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FAQs: Transfer Students
Click on a question to jump to the answer:
• What are the minimum requirements for transferring
to SMU?
• Is there a foreign language requirement?
• What is the maximum number of units that can
transfer?
• Which courses transfer to SMU?
• Is transfer credit given for correspondence courses?
• Who determines which courses will transfer?
• Do I need to submit my high school transcript?
• How is my transferable GPA calculated?
• What kinds of scholarship opportunities are available
for transfer students?
• On what should I write my essay, and how long should it be?
• Do foreign transcripts require additional documentation?
• Do I have to reapply if I have previously applied?
• How do I seek readmission to the University?
What are the minimum requirements for transferring to SMU?
SMU’s Office of Undergraduate Admission separates transfer students into two categories, transfer and first-year transfer, based on the number of transferrable hours completed at the time of application. For full details on transfer requirements, visit our Transfer Admission page.
Is there a foreign language requirement?
If you have completed two years of a single foreign language in high school or one year of a single foreign language at the college level, then you have fulfilled the foreign language requirement for admission to SMU. If not, then you will need to complete two years of a single foreign language at an accredited institution, and you will need to begin this course requirement no later than your third regular term at SMU. This requirement applies to all SMU majors. Students with a documented language-based learning disability that prevents learning a foreign language may enroll in American Sign Language to satisfy the University's foreign language admission requirement.
What is the maximum number of units that can transfer?
A minimum of 60 credit hours must be completed at SMU to earn your degree. However, if you have more than 62 transferable hours, they will all “transfer” and be used in the admissions, scholarship and financial aid process. You and your SMU academic advisor will determine which hours will apply to your degree.
Which courses transfer to SMU?
Each academic department determines which courses will transfer. Based on your credit transfer evaluation and several other factors, the Admissions Office determines your admissibility. Generally, if SMU has a comparable course (equal in content and level), you are likely to receive credit for the course. If you attend Dallas, Tarrant or Collin county community colleges, transferability can be easily determined because we have equivalency guides for those colleges. No transfer credit is given for correspondence courses.
For specific guidelines on courses and transferability, see our Transfer & Transition Services website.
Is transfer credit given for correspondence courses?
No.
Who determines which courses will transfer?
The individual academic departments for each school determine course transferability.
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Do I need to submit my high school transcript?
Yes, we use the high school transcript for several reasons: 1) to verify math readiness (algebra I, geometry, algebra II) when the college transcript does not show college algebra or higher, 2) to determine admissibility of a transfer student who has less than 30 transferable hours and 3) to register and to verify two years of the same foreign language.
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How is my transferable GPA calculated?
Your transferable GPA is determined by including all courses that are considered comparable to SMU courses from every college attended. The number of grade points earned is divided by the number of attempted hours. If you receive a D or F in a comparable course, the D or F will be used in the calculation of your GPA, but you will not actually be awarded transfer credit for that course, since SMU does not award credit for grades lower than C-. If you receive a D or F in a course that is not comparable, then it will not be counted in the GPA.
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What kinds of scholarship opportunities are available for transfer students?
Full tuition opportunities exist for the Dallas County Community College District, Collin County Community College District and Tarrant County College students with 50 transferable hours and a 3.70 GPA. Half tuition opportunities also exist for transfer students coming from any college or university with 50 transferable hours and a 3.70 GPA. For more information, visit Transfer Scholarships. First-year transfers with a competitive high school profile and less than 30 transferable hours may be eligible for First-Year Scholarships.
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On what should I write my essay, and how long should it be?
Your transfer application will have essay suggestions, or you can choose your own topic. The essay provides a chance to move beyond the numbers and statistics. It's your chance to set yourself apart from all the other applicants. A thoughtful, well-written essay can positively influence the admission committee's final decision and is a critical element in the selection of winners for competitive scholarships. Most essays are approximately two pages, typed and double-spaced.
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Do foreign transcripts require additional documentation?
Yes. Any student who submits a foreign transcript is responsible for submitting the additional documentation required for evaluation. Keep in mind that for SMU to convert the courses to US credits, we need very specific information about the term calendar year, grading scale, course descriptions, length of class, etc. To understand more about the documentation required, see International Transfer Students.
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What kinds of resources are available to US Veterans transferring to SMU?
Veterans must meet general admission requirements for transfer. For information on benefits and financial assistance, see our Veteran Affairs page.
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Do I have to reapply if I have previously applied?
You do not have to fill out another application, but you do need to complete a Transfer Update Form found in the Forms & Applications listing.
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How do I seek readmission to the University?
If you were previously enrolled at SMU, but have not been enrolled for two or more regular terms (regular terms are fall and spring), or if you have been suspended, then you must be readmitted to SMU. The Readmission Application can be found in Forms & Applications.
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