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CheerNebraska
•This response has been verified in line with school guidance.
Admissions

My daughter received an email encouraging them to apply for SMU’s Presidential Scholarship, and SMU is their top choice. This scholarship would likely determine affordability. Any advice on what makes a strong scholarship essay (themes, structure, what to emphasize), and if you’re comfortable sharing, what typical recipient profiles look like (stats/extracurriculars)?

A compelling essay for the SMU Presidential Scholarship should clearly articulate how you plan to leverage the university's resources as a President's Scholar and reflect on your past experiences that have prepared you for this role.

Essay Structure

  • Past-Present-Future Framework: Start with past achievements, connect them to current interests, and outline future aspirations at SMU.
  • Intellectual Curiosity: Highlight your desire for interdisciplinary study and how it aligns with SMU's offerings.
  • Personal Anecdotes: Use specific examples from your life to illustrate your skills and ambitions.
Key Themes to Emphasize
  • Leadership and Service: Discuss your involvement in extracurricular activities that demonstrate leadership and commitment to community service.
  • Academic Excellence: Mention any rigorous coursework, such as AP or IB classes, and your GPA, which should ideally be around 4.0 unweighted.
Typical Recipient Profile

Successful candidates often have:

  • A GPA in the top 10% of their class
  • Strong standardized test scores (though SMU is test-optional)
  • Active participation in school clubs, sports, or community service projects, showcasing a balance between academics and extracurriculars.
The application deadline is January 15, 2026, and finalists will be invited for interviews in late February 2026, so ensure your essay is polished and submitted on time according to SMU's guidelines.

Recent questions at Southern Methodist University

Gale
•This response has been verified in line with school guidance.
Admissions

Does SMU do a incoming student event for incoming freshman before summer?

Southern Methodist University (SMU) offers a series of events known as Destination SMU, specifically designed for admitted incoming freshmen prior to their summer or fall enrollment. These events provide a unique opportunity for students to immerse themselves in campus life, connect with fellow Mustangs, and gain insights into housing and campus traditions.

Key Dates

The Destination SMU events for the upcoming 2026 academic year are scheduled as follows:

  • Monday, February 23
  • Friday, March 6
  • Friday, March 27
  • Monday, April 13
  • Monday, April 27
Additional Opportunities

In addition to Destination SMU, other spring events include:

  • Admitted Student Days: Featuring academic breakout sessions with deans and professors.
  • SpringFest: An introductory event for high school students and their families, taking place on February 16, 2026.
For registration and more information, students can visit the Admitted Student Portal or the SMU Admitted Student Events page for a comprehensive list of both virtual and in-person options Source.
twise39
•This response has been verified in line with school guidance.
Housing

How does my student complete a mutual roommate request in the SMU Housing Portal

Students at Southern Methodist University can complete a mutual roommate request through the SMU Housing Portal by following a straightforward process.

Request Process

  1. Search for Roommate: In the "Roommates" section of the housing application, students should enter the SMU ID number of their preferred roommate.
  2. Send Request: After locating the desired roommate, the student sends a request via the portal. The requested roommate will receive an email notification regarding this request.
  3. Confirm Mutual Request: For the request to be considered mutual, the second student must log into the portal and accept the request. Only when both students have accepted each other will the request be recorded in the system.
Important Deadlines
  • Returning Students: Requests must be completed by March 1.
  • Incoming First-Year Students: Requests typically open on April 1 and must be finalized by June 1.
Key Requirements
  • Both students must have a completed housing application on file.
  • Students are limited to one mutual roommate request.
  • Returning residents cannot request incoming students as roommates, except for siblings.
For further details, students can refer to the Housing Reapplication Guide or the SMU Housing FAQ page.
Anonymous
•This response has been verified in line with school guidance.
Admissions

How can we book a tour for an incoming freshman? Also is there an overnight orientation for freshmen?

Booking a campus tour and understanding orientation options at Southern Methodist University (SMU) is essential for incoming freshmen.

Booking a Campus Tour

To schedule a campus tour, incoming freshmen can choose from several options:

  • Admitted Student Visits: These include a 30-minute information session followed by a 75-minute campus tour led by a current student. Reservations can be made through the Admitted Student Visit Portal.
  • Daily Visits: Standard tours are available Monday through Friday at 9:30 a.m. and 2:30 p.m. Registration is required via the SMU Daily Visit form.
  • Virtual Tours: For those unable to visit in person, SMU offers a Virtual Campus Experience with interactive highlights and live sessions.
Freshman Orientation Options

SMU provides a multi-step orientation process:

  • Mustang StartUp: This mandatory virtual orientation helps students navigate class registration and campus resources before arrival.
  • RoundUp: An optional extended orientation lasting 3 days and 2 nights, designed to foster community through excursions and small-group activities. More details can be found on the SMU Orientation and Transitions website.
  • Stampede: An in-person welcome event held just before the semester begins.
For further information on dates and registration, please visit the respective portals mentioned above.
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