Heard on The Hilltop

“My advice for any high school students considering SMU is to not count yourself out before you even apply. There is a strong community here waiting to shower you with support, care and love. And once you’re at SMU, you’ll be encouraged to dip your toe into anything that you find yourself drawn to; hence why I am leaving this institution with three different degrees.”

Abena Marfo ’22
Triple major in sociology, health and society and human rights

“My experiences at SMU have been broad and all-encompassing. I found opportunities to conduct and present my own research, have a work-study job, fully fund my study-abroad experience and volunteer with the local community. Coming into college, I didn't think I would have the time to delve so deeply into all my interests. However, SMU has just so much to offer, and encourages students to balance their academics with other pursuits.”

Siddhakshi Solanki ’20
Pre-med double major in biology and French

“The support of professors has had a profound impact on me. Rita Economos in the Earth Sciences Department guided me through a senior thesis project that set me up to go to graduate school, if I choose to.”

Evan Snyder ’19
Double major in geology and human rights. As a first-year student, he joined the SMU-led research that’s now a major Smithsonian exhibition, Sea Monsters Unearthed.

"I chose SMU for my graduate program because I was looking for a smaller interconnected department that is well respected."

Kelsey Paulhus 
SMU biology student that received a predoctoral fellowship award from the American Epilepsy Society (AES) to support research and professional development activities.

“SMU’s central location in the great city of Dallas makes it possible for students to engage within this remarkable community. This engagement can take place in the form of volunteer work, internships or work experience. The possibilities are endless."

Sanaa Ghanim ’20
Double major in human rights and English

“SMU’s approach to interdisciplinary study has shaped me into a more critical thinker who can approach a problem from both business and scientific perspectives. As I prepare for medical school, my dual degree plan gives me a competitive edge. I am able to pursue diverse internship opportunities, including those that focus on the business and clinical aspects of health care.”

W. Holt Garner ’19
Double major in accounting and biology and chemistry minor

“People sometimes question my combination of majors. When they do, I point out that so much of my campus involvement—everything from planning and organizing cultural awareness events to serving as the social media and marketing coordinator for the Embrey Human Rights Program—demonstrates how beautifully they mesh together.”

Neha Husein ’19
Double major in marketing and human rights.

“SMU provided me access to professors who pushed me to think, to alumni and a business community eager to see me and others succeed, and to life-long friends, with many of whom I also do business.”

Jonathan R. Childers ’02 and ’05, Attorney
Childers graduated in 2002 with a double major in English and History. He graduated from SMU Law in 2005.