Application checklist and deadlines

Our holistic review of your SMU application weighs several factors, including rigor of high school curriculum, GPA, standardized test scores (optional), English proficiency, essay, resume and letters of recommendation.

Application checklist:

  • Application for admission
  • Personal essay
  • Official high school transcript
  • SAT or ACT scores (optional)
  • Official English proficiency scores*
  • Counselor recommendation (required)
  • $60 nonrefundable application fee
  • Extracurricular resume (optional)
  • Teacher recommendation (optional)

*SMU accepts the Duolingo English Test, TOEFL and IELTS. Some applicants may have this requirement waived. Ask your SMU admission counselor if you qualify.

Deadlines

Early Action (nonbinding), Early Decision (binding) and scholarship consideration

November 1

Regular Decision (nonbinding), Early Decision II (binding) and scholarship consideration

January 15

Table

Admitted student profile of the SMU Class of 2026

GPA MID-50%

Unweighted 4.0 Scale: 3.61-3.95

ACT MID-50%* highest composite

36-Point Scale: 31-34

*Superscore

SAT MID-50%* highest composite

1600-Point Scale: 1370-1500

*Superscore

TOEFL average

99.6

IELTS average

7.5