Hello, my high school junior is interested in SMU and the ALTS program. What is the interview process like and how should students present their extracurriculars? Also, is there any truth to what people say online about sorority connections affecting admission? And in general, how is the culture at SMU, and is it worth it for the connections?
The Alternative Asset Management Center (ALTS) program at Southern Methodist University (SMU) is a prestigious honors program tailored for finance majors, and understanding its interview process and cultural context is crucial for prospective students.
Interview Process The selection process is extensive, requiring candidates to first meet academic benchmarks, including a minimum GPA of 3.7. In early fall, students participate in weekly prep classes and mock interviews. The final interview stages involve 5 to 8 interviews, which include both technical finance questions and behavioral assessments conducted by finance professors, alumni, and current students in the program. Candidates should prepare for in-depth discussions about leadership and teamwork, similar to investment banking interviews (SMU Cox).
Presenting Extracurriculars Students should emphasize experiences that demonstrate leadership and quantitative skills. It is advisable to:
- Highlight relevant internships or finance-related clubs.
- Organize activities by importance and quantify achievements (e.g., "managed a budget of $X").
- Use storytelling to connect activities to professional goals (Atomic Mind).
Culture and Networking SMU fosters a strong networking culture, particularly within the Cox School of Business, offering numerous career fairs and alumni events. The university emphasizes professional integrity in recruitment, allowing students ample time to consider job offers, which enhances the overall networking experience (SMU Cox).
