Enrollment: 6240
Most Popular Majors: Business Administration and Management, General,Public Relations/Image Management,Social Sciences, General,
Regular Application Deadline: 03/15
Student Faculty Ratio: 12:1

Undergraduate Receiving Need-Based Financial Aid: 127
Average Freshman Total Need-Based Gift Aid: $17,382.59

Alternative Lifestyles Not an Alternative
Little Race/Class Interaction

Students Say - Academics
Southern Methodist University seeks "to challenge and develop students intellectually and socially in order to provide a fulfilling higher education." Others agree that students here are "making valuable connections that can serve [them] well in the working world." They "work hard and play hard," so it's all about finding balance between "making the grades and having fun." Good news for grads: Future opportunities abound as "You won't struggle to find a job because of SMU's outstanding reputation in the Dallas market. Its strong name has also branched out into the greater south. Most of the alums are very successful, and they seek out SMU students." The school works its magic most effectively in such popular disciplines as business, advertising, pre-law, and premedical study; its Meadows School of Arts is home to "an incredible music program" and equally strong programs in dance, theater, arts administration, and advertising. Students are keen to brag that SMU professors "go above and beyond their duties" and are always "looking after your best interests." Combine this with a "great administration" that "really strives to stay in touch with their students and uses their feedback to make beneficial changes." SMU's Dallas address means "there are a lot of ways to get involved in the community or resources for your career path." As one student explains, "My school does a great job at helping students decide what they want out of their future and assisting them on making it possible."

Students Say - Campus Life
School is hard, notes one student, "but you make it through somehow" thanks to "parties, movies, clubs, bars, [and a] very Greek" campus. In fact, the typical student is described as "sporting a Greek affiliation" (and they don't mean the nationality). The Greeks serve as the nexus of social life and account for a large "sense of community" among students. In short, writes one Greek student, "We run this place. Everyone who is anyone is in it. Tailgating wouldn't happen without us. Homecoming wouldn't happen without us." Togas aside, SMU's "beautiful" campus garners even more accolades. "It is definitely the prettiest campus in Texas and one of the greatest in the south," says a student. Beyond campus awaits Dallas, where "there is always a party going on, whether it is downtown or at a local bar. Because of the location (in upscale Highland Park), bars are always new and safe with the best DJs. There are more places to eat near SMU than anywhere I have ever been."

Students Say - Student Body
First, let's address the stereotypes. The typical SMU student is described largely as "upper-class, white, and wealthy-though looks can be deceiving." That said, many note that SMU could use "more diversity," and "typical students can feel left out." Another student claims that the school has "a huge mix of students," though "you have to look hard." As with most Texas schools, there is a huge sense of pride in the state. "You'll see Texas flags in all the dorm rooms. But it's more of a statement of the genteel southern style of living people appreciate. Everyone is Republican…and very conservative." Though many agree that a majority of students "come from high-income households," SMU is a "dynamic community" that manages "to offer something for everyone. You just have to find your niche."

The University of Texas at Austin
Texas Christian University

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