International application checklist

Deadlines

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

November 1

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

January 15

 

Apply Now

SMU students carry various international flags through campus.

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.

Step 1: Decide which application deadline is right for you.

Learn about the application deadlines here.

November 1, 2026

  • Early Action (nonbinding)
  • Early Decision I (binding)

January 15, 2027

  • Regular Decision (nonbinding)
  • Early Decision II (binding)

Step 2: Gather what you’ll need.

Collect the following items before you start your application.

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

English Proficiency Exam Requirements

Test Minimum Requirement Minimum Subscores
TOEFL (Taken after January 2026) 4.5–6.0 4–5 or higher in each section: Reading and Listening, Writing and Speaking
TOEFL (Taken before January 2026) 90–120 Reading and Listening: 20+ each; Writing and Speaking: 24+ each
IELTS 6.5–9.0 6.5 or higher in each section
Duolingo English Test (DET) 115–160 105–125 minimum subscore required on Literacy, Comprehension, Conversation and Production sections
Pearson (PTE) 60–90 —
SAT (Critical Reading + Writing) 580+ *If you are self-reporting your ACT or SAT, we will use the self-reported score but will require the official scores for your admission decision to be confirmed official.
ACT 25+ Writing *If you are self-reporting your ACT or SAT, we will use the self-reported score but will require the official scores for your admission decision to be confirmed official.

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

Step 3: Complete and submit your application.

  • The Common Application simplifies the application process by allowing students to submit a single application to multiple institutions, including SMU.
  • Apply Coalition with SCOIR encourages students to showcase their achievements in a more comprehensive way. It provides resources to help students complete their applications effectively.

Step 4: Review and complete the application checklist.

  • Completed application
  • Official high school transcript. Please have your transcript sent through an electronic service (ex. Parchment, GreenLight, Naviance) or by a school official. We do not accept transcripts emailed by students.
  • Counselor recommendation (PDF). Counselors are not required to use this form and can instead submit their own letter.
  • Teacher recommendation (optional) (PDF). Teachers are not required to use this form and can instead submit their own letter.
  • Completed Early Decision Agreement Form (if applying for Early Decision)
  • Official TOEFL, IELTS, PTE, or Duolingo English Test (DET) scores
  • Official or self-reported SAT or ACT scores (optional). SMU is fully test-optional; learn more. SMU superscores the SAT and ACT.
  • Extracurricular resume**
  • For students in applicable situations:

Step 5: Submit your application materials.

Please submit your application online. Supporting documents for your application (e.g. letters of recommendation, transcripts, etc.) should be sent from an official at your school.

If you or your school counselor experience any challenges submitting your application or supporting documents, they can be scanned and emailed to ugadmission@smu.edu or physically mailed to the address below. Online submission is encouraged.

Email: ugadmission@smu.edu

Mailing Address
SMU Office of Undergraduate Admission
PO Box 750181
Dallas TX 75275

Please be sure all materials clearly indicate your first, middle and last name and your date of birth. If you physically mail your documents, we recommend that you make and keep a copy of all application forms for your records.

We look forward to reviewing your application and getting to know you better. If you have questions, please contact the SMU Office of Undergraduate Admission, where any of our admission counselors are ready to help.

Physical Address (for FedEx, UPS, and DHL shipments):
Laura Lee Blanton Building
6185 Airline Road
Dallas TX 75205

Phone: 214-768-2058
Fax: 214-768-1083
Office Hours: 8:30 a.m.–5 p.m. Central Time Zone

SMU Office of Undergraduate Admission
PO Box 750181
Dallas TX 75275

** The SMU Admission Committee wants to learn more about your interests, hobbies and how you spend your time. Please include the following information in your personal résumé: Extracurricular, volunteer, and summer activities – list in order of importance and indicate the amount of weekly time involved in your participation. Work experience – include position, company/employer, dates of employment and weekly time involved. Honors, awards, and leadership positions – list honors and awards and indicate grade level in which they were received. List leadership positions and include details on the responsibilities the position required.