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.
Do you have any tips for prospective students?
Definitely take a tour. I visited numerous other schools (when I was applying for colleges, I applied to almost 20 schools) but I felt the most at home at SMU. The campus is absolutely stunning and is the perfect size for me. If possible, visit on a day on which you can sit in on a lecture.
Once you are accepted, attend Mustang Corral. I will admit that it was a very annoying and crappy location (in the middle of nowhere, Texas) but I made a lot of friends there.
Do you find there’s enough academic rigor at your school?
Some of the intro classes can be rather monotonous and easy, but the professors try their hardest to make them interesting. All my professors have a large number of office hours (some as many as 6-8 hours per week) and are extremely accessible if you fall behind in class. The school accepts credit for AP and dual-credit/dual-enrolled courses so it is likely that you will not be stuck in a class below your academic level.
Describe the dorm life at your college.
SMU has recently changed the way its on-campus housing works so that all freshmen and sophomores live on campus. There are a decent number of dorms, all of which are neither too large nor too small. The living quarters here are much more enjoyable than at other universities. Each floor has two lounges and numerous places for studying. There are two RA's on each floor as well and most dorms are being renovated so that every floor is co-ed. Don't be upset if you think you are placed in one of the less nice dorms- each residence hall has its own perks.
Describe the food and dining at your college.
SMU has perfected the art of college dining. There are two main dining halls (one at each end of campus), both of which serve their full menus all day. The food changes every day, but they have a number of food items that are available each day. The cafeterias are separated into different stations with their own types of food including pizza, made to order omelets, a custom deli sandwich station, international, southern comfort, and other categories of food. The staff is extremely friendly and there are a variety of seating arrangements from comfortable two person booth to 12 person tables. There is another dining place on campus called Mac's Place which is open late at night and has hamburgers, pizza, and other conveniences which are on the meal plan. There are also a number of restaurants on campus that use flex dollars (which can be purchased at discount rates and put onto your student account) including Subway, Chick Fil A, Pizza Hut, Einstein Bros Bagels, Starbucks, and more.
What’s there to do for fun at your college?
There are a lot of attractions nearby the school, but many tend to be somewhat expensive. I would recommend getting a DART (Dallas Area Rapid Transit) pass, which is only $5 and can take you numerous places around the city. Within just a few miles of SMU there is North Park Mall, Mockingbird Station (restaurants, stores, and a movie theater), the start of the Katy Trail (which leads to the American Airlines Center downtown), and much more. There is also a lot to do on campus because so many of the organizations put on events almost every night of the week. Also on the weekends the fraternities and sororities put on parties at clubs/bars downtown that anyone can attend.
Do you feel you’re getting value for the money you’re spending on college?
SMU is definitely expensive. There is no doubt about it. However they provide numerous scholarships for academics and athletics, as well as financial aid. Don't be scared to apply due to the cost- the last they can do is not offer you any scholarships, which is highly unlikely.
Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus
Tailgating takes a new image at SMU. 3 hours before each home football game, Boulevarding begins. It's exactly like tailgating, only classier. Girls wear dresses and cowboy boots and guys wear collared shirts, and the whole campus goes out to party. It's fun for the students and many local families come out as well.
Which types of students will excel at your college?
SMU is good for all types of students. It is especially strong for business students, but I feel no less important as a biochemistry/premed major. It is not a large school, but it's also large enough to keep things interesting.
Are you involved in any clubs or activities?
SMU has tons of clubs, intramural sports teams, and just everyday activities to take part in. There is a club for almost every activity and interest, and if there isn't a club that appeals to you it's extremely easy to start your own.
Are you involved in any clubs or activities?
Greek Life is a huge part of SMU. I personally never took part in rush, but I know many people who enjoyed it. I have heard that it is very selective and expensive, though. I was originally worried about feeling left out for not rushing but there are still a large number of people who do not partake in greek life.
How would you describe campus safety? Do you feel safe on campus?
I feel extremely safe at SMU. The streets are all well lit at night and there is a service called Giddy Up, which is a golf cart service that drives students to destinations on campus after dark. There are also many blue poles on campus that connect to police and security at the push of a button. SMU also reports almost all of its safety instances, so it may seem slightly alarming. However many schools cover up some of their crimes, so it if nothing to be worried about.
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.
Definitely take a tour. I visited numerous other schools (when I was applying for colleges, I applied to almost 20 schools) but I felt the most at home at SMU. The campus is absolutely stunning and is the perfect size for me. If possible, visit on a day on which you can sit in on a lecture. Once you are accepted, attend Mustang Corral. I will admit that it was a very annoying and crappy location (in the middle of nowhere, Texas) but I made a lot of friends there.
Some of the intro classes can be rather monotonous and easy, but the professors try their hardest to make them interesting. All my professors have a large number of office hours (some as many as 6-8 hours per week) and are extremely accessible if you fall behind in class. The school accepts credit for AP and dual-credit/dual-enrolled courses so it is likely that you will not be stuck in a class below your academic level.
SMU has recently changed the way its on-campus housing works so that all freshmen and sophomores live on campus. There are a decent number of dorms, all of which are neither too large nor too small. The living quarters here are much more enjoyable than at other universities. Each floor has two lounges and numerous places for studying. There are two RA's on each floor as well and most dorms are being renovated so that every floor is co-ed. Don't be upset if you think you are placed in one of the less nice dorms- each residence hall has its own perks.
SMU has perfected the art of college dining. There are two main dining halls (one at each end of campus), both of which serve their full menus all day. The food changes every day, but they have a number of food items that are available each day. The cafeterias are separated into different stations with their own types of food including pizza, made to order omelets, a custom deli sandwich station, international, southern comfort, and other categories of food. The staff is extremely friendly and there are a variety of seating arrangements from comfortable two person booth to 12 person tables. There is another dining place on campus called Mac's Place which is open late at night and has hamburgers, pizza, and other conveniences which are on the meal plan. There are also a number of restaurants on campus that use flex dollars (which can be purchased at discount rates and put onto your student account) including Subway, Chick Fil A, Pizza Hut, Einstein Bros Bagels, Starbucks, and more.
There are a lot of attractions nearby the school, but many tend to be somewhat expensive. I would recommend getting a DART (Dallas Area Rapid Transit) pass, which is only $5 and can take you numerous places around the city. Within just a few miles of SMU there is North Park Mall, Mockingbird Station (restaurants, stores, and a movie theater), the start of the Katy Trail (which leads to the American Airlines Center downtown), and much more. There is also a lot to do on campus because so many of the organizations put on events almost every night of the week. Also on the weekends the fraternities and sororities put on parties at clubs/bars downtown that anyone can attend.
SMU is definitely expensive. There is no doubt about it. However they provide numerous scholarships for academics and athletics, as well as financial aid. Don't be scared to apply due to the cost- the last they can do is not offer you any scholarships, which is highly unlikely.
Tailgating takes a new image at SMU. 3 hours before each home football game, Boulevarding begins. It's exactly like tailgating, only classier. Girls wear dresses and cowboy boots and guys wear collared shirts, and the whole campus goes out to party. It's fun for the students and many local families come out as well.
SMU is good for all types of students. It is especially strong for business students, but I feel no less important as a biochemistry/premed major. It is not a large school, but it's also large enough to keep things interesting.
SMU has tons of clubs, intramural sports teams, and just everyday activities to take part in. There is a club for almost every activity and interest, and if there isn't a club that appeals to you it's extremely easy to start your own.
Greek Life is a huge part of SMU. I personally never took part in rush, but I know many people who enjoyed it. I have heard that it is very selective and expensive, though. I was originally worried about feeling left out for not rushing but there are still a large number of people who do not partake in greek life.
I feel extremely safe at SMU. The streets are all well lit at night and there is a service called Giddy Up, which is a golf cart service that drives students to destinations on campus after dark. There are also many blue poles on campus that connect to police and security at the push of a button. SMU also reports almost all of its safety instances, so it may seem slightly alarming. However many schools cover up some of their crimes, so it if nothing to be worried about.