Official NCES IPEDS & Common Data Set Admissions Statistics (2025-2026 Cycle)
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Selective Private Private research university Dallas, TX

Southern Methodist University Acceptance Rate

Comprehensive admissions statistics, middle 50% SAT/ACT test score percentiles, GPA requirements, deadlines, and cost of attendance according to official NCES IPEDS and Common Data Set reports.

Official Acceptance Rate
52.3%

52 admitted per 100 applicants

Total Applicants
17,200
Undergraduate pool
Total Admitted
8,995
Offers extended
Enrolled Freshmen
1,600
Yield: 17.8%
Middle 50% SAT
1370-1500
25th-75th Percentile
Middle 50% ACT
31-34
Composite score
Average High School GPA
3.73
Unweighted 4.0 scale

Calculate Your Chances of Admission to Southern Methodist University

Simulate how your personal high school GPA and standardized test scores compare against SMU's accepted cohort.

College Admissions Chances Calculator

Evaluate admission odds based on your GPA and SAT/ACT scores against official IPEDS benchmarks

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3.85
Composite SAT Score 1480
Harvard University
Institutional Acceptance Rate: 3.4%
Reach School
Estimated Admission Likelihood
6% - 10% (~2.4x baseline rate)
Reach (<35%) Target (35%-70%) Safety (>70%)
Academic Profile vs Middle 50% Benchmarks:
Your GPA vs School Avg
3.85 vs 3.98 Below Avg
Your SAT vs Mid-50%
1480 vs 1490-1580 Near 25th %
Strategic Recommendations for this College:

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SMU Standardized Test Score Distributions

Breakdown of the 25th percentile (bottom quarter) vs 75th percentile (top quarter) of matriculated students.

SAT Middle 50% Distribution

1600 Scale
Composite Total Range 1370 – 1500
Reading & Writing (EBRW) 670 – 740
Math Section 690 – 760
Current Testing Policy Test-Optional through 2026

ACT & GPA Academic Benchmarks

36 Scale / 4.0 GPA
ACT Composite 25th Percentile 31
ACT Composite 75th Percentile 34
Average High School Unweighted GPA 3.73 / 4.00
Estimated Class Rank Top 10% of high school graduating class

Application Deadlines & Admissions Plans

Regular Decision (RD) Deadline January 15
Early Application Deadline November 1
Early Admissions Plan Type Early Action / Early Decision
Application Fee $60 (Fee waivers accepted)

Tuition & Estimated Cost of Attendance

In-State Tuition & Fees $64,460 / year
Out-of-State Tuition & Fees $64,460 / year
Institutional Type Private research university
Official Admissions Portal Visit SMU

Southern Methodist University Admissions FAQ

Frequently asked questions regarding admission requirements, GPA, and test percentiles for SMU.

What is the acceptance rate for Southern Methodist University?

The official undergraduate acceptance rate for Southern Methodist University (SMU) is approximately 52.3%. For every 100 applicants, around 52 students are admitted, according to latest NCES IPEDS and Common Data Set reports.

What GPA do you need to get into SMU?

Admitted students to SMU typically have an average unweighted high school GPA of around 3.73 on a 4.0 scale. Most successful applicants take rigorous AP, IB, or Honors courses and rank in the top quartile of their graduating class.

What are the middle 50% SAT and ACT scores for SMU?

The middle 50% SAT score range for admitted students is 1370 to 1500. For the ACT, the middle 50% composite score is 31 to 34. Scoring in the upper 75th percentile significantly increases your admissions chances.

What is the application deadline for Southern Methodist University?

The regular decision application deadline for Southern Methodist University is January 15. Early applicants typically submit their materials by November 1 under the Early Action / Early Decision admissions plan.

Is SMU test-optional in 2025-2026?

Southern Methodist University's testing policy status: Test-Optional through 2026. Please verify program-specific requirements on the official admissions portal before submitting.