We have started looking at SMU and some of its peers for undergrad business programs. We have noticed that every year Cox admits 100 students as BBA Scholars and it seems from our research that program is extremely selective and probably comparable to WashU or Villanova in selectivity for B-school. Then they also admit 300 Business Direct with less clear guidance on the profile of the accepted students. BBAS and DB have thrown a wrench into our strategic thinking. Does anyone know how many spots are there per class in the Cox undergrad program and when do you apply if not BBAS or DB? Given the size of the school, it seems like very few, making it probably tremendously difficult to get into Cox after freshman year. How does ED1/2 factor into BBAS or DB? Are there a number of those positions reserved for either of those and/or ED? Should a kid apply to SMU in ED if it would only be happy with Cox at SMU? Would an ED application be to Cox only or could they accept you in ED for SMU but not BBAS/DB even if you marked Cox and be bound to go to general arts and sciences instead?
See #11 - 13. Seems like they discourage you from thinking you can get in as an internal transfer. At least it’s honest. The second link has the profile for the scholars.
I would call an admissions counselor to ask your ED question but third link - I see no provision to get out if you are admitted but not to the b school so seems EA would be better and while no one knows, I’d assume merit wise.
You may have seen all this already so if I added nothing…apologies. We looked…didn’t apply…what we noticed about SMU was they pushed hard for a b4 sep 30 app but not ED per se. Just remember with ED, they have no reason to ‘buy’ your attendance. How that factors into admission in the special program I don’t know but anecdotally I’d think they have less reason to admit you but wouldn’t necessarily say that.
https://www.smu.edu/cox/Degrees-and-Programs/BBA/High-School-Class-of-2019/faq
https://www.smu.edu/cox/Degrees-and-Programs/BBA/High-School-Class-of-2019/bba-scholars
One more thing. Their yield is 19% so probably not a ton of EDs. Admission is over 50%
So if you want to get in but your student not the strongest (can’t tell) ED likely a huge help but not necessarily to Cox.
A 1496 SAT for BBA scholar on average or 34 SAT and highest rigor you can probably tell up front if you will get that. I imagine they want to keep that ‘elite’. That looks to be their 25th profile for both SAT and ACT.
You can also apply test optional according to the website for Cox. It doesn’t specifically note BBA Scholar so that might a question worth asking if TO is an option for you. I think TO is typically a strike against. Others disagree.
I’m an EA fan, especially at a school where the yield isn’t great. They do consider demonstrated interest so get on their list, open emails and videos even if you don’t sit and watch them, have her send one or two to the AO…make sure she’s a known person.
Best of luck.
Definitely seems like EA is the way to go with them if you would only go there if you get into Cox. It has 56 pct acceptance rate per CT vs 65 pct for ED. So once you factor athletes out, the difference seems immaterial and none of the risks that we have highlighted are present in EA. TCU, interestingly, has 70 pct for EA and 56 pct for ED, which is curious and would also call for EA.Any idea why? We know they do not have direct admit to Neeley at all.
Where did u see the ED % ?
I see this but who knows if accurate.
My belief is - short of the crème de la creme there is no reason to apply ED anywhere unless you are below borderline.
To me, you can’t compare offers, I believe you likely hurt aid and in this case you want direct admit - so not knowing your students stats, I’d say apply early if ready (they gave us no app fee by sept 30) and I think you’d have just as good a shot or close to it if your student is in range. Again demonstrate interest. They consider it (SMU).
If not (admitted) that’s ok too. She’ll know. Lots of great mid size b schools.u should do a chance me 
College Transitions Dataverse, which in my experience is quite solid in their research rigor.
From a January 2021 presentation:
- BBA Scholars hold an average SAT score of 1496 and ACT score of 34
- Only 120 students out of 500+ students in the SMU Cox freshmen class are selected to be BBA Scholars
- 96% of BBAs report having completed 2-3 internships prior to graduation
BBA Scholars get some extra benefits and money but in terms of internships or admission to special programs (like Alts for finance), I believe those are all based on college GPA, leadership and recommendations.
Thanks. Any info on Business Direct?
Here’s the 2021 employment report. When comparing to other schools, note that 91% of graduates responded.
I can’t find stats for getting into BBA Direct. My daughter is a junior pre-health major who knows people who have transferred into and out of Cox. I’m not sure what grades they had. Maybe like 3.75. My freshman son didn’t get into Cox and had a 1330 SAT. He’s going to do CS and History double major. Lots of things probably factor into the admission decision – course rigor (Calculus/APs), test scores, diversity of all kinds, interest in SMU, etc.
While every college is different…it’s pretty eye opening if you are a generalist or marketing. I’ve looked at other schools…same pattern but not as much a disparity. Of course not everyone has the interest or aptitude for finance.
25% continuing education is high for bus. Maybe law or an accelerated mba.
Thx for sharing.
1/3 of those are rolling into the MS Acctg program. I’ve heard that about 80% of the SMU MS Acctg students are from SMU undergrad. It still leaves a good chunk that may decide on other one year masters programs, law, etc.
It’s also pretty eye-opening if you’re in education. Most of those salaries are higher than a public K-12 teacher with a Master’s who has 25 years of experience. And these are business grads who are just finishing up with college.
Well, if we divide the salary by hours worked during the year… those NY I-banking/PE and big-time strategic consulting starting salaries seem a bit less appealing, even before factoring in the long-term brain damage…
It’s worth it. Tremendous exposure and learning about working quickly and accurately. However, all the pitches in IB can be brutal. I now prefer a consulting path because one learns to ask questions and think strategically. It still takes a lot of work and those that keep up that work ethic in corporate are the ones most likely to succeed.
Business grads from lower ranked schools are much less likely to find a job than a teacher. This weekend I spoke with a new teacher who said that teachers with previous teacher training in the classroom last an average of five years. Those that didn’t have previous training last an average of two years. God bless teachers!
Agree re consulting; it’s not a bad time in life to be traveling out of town every week…