The University Honors Program, the Hilltop Scholars Program and the New Century Scholars Program enhance the academic experience for selected SMU students in meaningful, transformative ways.
University Honors Program
Each year the University invites up to 150 first-year students to the University Honors Program, which centers on the values of a broad-based education in the humanities and sciences. Honors students choose seven courses that offer an enhanced version of the SMU University Curriculum. Honors students can earn Honors Program credit while participating in SMU Abroad, SMU-in-Taos or conducting independent research within or outside the United States through the Richter Research Fellows Program. University Honors Program students also have the option of living in Virginia-Snider Honors Residence Hall. Students are automatically reviewed and invited based on academic merit. Generally, students in the top 10% of the entering first-year class are invited to participate in the University Honors Program.
Visit the website of the University Honors Program.
Hilltop Scholars Program
The Hilltop Scholars Program combines the academic and residential components of the first-year college experience for approximately 175 entering first-year students. Hilltop Scholars live together in Hilltop Scholars residence halls (Perkins Hall and Smith Hall) and take three classes with other Hilltop Scholars during their first year. The Hilltop Scholars Program also offers increased interaction with SMU faculty and allows participants to become a part of their residence hall community and a part of the larger SMU community. Admitted students are automatically reviewed, and students who are eligible for the Hilltop Scholars program are those who have indicated high academic ability and leadership qualities through their applications for admission to SMU.
Visit the website of the Hilltop Scholars Program.
New Century Scholars Program
Students who have demonstrated high academic achievement and commitment to community involvement on their applications to SMU may be invited to join the New Century Scholars Program, which provides students with a community of like-minded individuals who will live in the same residence hall and take a common writing course. In addition, New Century students will receive more individualized attention and gain more personal interaction with classmates inside and outside the classroom as they work on a community service project their first year at SMU. Admitted students are automatically reviewed, and selection is based on academic merit and community involvement.
Visit the website of the New Century Scholars Program.