Southern Methodist University

I really enjoyed SMU. Academically, SMU offers strong educational programs. The professors are knowledgeable and experienced in their fields and are generally quite approachable, which is not the norm at many universities. Also, the classes are, on the whole taught by actual professors, not graduate assistants. After graduation, I entered both graduate school and my chosen profession. I have found in both situations that I was better prepared academically, and had more in depth knowledge in my major than many of my peers who had graduated from major public colleges and universities. SMU definitely has quality programs in business, the arts, and liberal arts. You hear all the time that you must be rich to go to SMU. This isn't entirely true. While, there are many wealthy students, there are just as many on financial aid. They're just less obvious. The school is predominantly white though, and being white myself I really can't speak to what it is like to be a minority. I do know that I had sorority sisters who were Asian, African American, and Hispanic, so it's not necessarily true that the Greek system is inherently racist. Socially, I will say that the school is heavily influenced by the Greek system, so if you are anti-Greek, this may not be the school for you. However, with that said, I think that most students find their niche. One of the student reviews stated that drugs were extremely common among the Greeks. Unless things have changed a lot since I graduated, I did not find this to be true. Drinking was common, but illegal drugs, date rape and some of the other things I saw mentioned in reviews as being common place really weren't. All in all its a great school. Just make sure you know what kind of school it is.

Alumnus Male -- Class 2000

SMU is a great school that I highly recommend at least checking out, but it has some serious pitfalls.

The GOOD: First of all, the inherent business culture of the university is apparent in all the schools, particularly in the school of Engineering. The main focus of the Lyle engineering school is to get you a job. From the first day, freshmen will be inundated with Co-op and internship talks and will learn that, generally speaking, you are on a 5 year graduation plan. It is intimidating at first, but that type of drive for success and determination will inspire you to think about the future and really plan for employment. The engineering school has seen the most renovation, innovation, and funding from the university, so all the buildings and resources are brand new. You will definitely feel inspired to apply yourself in employment and in the lab. Secondly, at it's core SMU is a liberal arts institution. You will have to take at least one class from each different school, and each school offers something great. You are encouraged to explore different courses and double major, or if you really want triple major. Third, the campus is beautiful. You won't consider aesthetics a real reason to attend a university until you visit SMU. Fourth, you don't have to be in a frat to have fun. If you don't party, that's fine, you will find a group of friends that do stuff together. Yes, the majority of very rich white kids here, but there is so much more to SMU. Walk around campus and you will here people talking in Pashtun, Hindi, Mandarin, Spanish, French, and other languages. There so many groups to explore that you will not notice or really care about "that sick party Kappa Sigma is throwing." unless you are actively seeking it out. The BAD: First, it is ridiculously expensive to attend SMU, and it is only going to get more and more expensive. On top of that, that financial plan you have will expand quite as quick as the cost, and you will end up paying around $1000-$3000 out of pocket every semester after freshmen year, if you don't get new scholarships. In fact, that is part of the reason I had to leave. Second, no doubt about it, the majority of the school is white and wealthy. That isn't necessarily a bad thing, but if you are a minority, you will notice it. When I was there, there were two violent crimes against two different Asian students by the fraternities on campus. After that, I never walked down fraternity row at night ever, even though it's on campus. Third, Greek culture dominates the social life. You can have a blast as a GDI once you find your core group of friends, but be aware that the frats and sororities are the influential people on campus. Many students go to SMU just to rush Phi Delt or Pi Phi, and will transfer out if they don't get picked. I have met many pleasant, intelligent, and chill people who are in those organizations, but if you are looking to party in college, you have to roll with them. There is hazing and you will be doing illegal things.

1st Year Male -- Class 2016

Individual Value: A+, Perceived Campus Safety: C-