INR 49L)

USD 59,500 (INR 49L)

Estimated General Student Fees 

USD 7,538 (INR 6.2L)

USD 7,538 (INR 6.2L)

Housing and Food

USD 19,064 (INR 15L)

USD 11,314 (INR 9.4L)

 Total Estimated Direct Costs

USD 86,102 (INR 71L)

USD 78,352 (INR 65L)

Indirect Costs

 

 

Books, Supplies, Loan Fees

USD 876 (INR 73K)

USD 876 (INR 73K)

Transportation

USD 1,098 (INR 91K)

USD 1,098 (INR 91K)

Personal/Miscellaneous Expenses

USD 1,600 (INR 1.3L)

USD 1,600 (INR 1.3L)

Total Estimated Indirect Costs 

USD 3,574 (INR 2.9L)

USD 3,574 (INR 2.9L)

Total Estimated Undergraduate Cost of Attendance
for Fall 2024 - Spring 2025

USD 89,676 (INR 74L)

USD 81,926 (INR 74L)

(USD 1= INR 83.54 on 17 June 2024)

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Chandra Shekhar

Study Abroad Expert

With over 6 years of overall work experience in Content Writing, Chandra Shekhar has worked on various content writing profiles like Technical and Education-based. He has been involved in writing for higher education and abroad studies for more than ...Read Full Bio
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