2026 Pre-College FAQs

The SMU Pre-College Summer Commuter Program offers rising high school juniors and seniors in DFW the chance to take introductory college-level courses for credit. Students gain early exposure to university academics, learn from SMU’s world-class faculty, and may earn transferable college credits.

Courses in the Pre-College Summer Commuter Program are true college-level classes and are not modified for high school students. A select group of introductory courses is offered that are typically taken by first-year college students. Admission criteria and preparedness screenings help ensure participants are ready to succeed in this academic environment.

Students are permitted to take one course in Summer 1 (June session) and one in Summer 2 (July session).

Please use our course search tool here.

SMU grades are on a 4 point scale. Please see the university’s grade policies here.

To be eligible to apply, students MUST:

• Reside in the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex
• Be a rising high school junior or senior
• Have a minimum GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale
• Be at least 16 years olf
• Not require residential housing
• Received the Bacterial Meningitis Immunization (More information can be found here)

Students must be at least 16 years old and have completed their sophomore year of high school.

No, SMU Pre-College students are not required to have health insurance.

Participating in the Pre-College program does not guarantee admission to SMU as a degree seeking student. The undergraduate admissions process is competitive and does not offer preferential treatment for program participants.

Program participation can help your application by providing valuable college coursework experience, and the opportunity to earn college credit, which can be a positive addition to your college applications and demonstrate your ability to handle rigorous coursework.

Any completed, transcripted credit may apply toward a degree if you are admitted to a degree-seeking program at SMU. If you are accepted elsewhere, you will need to verify the transferability of credit with that institution.

Yes. Enrollment in SMU’s Pre-College program will be recorded on your official college transcript. This transcript can be used for credit evaluation at the university you ultimately attend for your undergraduate degree.

Credits earned through the SMU Pre-College program will appear on an official SMU transcript. The transferability of these units is not guaranteed. You must consult with an advisor or registrar at the institution you plan to attend to confirm their policy on accepting these credits. Students are encouraged to maintain a copy of their course syllabus for transfer credit evaluation. 

Pre-College students are not eligible for on-campus housing. Our program is intended for students local to the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex.

In June and July, dining commons as well as retail options are available.

Students may choose to subscribe to meal plans or purchase Flex Dollars to be used in dining, retail, or convenience store locations on campus.

Further information:

For hours, locations, and rates, see SMU Dining.

 

Comments and complaints:

Phone: 214-768-2367

Email: dining@smu.edu

 

SMU Pre-College students can find ID cards, parking permits, and transportation information on the Parking and ID Card Services website or by visiting the Parking and ID Services service counter in the Hughes-Trigg Student Center.

Textbooks and supplies can be purchased at the SMU Bookstore located at the Barnes and Noble on Mockingbird Lane. Call 214-768-2435 for more information.

Request official transcripts for the courses completed at SMU online through the National Student Clearinghouse. Find delivery options and transcript fees on the Registrar’s website. (Note: Transcript requests are not accepted via phone, mail, email, or in person.)

If your class is cancelled due to low enrollment, you have the option to swap into another open course or receive a full tuition refund.

Please visit our Cancellation/Withdrawal policy page here.

Application opens: mid-March

Application deadlines:

Summer 1 (June Session): May 13th, 2026

Summer 2 (July Session): June 15th, 2026 

Term Dates:

Summer 1 (June Session): June 3 – July 2, 2026

Summer 2 (July Session): July 6 – August 4, 2026

Tuition Due Date:

The tuition payment due date for Summer courses is May 22. See the Bursar’s Office due dates.  A late fee is assessed if tuition is not paid by this date. If you enroll after this date, payment is due the day of enrollment. Should you have payment questions or need assistance please contact the Student Financial Services office at manedesk@smu.edu.

Tuition is due by 11:59 p.m. on the Payment Due Date for the term of enrollment or on the day of registration if the due date has passed. Students can pay online in my.SMU by selecting the “Financial Account” tile and then clicking on “SMUpay” on the left-hand side of the page.

Visit the this page for more information.

Intersessions tuition for 2026 is $1,810 per credit hour.  Most courses are 3 credit hours and cost $5,430.

The tuition payment due date for Summer courses is May 22. See the Bursar’s Office due dates.  A late fee is assessed if tuition is not paid by this date. If you enroll after this date, payment is due the day of enrollment. Should you have payment questions or need assistance please contact the Student Financial Services office at manedesk@smu.edu.