Southern Methodist University

My experience at SMU has been very rewarding since it has open up for me many opportunities. After taking organic chemistry, I realized that I have a great passion for learning about how things happen at the atomic and molecular level. In addition, I realized that I have a passion for research because in a way or another, you are creating knowledge by finding new discoveries. I decided that instead of going for an MD only, I want to pursue an MD/PhD degree because I get to combine the two things I like the most - being a physician and being a scientist.

SMU has an amazing academic curriculum and expects a lot from its students. Although the workload is intense, time management is the key to success. Each professor gives a syllabus on the first day of class so writing the important dates down on a calendar helps visualize how much studying is needed. Depending on the major, some classes may be harder than others but regardless, a lot of studying is needed. I was never pushed so hard in high school and it took getting used to but I enjoy it. The ALEC tutoring center is always available and office hours are great for getting questions answered and getting to know your professor.

SMU is a wonderful school academically. I loved all of my professors, and they were mostly all amiable. They all had an interest in every student's personal achievement and progress. The professors all have office hours for extra help and are more than willing to help you get the most out of your classes. I've only been here a semester, but I feel like I've already learned so much. The English and History programs are exceptional. I feel that they have prepared me for much more advanced levels of academics.

The classes are as hard or as easy as you make them. Yes, some subject materials are harder than others, but it’s really not that hard to get an A in your classes. More importantly, come into class with an open mind to the class and professor, despite what you may have read on ratemyprofessor.com. I am learning so much in my classes right now. The professors are great, and they know their subject materials. They are approachable and always accessible, either via email or face to face. But in the end, how much you learn comes down to your willingness to learn. Besides academics, you learn things such as time management. Sometimes, the best lessons come in self-discipline. I had to learn how to say no to a fun night out, and instead, stay in to study for an exam. I’ve also learned so much about people, an inevitable consequence of community-style living. I’ve learned how to do deal with people I can’t ignore or get away from. Each day is a learning experience.

SMU is a great fit for a wide variety of students. Currently ranked the #58 best college in the nation, SMU has a lot to offer its students from all of its different degree-granting institutions. I was a little weary about attending SMU at first due to its high cost and distance form home, but I can honestly say it was one of the best decisions I have ever made in my life.

Heck yes. SMU gives you MANY opportunities to perform extra research and try out other projects AS AN UNDERGRAD (if you so seek).

I'm always getting e-mails from my department about opportunities to get involved - and even get published. AS AN UNDERGRAD. (Dunno if you want to go to grad school, but if so - THAT IS HUGE)

The faculty and staff here are STELLAR. AND THEY ACTUALLY CARE. And if you start to fall ... they won't let you hit rock bottom. :)

You might also be interested to know that they also offer classes during May, Summer I, Summer II, August, and Winter Break.

And they have so many interesting courses. Check out their listings:
http://access.smu.edu

Southern Methodist University is a top notch school for students interested in business. The business program is excellent at placing students in internships and jobs. The school offers phenomenal scholarships, numerous extracurricular activities, and very caring professors.

I truly am learning a lot both academically and socially. I enrolled in some rather challenging courses for my first year to test myself and it proved successful. Yes, sometimes the workload may have gotten overwhelming, but I knew that if I stayed organized and on top of things my hard work would pay off. If you are trying to get into the Cox School of Business, which I currently am, you will realize that you will not succeed if you slack off. SMU's Cox School of Business is the hardest department to get into and they make it that way for a purpose - to separate the ones willing to work to get there from those that do not put the equivalent effort in.

I am finding that most of what I am learning is everything I did NOT expect to be learning about. But, I suppose that's college for you! In the classroom, I'm learning more about staying engaged when I'm not challenged or indifferent to the subject matter. The classes move at a steady rate, though and it all depends on which major you choose to determine what type of work you will do during the day.

SMU has everything: social sciences, dance, engineering, foreign languages, business, theater, pre-med, art, and more. Many students double-major or at least minor even across schools. It's also a good medium size with about 6,500 undergraduates and 5,000 graduates.