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Moderately selectiveUpdated for the 2025-2026 cycle

Southern Methodist University acceptance rate and admissions profile

Southern Methodist University is a private university in Texas with a 52% acceptance rate, which makes it moderately selective. Here is what it looks for, where it sits among Texas schools, and how to estimate your own odds with CollegeCalcAI.

Acceptance rate
52%
Moderately selective
Admitted SAT (75th pct)
1440
of admitted students
Type
Private
Texas
Selectivity in state
#11
of 53 in TX
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What Southern Methodist University looks for

What Southern Methodist University weighs most heavily in its admissions review, modeled from its selectivity and profile.

Rigor of secondary school record
Important
Academic GPA
Very important
Class rank
Important
Standardized test scores
Important
Application essay
Considered
Recommendations
Considered
Extracurricular activities
Considered
Talent / ability
Considered
Character / personal qualities
Considered
First-generation status
Considered
Alumni / legacy relation
Considered
Geographical residence
Considered
Volunteer work
Considered
Work experience
Considered
Level of applicant interest
Considered

SAT score positioning at Southern Methodist University

How common SAT scores sit relative to the admitted middle. This is context, not a probability — your full profile determines the real estimate.

SATWhere it sits at Southern Methodist University
1600Above the admitted 75th percentile
1500Above the admitted 75th percentile
1400In the competitive admitted range
1300Well below the admitted range
1200Well below the admitted range
1100Well below the admitted range

How Southern Methodist University compares in Texas

Southern Methodist University ranks #11 most selective of 53 schools in Texas in our database.

Rice University
8%acceptance · TX
Paul Quinn College
30%acceptance · TX
University of Texas at Austin
31%acceptance · TX
Texas Christian University
40%acceptance · TX
Baylor University
47%acceptance · TX
Huston-Tillotson University
50%acceptance · TX
Jarvis Christian University
50%acceptance · TX
Texas College
50%acceptance · TX
See all Texas schools →

Similar to Southern Methodist University

Schools with a similar selectivity profile, worth comparing as you build a balanced list.

Illinois Wesleyan University
52%acceptance · IL
Wabash College
52%acceptance · IN
Xavier University of Louisiana
52%acceptance · LA
Hampton University
51%acceptance · VA
Marist University
51%acceptance · NY
St. John's University
53%acceptance · NY

Frequently asked questions

How hard is it to get into Southern Methodist University?

Southern Methodist University has a 52% acceptance rate, which makes it moderately selective — it admits more applicants than it rejects. Admission depends on how your full profile compares to its admitted students, not on scores alone.

What SAT score do you need for Southern Methodist University?

There is no hard cutoff, but the admitted-student 75th-percentile SAT is around 1440. A score at or above the admitted range strengthens your application; CollegeCalcAI shows how your exact score shifts your odds.

What does Southern Methodist University value most in applicants?

Based on its admissions profile, Southern Methodist University weighs academic gpa, rigor of secondary school record, class rank most heavily. The full factor breakdown is on this page.

What are my chances of getting into Southern Methodist University?

Your chances depend on your GPA, course rigor, test scores, and activities together. Use the free CollegeCalcAI calculator to get a personalized acceptance estimate for Southern Methodist University in a few minutes, no account required.

Acceptance rate and admitted test ranges reflect publicly reported data (U.S. Department of Education / NCES IPEDS / Common Data Sets). Estimates from CollegeCalcAI are a planning tool computed by a fixed, transparent model, not a guarantee of any admission decision.