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How do I Become a President's Scholar?

Requirements

Students are automatically considered for the President's Scholarship by applying for admission to SMU. To become a President's Scholar candidate, a student must have:

  • Exceptional achievement on the SAT or ACT

  • A minimum of 20 high school academic units in a challenging curriculum, including AP/IB and honors courses, two years of a single foreign language, and advanced coursework in math and science

  • A high school rank in the top 10 percent of the graduating class

  • A demonstrated commitment to engagement in school and/or community activities

Only students invited to interview will be notified. Students invited to interview usually exhibit a high degree of intellectual curiosity while pursuing the most rigorous high school coursework available and possess a record of exceptional school and/or community involvement. The median student invited to interview for Fall 2011 had SAT scores of 1500 (critical reading and math) and earned an academic un-weighted GPA of 4.0 (on a 4.0 scale).

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

214-768-3417

enrol_serv@mail.smu.edu

Estimated SMU Costs

Based on estimated costs for the 2011 - 2012 academic year for a student living on campus.

Tuition

$34,990*

Fees

$4,440

Room and Board

$13,215

Total for Two Terms

$52,645

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