Southern Methodist University (SMU)

Thanks to the "strong traditions" and "top academics" of Southern Methodist University, graduates-especially those from the "phenomenal business school"-are well-prepared to make a positive impact on the world. Students praise the academic process, which is filled with "fun and interesting courses," and which places students in "a close-knit community of the intellectually elite." This mid-size private university provides "a wealth of academic resources...[and] a flood of opportunities for those who want them," most recently in its 2023 designation as a Regional Innovation and Technology Hub, which allows SMU to lead the way for the Dallas-Fort Worth area in developing innovative industries and initiatives in semiconductors, biotechnology, clean energy, precision medicine, and AI. Students find their coursework to be synced "to what you'll face in the real world," aided no doubt by the fact that many professors are "incredibly gifted in their fields" and have real-world experience in the subjects they teach. They're also described as "exceptional communicators" who "love interacting with students," all of which allows them to better "offer real-life connections to the material we learn." As one enrollee puts it, professors "are willing to put in extra time to convey the material" and "will change their schedule to accommodate people." The "incredible alumni support" at SMU provides excellent connections into the business world (among others), and three "dedicated career services centers" help students find a job to further their career path. Since many attend the university for the Cox School of Business, internship seekers and graduating students who want to stay in Dallas will appreciate that the school is ideally located "to secure great jobs with Fortune 500 companies right here in Dallas." The school's administration also "understands that studying abroad, internships, extracurriculars, etc., also play a crucial role in developing students into the adults and professionals they want to become."

On the whole, the student body is "happy and leads a balanced life." Some students at SMU "tend to be a bit preppy," polite, and come from "influential backgrounds," although plenty of students "work a lot for pay or do internships." SMU students "are very busy people, and they prefer it that way," says one student. These "motivated, outgoing," people "thrive on leadership" and are "dedicated to academics and involvement, both at SMU and in the greater community."

There's no shortage of things to do at and around SMU. Students will find everything from foosball matches in Klyde Warren Park, SMU football games, and "boulevarding" ("basically tailgating but on steroids") to the "amazing arts and restaurant scene around campus," the "fine dining and dancing" in uptown Dallas, and the museums in the Dallas Arts District, which are common destinations for walking tours. A large portion of every SMU student's time is devoted to their studies (and preparing for their careers) and many are "definitely wanting to become leaders in their field or profession." Students take their academics seriously, but they also value socializing and have a "vibrant social life." One student notes that "There is always a social event every weekend night to blow off steam." And although some students describe wanting "less emphasis on Greek life," they do acknowledge there are plenty of extracurricular organizations at SMU and that students "are involved...and have fun a lot."