See Southern Methodist University reviews submitted by students. Find out what students have to say about various aspects of attending Southern Methodist University. Read about academic experiences and campus life in these free Southern Methodist University reviews, or contribute your own Southern Methodist University review if you're a current student there.
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17 out of 17 people found this review useful.
Sarah from Richardson, TX
Reviewer is A current student here.
Categories Rating Comments Am learning a lot My experience at SMU has been very rewarding since it has open up for me many opportunities. After taking organic chemistry, I realized that I have a great passion for learning about how things happen at the atomic and molecular level. In addition, I realized that I have a passion for research because in a way or another, you are creating knowledge by finding new discoveries. I decided that instead of going for an MD only, I want to pursue an MD/PhD degree because I get to combine the two things I like the most - being a physician and being a scientist.
Am enjoying being here Two of my friends from high school have transferred in to SMU this semester, so it was fun hanging out with them. However, I also made new friends who are very nice. The campus is really pretty, so you'll enjoy going to SMU. They basically have every type of restaurant you desire - whether on campus, or just right next to it.
Bang for the buck SMU's tuition is kind of expensive, considering the fact that it went up to almost $37,000 this year. However, if you are a good student, there might a chance for you to get some merit-based scholarships. In addition, you can get scholarships from the department itself. For example, I got a scholarship from the chemistry department after declaring my major.
Tips for prospective students Be organized! I know you might hear that a lot, but seriously, it's true. High school is different that college. In high school, you used to have quizzes and homework all the time to keep you on track. In college, however, all you have is exams, and they basically make up 100% percent of your grade. No quizzes, no homework. So try to stay on top of things. Try to make a calendar or schedule that will help you with time management. If you have any trouble with a certain subject, make use of the ALEC tutoring center - it's free! And don't forget - always work out at the Dedman Life Center because it might be your only way to relieve the stress.
Great for these types of students SMU would be great for out-going people because everybody just talks to everybody! The students here are very nice and welcoming, so you'll always find a group that you belong to. They love to hang out, but they are always considerate about having to study for a quiz or exam. In addition, SMU has a good Greek life. So if you are interested in joining a sorority or fraternity, then SMU would be the great place to go to.
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10 out of 10 people found this review useful.
From Grand Prairie, TX
Reviewer is A current student here.
Categories Rating Comments Am learning a lot SMU has an amazing academic curriculum and expects a lot from its students. Although the workload is intense, time management is the key to success. Each professor gives a syllabus on the first day of class so writing the important dates down on a calendar helps visualize how much studying is needed. Depending on the major, some classes may be harder than others but regardless, a lot of studying is needed. I was never pushed so hard in high school and it took getting used to but I enjoy it. The ALEC tutoring center is always available and office hours are great for getting questions answered and getting to know your professor.
Am enjoying being here Although grades are important, fun is necessary for staying sane. SMU's location is perfect because it is in the heart of Dallas. With the restaurants on Hillcrest and Greenville so close by, there is always somewhere to eat and locations to shop. On campus there are also many activities to do whether it be rockclimbing in the gym or socializing in Java City. Even the library becomes a fun hang out spot during study breaks.
Bang for the buck SMU is definitely an expensive school. Because of the scholarships and financial aide I received I was able to attend the school of my choice. Although most of the people there are wealthy, there are also others receiving help so there is no need to feel inferior. SMU is a beautiful campus with many resources for the students to use. From the dance performances to the sporting events, the money paid is definitely worth it. Because it is a prestigious and private school, the cost is high but do not hesitate to apply, financial aide is available.
Tips for prospective students Apply early to avoid stress. I suggest you tour the campus in order to know what residence hall you would like to live in. Once you gain acceptance, make sure to turn in your residence hall papers as quickly as possible in order to receive your first choice. I suggest attending any events like Mustang Days in order to meet people and a possible roommate. Avoid taking too many hours especially if majoring in a difficult field with difficult professors. That being said, ratemyprofessor.com is an amazing site so do your research before signing up for classes. Once you have your schedule, find where your classes are so you wont get lost and always have your books on the first day of class. Also, do not be skeptical and make sure you study. The workload is a lot more rigorous than high school so form study groups, work diligently, and do not procrastinate.
Great for these types of students Intelligent and dedicated. Wonderful for minorities and women engineers because of the scholarships. Great school for liberal arts, business, and engineering.
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9 out of 9 people found this review useful.
Allison from Tyler, TX
Reviewer is A current student here.
Categories Rating Comments Am learning a lot SMU is a wonderful school academically. I loved all of my professors, and they were mostly all amiable. They all had an interest in every student's personal achievement and progress. The professors all have office hours for extra help and are more than willing to help you get the most out of your classes. I've only been here a semester, but I feel like I've already learned so much. The English and History programs are exceptional. I feel that they have prepared me for much more advanced levels of academics.
Am enjoying being here SMU is located in Dallas, Texas. There is so much going on in Dallas all the time. You won't ever get bored here. Also, being in Dallas, there are a bunch of career and internship opportunities. SMU is the perfect blend of small town community and big town enterprise. The campus is close-knit and interactive within different clubs as well as Dallas as a whole. The campus is gorgeous and green. As a very visual person, the beauty of the campus is an important thing for me. I would get tired of a dull and ugly campus. Also, the food on campus isn't that bad either. In the main cafeteria, they have an omelet station, cereal bar, soul food booth, grill, and a Chinese food grill. There is also an Einsteins Bros. Bagels, Subway, and Chick-fil-a, on campus. There are even two general stores on campus that have everything from sushi to cough syrup to cheese itz. I love staying on campus. The environment as a whole is just perfect.
Bang for the buck SMU is pretty expensive. It was like $46,000 a year. That's why scholarships are so important. If you try hard in your classes and make the most of your time here, the money is worth the degree. The degree only becomes worth less when there are kids not taking their classes seriously, and in that sense they are wasting the money. But I think that is the same at every college. If you come to college to goof off instead of work hard, you won't get very far.
Tips for prospective students The most important thing to remember when coming to any college of high academic standing is to go to class. That sounds kind of silly, but it's true. So many kids come to college and decide that they will skip some classes because attendance isn't mandatory like in high school. That is a very bad habit to get into. I know students who are very intelligent but failed classes because they couldn't keep up with the rest of the class due to skipping lessons. Also, when you skip, often the teachers will notice because the class sizes are small. They won't want to help you catch up because it seems like you don't care about their subject. Another helpful tip is to not procrastinate. there's so much going on that it's easy to wait til the last minute, but unlike in high school, your grade really will suffer.
Great for these types of students SMU is a great school for student who want to work hard to achieve their goals. It is not a blow off school. It is also great for students who are interested in business. SMU's Cox business school is ranked as one of the best business schools in the nation. SMU is a liberal arts school, so you have to take a bunch of diverse classes. If you are interested in being a well-rounded individual, then SMU would be good for you.
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4 out of 4 people found this review useful.
Deborah from Mesquite, TX
Reviewer is A current student here.
Categories Rating Comments Am learning a lot
The classes are as hard or as easy as you make them. Yes, some subject materials are harder than others, but it’s really not that hard to get an A in your classes. More importantly, come into class with an open mind to the class and professor, despite what you may have read on ratemyprofessor.com. I am learning so much in my classes right now. The professors are great, and they know their subject materials. They are approachable and always accessible, either via email or face to face. But in the end, how much you learn comes down to your willingness to learn. Besides academics, you learn things such as time management. Sometimes, the best lessons come in self-discipline. I had to learn how to say no to a fun night out, and instead, stay in to study for an exam. I’ve also learned so much about people, an inevitable consequence of community-style living. I’ve learned how to do deal with people I can’t ignore or get away from. Each day is a learning experience.Am enjoying being here Honestly, I never wanted to go to SMU. Even after securing my spot in the class, I was dreading the day when I would have to go. I refused to even visit the campus until it was necessary. However, I am extremely glad that I am here. The campus is beautiful, and the people are amazing. There's a nice balance between academics and a social life. In my experience, the professors are easy to talk to, both inside and outside of class. The campus is in the heart of Dallas, so there’s always something to do at night, whether on or off campus. I know SMU has a reputation (Southern Millionaires University) of being full of snobby, rich children who were not good enough to get into Ivy League schools. While those people do exist, the majority of students are down to earth. It’s not hard to avoid people that you don’t want to be around. You’ll meet people from every status group and station of life while you’re here, and you will find your group where you belong. Like I said, I am thoroughly enjoying my time here. When I leave campus, I can’t wait to get back.
Bang for the buck Oh, the joys (horrors) of paying for a college education. There’s no doubt about it. Southern Methodist University is an expensive place to receive your education. However, they do make the financial burden a little easier to bear. They give out so many scholarships and grants to students. Financial cost was a big factor for me when I was deciding where to go. I never thought SMU would be a place to consider. My mind definitely changed when I received my financial aid package, and SMU was my cheapest option for college. I’m paying next to nothing, and I honestly don’t know anyone who is not on some form of financial aid. So, SMU definitely delivers considering its price tag. It’s a great experience, and there are so many opportunities for networking for future needs. Being so close to downtown Dallas, SMU provides many opportunities outside of the classroom for research, internships, and employment.
Tips for prospective students My advice to prospective students is to just come visit with an open mind. Forget about the stereotypes that you’ve heard. Forget about the cost. Just visit and experience SMU. As for your application, highlight your best moments or activities. Get involved, and be a leader. If you’re a senior who doesn’t have the highest grades or experience as a leader or didn’t stretch yourself thin to be in 500 clubs in high school, just express who you are in your application. Give the admissions counselors a reason to pick you over the thousands of other applicants. If possible, schedule an interview. You’ll have a chance to present yourself, face-to-face. You will cease to be another piece of paper, and they’ll be able to see who you are as a person and what you offer as a future Mustang.
Great for these types of students The school is great for those who are somewhat self-motivated. The professors aren’t going to hold your hand and walk you through the semester. You’ll have to be ready to jump right in and make it happen for yourself. It’s also great if you want a balance between academics and the social scene. You’ll have the best of both worlds.
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4 out of 4 people found this review useful.
Michael from Richardson, TX
Reviewer is A current student here.
Categories Rating Comments Am learning a lot PHIL 1300 was a really interesting class, the professor was a little drab, but I learned a lot. Also Intro to EE was really engaging. I learned a lot of cool concepts and things that I could actually use & the prof was top-notch. I started to think differently about everything, but I now I hardly notice it. I think that's when you know you've really learned something.
Am enjoying being here It's been a great first year, and I owe a lot of that to the people I met. I stayed in Perkins, kinda crappy dorm but the people there were awesome. I thought I was going to go to a school filled with snobby kids but everyone is pretty mellow. Great community, I met a lot of cool people and had a lot of great experiences.
Bang for the buck SMU is expensive, let's just leave it at that.
Tips for prospective students Get the medium amount of flex dollars. Don't buy pony dollars, they're just like regular dollars except you have to spend them. DON'T stay in your dorm! unless you live in Perkins, which then you won't be that bored. Go to the Gym, you don't have to work out but that is where you can meet a lot of people, and there is always something to do.
Great for these types of students If you have a substantial amount of money, if your parents don't make that much, or if you have good grades, SMU will be good for you. They give out great financial aid + scholarships. And you have to be cool, I know SMU is stereotyped for its shallow people, but we're really changing that.
You also have to be pretty accepting to the students, and most of them are.Login to rate or flag the reviews
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3 out of 3 people found this review useful.
Theresa from Dallas, TX
Reviewer is A current student here.
Categories Rating Comments Am learning a lot Heck yes. SMU gives you MANY opportunities to perform extra research and try out other projects AS AN UNDERGRAD (if you so seek).
I'm always getting e-mails from my department about opportunities to get involved - and even get published. AS AN UNDERGRAD. (Dunno if you want to go to grad school, but if so - THAT IS HUGE)
The faculty and staff here are STELLAR. AND THEY ACTUALLY CARE. And if you start to fall ... they won't let you hit rock bottom. :)
You might also be interested to know that they also offer classes during May, Summer I, Summer II, August, and Winter Break.
And they have so many interesting courses. Check out their listings:
http://access.smu.eduAm enjoying being here See above!
Bang for the buck Lots of people have scholarships. 100% tuition would be expensive. But you are paying for quality.
(There are so many opportunities here that would be hard to come by as an undergraduate enrolled in a public university. I would know. I came from one.)
With reference to Sarah's review: (I just learned this today, actually.)
If you are at all interested in attending grad school, go all out and get a PhD! Did you know that some schools will pay you tuition, housing, food, AND a stipend to get a PhD? Often, the Masters is included in the PhD! And in the end, you'll also be a lot more marketable! (But you have to really really love learning. And be able to tolerate completing a thesis. Or it would probably only be unnecessary torture.)Tips for prospective students As many have said:
PLEASE DO NOT BE DETERRED BY OUR STEREOTYPE. AND IT WILL NEVER CHANGE IF YOU DO.
I thought I was open-minded when I came here. Then, I began assuming things about people I'd never spoken to. I've recently found out that I had made an enormous miscalculation (was that a dorky word to use? cause right now I can't think of another to replace it.)
Speak up, and someone will befriend you. :)
P.S. MAKE FRIENDS WITH MEADOWS KIDS. They're pretty cool. ;)
Also. Not happy with the level of class engagement?
SPEAK UP. I've found that, when you speak up, everyone else will also have a lot more to say.
Oh. As Grand Prairie said, please remember to take care of yourself. :( Just think of everyone who has dropped out, tried to drop out, attempted suicide or decided to shoot up a campus. Your well-being affects your schoolwork (and your future) just as much as your level of dedication.
And look out for your friends. :) Stick by them through the tough stuff. And listen. Ask. You really never know who might be going through something. Most of you will not always have direct access to your parents, their home, your old friends, or your dog. You are each others' primary support system!
As for grades, maybe you didn't do so hot in high school. Well, you're in college now. It's time to buckle down. It's nowhere near the end of the road, but every single one of your choices begin to have a much greater impact on your future! (But don't be scared. ^_^)
Really it's all about trying to think about things on a deeper level and, like everyone else has seemed to say: TIME MANAGEMENT. And it matters way more than intelligence, prior knowledge or even (sadly) how much you actually care about the subject you're learning.
(Oh, by the way, if you still end up needing another chance. Plan to go to grad school, and look for a grad school that only cares about your GPA for the last 60 or so credit hours.) *See below, on Bang for the buck
As some have already said: Always plan ahead (WAY ahead)! Always have back-up plans! (Yes! Plural!)
Oh yeah! Like everyone else has said: ALEC. GO THERE. Need more? Sign up for ORACLE. (Also, read their intro packet. It's ridiculously informative. You won't even realize how informative it was until months or years have passed.)
ATTEND AS MUCH NEW STUDENT PROGRAMMING AS POSSIBLE. So much of it may seem profoundly cheesy to you right now. But YOU WILL NOT REGRET IT.
And when it's crunch time, and you're stressed, and you want to throw your hands up and run away: feel so lucky to even be in school. Feel so. so. lucky.
* * * * * *
Please take all these great reviews to heart. These are all things that I wish someone had told me years ago!Great for these types of students Haha, has anyone else noticed the admissions trends where you can have a high SAT but low GPA and get in, but not the other way around? ^_^ Explains so much. I'm pretty sure you have to have a solid resume/personal statement, though. Like 98% sure.
Everyone here has a story.
Personal Qualities to Have (that would make life at SMU easier and more enjoyable):
Innovative, Open-minded, Proactive, Humanitarian ... Outgoing
(I'm not outgoing, though. And I still love this school.)Login to rate or flag the reviews
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2 out of 2 people found this review useful.
from Lake Worth, FL
Reviewer is A current student here.
Categories Rating Comments Am learning a lot I truly am learning a lot both academically and socially. I enrolled in some rather challenging courses for my first year to test myself and it proved successful. Yes, sometimes the workload may have gotten overwhelming, but I knew that if I stayed organized and on top of things my hard work would pay off. If you are trying to get into the Cox School of Business, which I currently am, you will realize that you will not succeed if you slack off. SMU's Cox School of Business is the hardest department to get into and they make it that way for a purpose - to separate the ones willing to work to get there from those that do not put the equivalent effort in.
Am enjoying being here I absolutely love it. I came to SMU literally knowing no one, and now I know hundreds of people. I have always known the same people throughout my life so it was nice for once to start fresh and make all new friends and acquaintances. I also love being in Dallas. The Highland Park area SMU is located in is beyond stunning and a safe neighborhood as well. SMU has the perfect balance of city life and college life, and I could not be happier with my decision.
Bang for the buck Yes, SMU is definitely expensive but so are most colleges and universities. Like with anything, you have to put in effort in order to see results. In this case, you have to pay the tuition in order to give yourself the opportunity to do something with your SMU education. Whether or not you make the best of SMU education is up to you, but I know I am going to make mine well worth what I am paying to receive it.
Tips for prospective students Be yourself, stay organized, do not get ahead of yourself, set your priorities straight, balance work and play time, and go after what you want.
Great for these types of students Great for out-going, self-motivated, disciplined students.
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2 out of 2 people found this review useful.
Ally from Dallas, TX
Reviewer is A current student here.
Categories Rating Comments Am learning a lot I am finding that most of what I am learning is everything I did NOT expect to be learning about. But, I suppose that's college for you! In the classroom, I'm learning more about staying engaged when I'm not challenged or indifferent to the subject matter. The classes move at a steady rate, though and it all depends on which major you choose to determine what type of work you will do during the day.
Am enjoying being here I think just because of my initial major choice, I have not had the experience I expected out of college. It's certainly not the fault of SMU, because all the resources to having a fun and joyful time are here! I think it's a mixture of being so close to home, when I could be far away, and my learning that the degree I'm currently pursuing is not beneficial for the direction I'm headed. It happens. It will work out when it's supposed to though! I know there are a lot of people who are very happy with their choice. Just really consider what you're getting yourself into, and what's worth your 4 years at SMU. Make the most of it.
Bang for the buck The main reason why I ended up choosing SMU was because they offered me enough money to actually be here! They have a very strong endowment and alumni donor base. I find that it's common for people to have chosen SMU for the financial aid offer. Whether that's a good or a bad thing, it is what it is.
Tips for prospective students Do not make impulsive decisions about what you want to do, and consider that your major plans might be better off varying from school to school. One program might be perfect for YOU at one school, and not so much at another.
Great for these types of students If you're looking for a school that can pretty much ensure you a job with alumni resources one day, SMU is for you.
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2 out of 4 people found this review useful.
DiVonte from Humble, TX
Reviewer is Accepted here and planning to attend soon. Reviewer has been to campus.
Categories Rating Comments Tips for prospective students Great School - need to keep your grades up in order to receive grants and scholarships.
Great for these types of students Great school for Business students, Arts, Engineering
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1 out of 3 people found this review useful.
Erica from Desoto, TX
Reviewer is Accepted here and planning to attend soon. Reviewer has been to campus.
Categories Rating Comments Will enjoy being here Beautiful campus & Awesome people (Students & Faculty)
Bang for the buck Expensive, but well worth it
Great for these types of students Leaders
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0 out of 2 people found this review useful.
Kevin from Mesquite, TX
Reviewer is Researching this school. Reviewer has not been to campus.
Categories Rating Comments Will learn a lot it is a very expensive school but very rewarding
Will enjoy being here don't really know
Bang for the buck Dont know
Tips for prospective students Keep on dont give up
Great for these types of students Engineers
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Victoria from Round Rock, TX
Reviewer is A current student here.
Categories Rating Comments In three sentences SMU has great teachers, lots of majors, and plenty to do on campus. The academic quality of the school is great, and you will learn a lot. Beautiful campus and plenty of ways to make friends.
Tips for prospective students Get involved on campus. Go to campus events.
Academic Rigor Great academics.
Dorm Life Every dorm is different. There are all freshman dorms, two art dorms, and four class dorms.
Food and Dining Lots of different options, you won't grow tired of the food.
What to do for fun If you don't want to do any of the many things on campus, go out on the town.
Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus Annual lighting of the Christmas tree.
Great for these types of students Want strong academics and lots to do on campus.
Greek Life They know how to have fun without being crazy.
Campus Safety Very safe.
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Jennifer from Chicago, IL
Reviewer is A current student here.
Categories Rating Comments In three sentences SMU is a pretty interesting school as you'll meet a lot of different types of people even though a lot of reviews say that there are just the same type of rich, stuck up white kids that attend. Academically, SMU strives in business and engineering, also there is strong footing when it comes to the art but SMU does lack in areas of the sciences, in my opinion. The campus is filled with opportunities such as internships, jobs, and career guidance that can help towards future goals and aspiring careers.
Tips for prospective students Don't listen to all the hype that is hard to fit in if you anything different from being white, stuck-up, and rich, there are different types of people. However, there is a lack of racial diversity especially with black students but SMU prides itself on other types of diversity. Just come to SMU with a sense of who you are as a person and don't change.
Academic Rigor Depends on your majors and really what class you enroll in. Some classes are pretty easy while others are hard as hell. Major contributing factor to the difficult of certain classes is the professor and not the subject. In my opinion, SMU hires a lot of crappy professor who are interested in the students doing the most and the professor doing the least, plus everything is on the student to learn the material.
Dorm Life Depends on the dorm and the person. I was lucky to live in one of the nicer dorms with a cool and clean roommates but it was one of the most expensive places to live on campus. If you want to live in the bigger and newer dorms it is going to cost you, and housing is pretty expensive But I can't speak for all the dorms because the freshman dorms(Boaz and Mcelvaney halls) are known for being dirty, crowded, small rooms, a lot of hooking up, drunk people breaking things causing everyone to pay for damages, which I'm sure some people cherish that college experience but personally I could not handle that type of living condition.
Food and Dining At first the food is amazing especially when you visit with your parents/family. But during the school year, there is a turn for the worst as the food gets more disgusting and lacking of favor at the main dining area of campus. The other dining place called Mac's place is a bit better, but there is a problem with cooking meat fully, so watch out.
What to do for fun There is a lot to on campus, which I can say is one reason I don't want to transfer from SMU. There is a party scene that I really am not a part of but it is pretty fun from what I heard. Also, on campus you can always find an event with free food or games that can be used as a break from your studies.
Bang for the buck Depends how much you pay, and I feel like you could get a better education for the cheaper price tag.
Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus Boulevarding is like a big tailgating party on the boulevard before the football games, its super fun and there is a lot of free stuff.
Greek Life It feels like everyone is apart of greek life but don't feel pressure to join, though it is big on campus.
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Antonio from Dallas, TX
Reviewer is A current student here.
Categories Rating Comments In three sentences It has a beautiful campus. The food is average. The college life is amazing.
Tips for prospective students Do well on your SAT and you can get a full ride. SMU gives out a lot of financial aid.
Academic Rigor People get what they want out of the university. I have met some really hard working students, and some really laid back students. The classes are not anywhere near impossible. Study hard and you'll do well.
Dorm Life The dorm life is awesome, but the dorms are too small for my taste. Good for freshman year, but after that get out.
Food and Dining The food gets old, and its really expensive. I have a lot of friends who really like it though.
What to do for fun Party, hang out on the boulevard, go to football games, hang out at frat houses. Go to bus parties.
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Kristen from Garland, TX
Reviewer is A current student here.
Categories Rating Comments In three sentences smu has an amazing proffessional staff!! great proffessors and challenging courses. plus, it is a beautiful campus and located in dallas which is great!
Tips for prospective students bring a bike to campus.
Academic Rigor great classes. always feel like i'm learning something useful.
Dorm Life very fun, upbeat community here on campus.
Food and Dining good food and alot of choices. even some off campus restaurants let us pay with our student ids.
What to do for fun dallas has so many fun things to do. great shopping, night life, and outdoor fun!
Bang for the buck expensive, but worth it. the networking you will gain from smu can't be matched anywhere else.
Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus so many random fun places on campus to explore!
Great for these types of students smart but fun loving!
Clubs and Activities so many choices! from volunteer work to intermural sports. we have it all.
Greek Life top 8 greek campuses in the nation.
Campus Safety great security
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Karla from Dallas, TX
Reviewer is A current student here.
Categories Rating Comments In three sentences smu is an amazing school with very diverse and great people. it's a great place to be, it has great services, professors, classes, and students. it really is worth every penny.
Tips for prospective students get to know your professors and get involved.
Academic Rigor most courses are intense and require a lot of work.
Dorm Life i live off campus. from what i have heard they are very nice.
Food and Dining they have something for everyone. different things everyday. great food and great service.
What to do for fun there is always something going on. plenty of event on campus every week. there are also many interesting and fun places to go to outside off campus.
Campus Safety campus is very safe. security and help is everywhere and at all times.
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Sergio from Mesquite, TX
Reviewer is A current student here.
Categories Rating Comments In three sentences the academics at southern methodist university are outstanding. the professors are dedicated to their work, have a passion for their subject, and truly care about the success of their students. this really is a top-tier private university.
Tips for prospective students learning to organize and plan is key to success, and the faster you do this, the quicker college will be easier for you. after i learned to organize and plan my days out college became fairly easy, but before that it was hectic. learn to do these two things and learn them quickly.
Academic Rigor the courses are challenging, i have yet to take a real blow-off class. every class i have taken has challenged me in some kind of way which is what i look for because it helps me to become a better student. if you seek a challenge, you will find one here.
Dorm Life the dorms can get a little crazy at times, it really isn't for me. i don't like being woken up at 2 or 3 in the morning by screaming and yelling from people who just returned from partying, but perhaps this is just my dorm. i have not heard many bad things from other dorms so you should find out for yourself.
Food and Dining the food is exceptional i believe. i have tried many different things and have come to like many different things. there is always a large variety of choices so you will always find something to eat. however, the weekend food is not as great as it is during the week, but better then a lot of other campuses so i've been told.
What to do for fun there are always events going on in hughs trigg that any one can go to. also, there are many clubs to choose from that are fun and will keep you busy. the rec center is also another option, it has just about everything you need to get a good workout in. on top of that are the intramural sports that you can join which are a great load of fun.
Bang for the buck the tuition rate is high compared to most other universities, but smu does a great job of providing a generous amount of financial aide to its students. the majority of students here have some type of financial aide.
Clubs and Activities there is a club for just about everything and they hold many events besides those already held by the college itself. there is always something going on every day of the week.
Campus Safety there is police force specifically for the college that is monitoring the school 24/7 and emergency phones through out the school.
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Laura from Carrollton, TX
Reviewer is A current student here.
Categories Rating Comments In three sentences southern methodist university is a great college with caring faculty, amazing talented people, and a campus that makes you feel like you're in a totally different world. once you step onto campus, you'll never want to leave because of the atmosphere of this place and the enriching history of it just makes you feel even better.
Tips for prospective students choose this school; you won't regret it.
Academic Rigor it is pretty competitive; the students here didn't come to college just to party. the library is almost always full, people are always working hard and even people i wouldn't expect to study so much studies. however, it's because they want to be the best they can be. with the education you get from smu, you don't want to waste it by merely playing around.
Dorm Life it's so great. my residence hall is so community oriented that everyone knows each other and we have weekly get-togethers to just hang out. most all residence halls are like this and it's a good way to bond with others of different majors, backgrounds and talents.
Food and Dining the dining hall here is amazing. it's responsible for my freshman 15. if you get the meal plan, you have unlimited access to the dining hall, and you'll know where your tuition money is going towards. you can complain all you want about that, but at least you're eating good food.
What to do for fun dallas has so many great things to do, places to hang out and places to just eat. when you're on campus, you feel like you're not in dallas though since it's like a different world; but around smu, it's a great place to be around.
Great for these types of students if you are an artistic, musical person; you will fit perfectly in meadows school of the arts. if you love mechanical, engineering; you will fit perfectly in the lyle school of engineering. if you love business, accounting, marketing; you will fit perfectly in the cox school of business. if you like teaching, psychology, and anything other than what i listed; you'll fit at dedman. and last but not least, if you just like everything, you will fit at smu.
Clubs and Activities smu has hundreds of clubs. it's so great. you can easily find a club to your liking, and if not, more than one. since smu has the money, you can easily get chartered if you have enough people to be in your club, so smu's really supportive of these things.
Greek Life greek life, greek row, greek council...it's a big part of smu tradition. most everyone i know rushed, but it's not a bad thing. they are really like family and really close when it comes to bigs and littles.
Campus Safety police are everywhere on campus; sometimes, it is a little too much to see them so often, but they are here for our safety. there's a fire department on campus and there's also giddyup (which is a covered golf cart that can take you around campus if you just call it on your cell phone) that especially comes in handy at night when you're coming home late from studying at the library.
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Rhyanna from Lewisville, TX
Reviewer is A current student here.
Categories Rating Comments In three sentences southern methodist is vast, beautiful, and easy to navigate. the campus is inviting and classic, with roman inspired architecture and a diverse student body. classes are taught by highly intelligent and qualified professors who are leaders in their fields.
Tips for prospective students get a semester at a glance from the learning center; it is a life saver. make sure you are managing your time well!
Academic Rigor classes are hard, but rewarding if you do the reading.
Dorm Life neighbors are friendly, dorms are nicely renovated.
Food and Dining lots of variety and delicious!
What to do for fun greek life throws parties and formals constantly. central dallas is full of bars and nightlife.
Bang for the buck smu is expensive, but it's worth it. and the financial aid staff works very hard to get you the aid you need.
Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus walking across the seal in dallas hall is tradition. don't step on it before graduation, or you won't graduate on time!
Great for these types of students artists, business students, pre-meds, journalists.
Clubs and Activities lots available, but very greek.
Greek Life greek life is the social scene.
Campus Safety constant rounds by securities guards, roaming gold carts to take you across campus, emergency buttons all over campus. super safe!
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Cameron
Reviewer is A current student here.
Categories Rating Comments In three sentences what i love the most about smu is that the class sizes are small and provide a personal learning experience. the professors here are highly dedicated to what they do and are very accessible. there are also plenty of programs including a huge greek community to get involved with on campus.
Tips for prospective students be sure to visit your professor's office hours whenever you need help in your courses and also try to get to know them. go to your academic advisor and make a four-year plan for the major you want so you don't run into any scheduling issues further down the line. lastly, find a good balance between your studies and your social life.
Academic Rigor the courses here will challenge you, but they are in no way impossible. there are resources such as the alec and writing center to help you get the best grade possible. work hard and you will do well.
Dorm Life i live in a suite-style room with a private bathroom and study room. the rooms are fairly large and the bathrooms are cleaned every week. my hall in particular does not socialize very much but if you're looking for a quiet living environment then it's perfect.
Food and Dining the cafeteria is good but not great. they do try to switch up the menu and provide as much variety as they can but i do get tired of it from time to time. we have a really good grill-style dining restaurant called mac's place that typically stays open until midnight. in addition to those they are also small fast food restaurants available in the student center during the day.
What to do for fun there are a lot of club and organizations to get involved with on campus. on weekends i like to go the northpark mall which is only about a 20min drive away from the campus. there is a small local movie theatre called the angelika and the mall also has a movie theatre. i have gone to different clubs in the city which were really fun. dallas however is the type of city that does not have a great public transportation system. i would recommend having a car.
Bang for the buck smu is located in a very up-scale section of dallas, so many of the stores close to the campus tend to be very expensive.
Greek Life smu has a very large greek community on campus. while many people participate in greek life, you do not have to be a member in order to participate in it as well. the minority greek organizations are not nearly as big as the others but are there for anyone who is interested in them.
Campus Safety the campus is not closed off from the community so anyone can come on campus, but it still feels very safe to be here. smu police are very reliable and you will see them driving around from time to time. overall i have always felt very safe here.
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Anonymous
Reviewer is A current student here.
Categories Rating Comments Am learning a lot SMU may have the reputation as being a common backup school, but I have found that the courses can be very challenging. Only being a freshman, my teachers thus far are extremely passionate about what they do. They set high standards for their students and really strive to teach the material in an interesting and though provoking way. SMU also requires that students complete five perspective courses from a variety of different subjects. This emphasizes the well rounded curriculum that SMU prides itself on.
Am enjoying being here YES! SMU has such a welcoming community. Coming from California, I had no difficulties in the transition to a new state. SMU provides so many opportunities for students to participate in, and also puts on many activities. I easily got involved in several organizations, which allowed me to meet other students with common interests. SMU really makes an effort to make sure that their students are being catered to. For example, during finals week, SMU brought in dogs and puppies to play with on the lawn as stress relievers. Students are always first.
Bang for the buck SMU is extremely generous in providing scholarships to students coming out of high school. While I would pay the entire 50 grand for the college experience I am getting at SMU, it is even more satisfying that many students are paying much less for that same experience.
Tips for prospective students While it's easy to get caught up in getting high grades, SMU is looking for well rounded students. Not only is a high GPA important, but SMU really looks for those students who also value extracurricular activities and community service. They want to know that they are getting students who will make a difference on the SMU campus.
Great for these types of students SMU is fit for those individuals who want a hands on college experience. This school isn't for someone who wants to hide in big lecture halls and remain unknown. SMU has small classes where every students name is heard. SMU provides tons of opportunities specific to students who are eager to take the initiative.
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