A holistic approach to the admission process
In addition to GPA and SAT or ACT scores, our admission committee weighs many factors during the course of the application process, including classroom performance, rigor of high school curriculum, quality of essays and recommendations, extracurricular activities, talents, character and life experiences. But what's most important for you to know is that your application will be considered individually, on its own merit.
Minimum high school course requirements include:
- 4 units of English
- 3 units of math (algebra I, II, geometry)
- 3 units of social science
- 3 units of science (of which 2 must be lab science)
- 2 consecutive units of foreign language
Standardized Test Requirements
Official SAT I or ACT scores (Please note SMU does not require the ACT writing test)
SAT II scores are recommended for some home-school students. Please click here for more information.
Auditions
If you plan to major or minor in music, dance, or theater, your audition is a requirement for admission. First-year students in all other majors are admitted as "pre-majors" into Dedman College of Humanities and Sciences, regardless of intended major.
For a complete checklist of application requirements, please click here.