HUNT LEADERSHIP SCHOLARS PROGRAM

Application Information

"The Hunt Scholarship made my college decision simple. I had been admitted into some prestigious universities, including some Ivy League universities. With all the opportunities, both in Dallas and overseas, that are offered by the Program, the decision was purely academic." -- Wayne Mink, History '98

Eligibility:

1. DEMONSTRATED EXTRAORDINARY LEADERSHIP -- This is normally reflected through serving in top leadership positions of high school organizations. This requirement may also be reflected through significant leadership accomplishments in areas outside the high school setting. Examples of such leadership may include: Senior or Junior class president or Student Council president, Editor-in-Chief of school newspaper, founders of organizations, senior leadership in scouting or service organizations, Boys State or Girls State representative.

2. Submission of the Hunt Essay (see below), and a completed first-year application for admission to SMU.

3. Rank in top 25% of graduating class.*

4. Composite SAT 1230 on Math and Critical Reading or ACT 28.

5. Completion of a strong college preparatory curriculum, typically including AP courses, IB courses, and honors classes.

Students who lack one of the criteria 3, 4, or 5 may be considered if outstanding abilities in other areas are identified in addition to demonstrated extraordinary leadership.

* If the school does not rank students, then the expectation is a strong academic record.

Timeline and Selection Process:

Up to 25 entering first-year students each year are selected as Hunt Leadership Scholars. Leadership is the primary criterion for selection. Approximately fifty finalists are invited to interview at SMU (the interview is required for consideration for the Scholarship) on a designated day in March. Scholarship recipients are notified in the first week of April.

In 2005, over 300 applicants for the Program were considered. Those invited to interview had shown truly exceptional leadership and service to their high schools and communities. They combined effective, dedicated, and energetic service and the ability to lead others with a spirit of inquiry and a strong sense of social responsibility. Beyond these factors, there are no stereotypes or typical characteristics for the Hunt Leadership Scholars. Their academic intentions span the University -- Philosophy, Music, Premed, Political Science, Undecided, etc. – and they have widely varying interests, activities, and backgrounds.

How to Apply:

In addition to your application to SMU, please submit two additional items:

1. One recommendation from a teacher or counselor that directly and clearly addresses your proven leadership record and potential. Your counselor recommendation letter can serve if it clearly addresses leadership, with specific examples.

2. The Hunt Essay.
Please respond to the following question, in a maximum of 2-3 pages.

“Based on your understanding of leadership, how would you use your leadership abilities as a member of a college community?”

Please submit your Hunt Essay to the Office of Undergraduate Admission. (The Essay can be submitted either along with your application, or separately.) On each page of the Hunt Essay, be sure to include your name, social security number, and the words “Hunt Essay.”

You may submit this essay to the SMU Admissions Office in one of three ways:

        Mail to:
        SMU Division of Enrollment Services
        Office of Undergraduate Admissions
        P.O. Box 750181
       Dallas, Texas 75275-0181

        Email as an attachment to:
         ugadmission@smu.edu

        Fax to 214.768.0103

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: I’ve applied early action to SMU. Must I submit my Hunt Essay and recommendation letter at the same time, or do I have more time?
A: You have more time. The materials that are specific to the Hunt Leadership Scholarship do not need to be submitted at the same time that you submit your SMU application. If you submit a completed SMU application earlier—for instance, by November, December, or January 15—you can still submit the additional Hunt Leadership Scholarship materials by January 15.

Q: I see that the Hunt Leadership Scholarship deadline is January 15. If I submit my SMU application earlier, can I still submit my Hunt Leadership Scholarship application?
A: Yes. The materials that are specific to the Hunt Leadership Scholarship do not need to be submitted at the same time that you submit your SMU application. If you submit a completed SMU application earlier—for instance, by November or December—you can still submit the additional Hunt Leadership Scholarship materials by January 15.

Q: I have completed my SMU application on-line. Is there a place to fill out the Hunt Essay on-line?
A: No. You should write your Hunt Essay as a separate document, identifying it with your name, Social Security number, and “Hunt Essay” on the first page of the essay. Then you can submit it by any of the methods set out above—by mail, email, or fax.

Q: Should my Hunt Essay set out my specific leadership positions, in addition to answering the Hunt essay question?
A: Your leadership positions and experience do not need to be stated as part of the Hunt essay itself. Your SMU application probably already will have set out your positions of leadership and your leadership experience. If you have already submitted your SMU application and are not sure that you have completely included your leadership experience in your SMU application, then you can include this at the beginning of the Hunt Essay or in a separate or updated resume, sent to the same locations indicated above.

For more information, contact Associate Provost Ellen Pryor: epryor@smu.edu