Application Information

To become a President's Scholar candidate, a student should have:  

• A minimum of 20 high school academic units in a challenging curriculum, including AP/IB, honors courses, and/or the most rigorous courses available, two years of a single foreign language, and advanced coursework in math and science.
• A high school rank in the top 10 percent of the graduating class. If the school does not rank students, then the expectation is a strong academic record.
• A demonstrated commitment to engagement in school, professional settings, and/or community activities.
• An SAT or ACT score submission is required. A competitive SAT score for this program is typically above 1400. A competitive ACT score is typically above 32.
• Students invited to interview usually exhibit a high degree of intellectual curiosity while pursuing the most rigorous high school coursework available and possess a record of exceptional school and/or community involvement. The median student invited to interview in recent years earned an academic un-weighted GPA of 4.0 (on a 4.0 scale).
• To be considered, students must submit the President's Scholars Program Application Essay by November 16th of their senior year.

Please note: In order to submit the President's Scholars Program Application Essay, a student must have already submitted their application for admission to SMU (Common App, ApplyTexas, Coalition, SMU application). The selection committee will have access to your full application for admission, including letters of recommendation.  Applicants to Meadows' dual admit programs (including Art, Dance, Film BFA, Theatre, and Music) must complete their full Meadows Application and audition or portfolio requirements during the fall.

Submit your SMU Application by November 1

Submit your President’s Scholars Application Essay by
November 16, 11:59 P.M. (CST)

February

• SMU faculty committees select finalists to be interviewed. Finalists will be notified via email.

March

• All finalists are invited to campus for personal interviews. Interviews are required for consideration for the President's Scholar award.
• Interview day for finalists will be the first Friday of March.
• SMU covers all expenses for meals and lodging during the campus interview process.
• In addition to meeting SMU President Jay Hartzell at a reception and banquet, finalists meet with current President's Scholars, President's Scholars alumni, professors who teach in their area of academic interest, and others in the SMU community.
• Recipients of President's Scholar awards are notified during the month of March.

To be considered, students must submit the SMU application by November 1st and the the President's Scholars Program Application Essay (topic below), by November 16th 11:59PM (CST), of their senior year. The selection committee will have access to your full application for admission, including letters of recommendation.