Application Information

“
The Hunt Scholarship made my college decision simple. I had been admitted into some prestigious universities, including some Ivy League universities. With all the opportunities, both in Dallas and overseas, that are offered by the Program, the decision was purely academic.”



--- Wayne Mink, Hunt Scholar Class of 1998

Eligibility:

  1. Demonstrated Extraordinary Leadership:

    This is normally reflected through serving in top leadership positions of high school organizations. This requirement may also be reflected through significant leadership accomplishments in areas outside the high school setting. Examples of such leadership may include: Senior or Junior class president or Student Council president, Editor-in-Chief of school newspaper, founders of organizations, senior leadership in scouting or service organizations, Boys State or Girls State representative.

  2. Submission of the Hunt Essay (see below), and a completed first-year application for admission to SMU by January 15.

  3. Rank in top 25% of graduating class.*

  4. Composite SAT 1230 on Math and Critical Reading or ACT 28.

  5. Completion of a strong college preparatory curriculum, typically including AP courses, IB courses, and honors classes.
Students who lack one of the criteria 3, 4, or 5 may be considered if outstanding abilities in other areas are identified in addition to demonstrated extraordinary leadership.

* If the school does not rank students, then the expectation is a strong academic record.

Timeline and Selection Process:

Up to 25 entering first-year students each year are selected as Hunt Leadership Scholars. Leadership is the primary criterion for selection. Approximately sixty finalists are invited to interview at SMU (the interview is required for consideration for the Scholarship) on a designated day in March. Scholarship recipients are notified in the first week of April.

In 2010, over 400 applicants for the Program were considered. Those invited to interview had shown truly exceptional leadership and service to their high schools and communities. They combined effective, dedicated, and energetic service and the ability to lead others with a spirit of inquiry and a strong sense of social responsibility. Beyond these factors, there are no stereotypes or typical characteristics for the Hunt Leadership Scholars. Their academic intentions span the University -- Philosophy, Music, Premed, Political Science, Undecided, etc. – and they have widely varying interests, activities, and backgrounds.

How to Apply:

In addition to your application to SMU, please submit two additional items:
  1. One recommendation from a teacher or counselor that directly and clearly addresses your proven leadership record and potential. Your counselor recommendation letter can serve if it clearly addresses leadership, with specific examples.

  2. The Hunt Essay.
    Please respond to the following question, in a maximum of 2-3 pages.

    “Based on your understanding of leadership, how would you use your leadership abilities as a member of a college community?”
Please submit your Hunt Essay and first year application to the Office of Undergraduate Admission. (The Essay can be submitted either along with your application, or separately.)

Note: Hunt Essay and first year application are due by January 15.

On each page of the Hunt Essay, be sure to include your name, social security number, and the words “Hunt Essay.”

You may submit this essay to the SMU Admissions Office in one of three ways:
  • By Mail:
    SMU Division of Enrollment Services
    Office of Undergraduate Admissions
    P.O. Box 750181
    Dallas, Texas 75275-0181

  • By Email as an attachment to:
    ugadmission@smu.edu

  • By Fax:
    (214)768-0103