How do I Become a President's Scholar?

Requirements

To be come a President's Scholar candidate, typically you must meet the following minimum requirements:

An SAT score of at least 1350 (700 verbal, 650 math) or a composite ACT score of 31 or higher
A minimum of 17 high school academic units with a challenging curriculum, including AP and honors classes, foreign language, and advanced math and science
A high school rank in the top 10 percent of your graduating class
A demonstrated commitment to involvement in school and/or community activities

You are automatically considered for a President's Scholarship when you apply for admission to SMU. If you have applied to SMU and feel that you should be considered for a President's Scholarship, you can call direct attention to your application by contacting Martha Starke in the Office of the Associate Provost Thomas W. Tunks at 214-768-3726 or mstarke@smu.edu.

In addition, every year SMU selects approximately four current students to receive upper-class President's Scholarships after their sophomore years.

The Selection Process

January 15 Priority Deadline
Complete and return your Application for Admission by January 15, which is the deadline for priority consideration for most SMU merit scholarships.

February
SMU faculty committees select about 80 finalists for the award.

March
All finalists are invited to campus for personal interviews. Interviews are required for consideration for the full-tuition and fees President's Scholar award.

SMU covers all expenses for meals and accommodations during the campus interview process.

In addition to meeting SMU President R. Gerald Turner at a reception and banquet, finalists meet with current President's Scholars, President's Scholars alumni, professors who teach in their area of academic interest, and others in the SMU community.

April
Recipients of President's Scholar awards are notified during the first week of April. Each year, approximately 20 to 30 entering first-year students are designated as President's Scholars.

How to Apply

Submit your completed Application for Admission to SMU postmarked on or before January 15 of your senior year. All accepted students who meet the stated requirements will be considered for the President's Scholar award. There is no separate application process or essay for the award. To apply online, visit the SMU Admissions page. For more information concerning admission, other merit scholarships and financial aid, or for an application, contact:

SMU Division of Enrollment Services
PO Box 750181
Dallas, TX 75275-0181

214-768-2085 or 214-768-3417

enrol_serv@mail.smu.edu

Estimated SMU Costs

Based on estimated costs for the 2009 -2010 academic year for a student living on campus.

Tuition	$31,200*
Fees	$3,960
Room and Board	$12,445
Total for Two Terms	$47,605

*The President's Scholars Program provides full tuition and fees.