<p>What are some people's thoughts on SMU?</p>
<p>SMU has some strong programs, but has the feel of the wealthy Dallas high school just to the south of campus. It has the nickname "Highland Park North". It is very insular and preppy. Offers some good merit money to attract strong students. Very strong frat/sorority scene. I lived in Dallas for 28 years and SMU was not an option for either of my kids.</p>
<p>I don't know anyone who goes there, but my friends who have visited loved it. They said the campus was really nice and they were impressed by the academics. It is preppy though, so probably not right for everyone.</p>
<p>Any school that was contemplating building or allowing a George W. Bush presidential library would be low on my list. </p>
<p>Perhaps look further into Vanderbilt as it is a better school anyway.</p>
<p>There's a HUGE difference in selectivity between SMU and Vanderbilt. The OP may not be looking in that high of a range. </p>
<p>Alternatives closer to the same tier would include: TCU, U Tulsa, Hendrix..</p>
<p>Maybe Tulane as a (more realistic) high match / reach. It really depends on his stats.</p>
<p>As stated before, SMU has a really white, rich and preppy feel to the school. The only kids I know who go there are pretty well off (600k+ house) and they really like SMU. One thing they have told me is that if you aren't upper-middle to upper class, you might feel like you don't fit in. I actually spent two weeks on campus for a soccer camp when I was 16 and when college application time came, I never considered SMU. I think SMU is one of those places that has a distinct feel that makes a campus visit 100% necessary.</p>
<p>Well, I guess I kinda fit into the SMU stereotype, which is why I was wondering if anyone had anything else to say about it other than 'rich, white, preppy, greek'. I can't get into Vandy, so that's not an option.</p>
<p>I would go to a state university over SMU. If you aren't getting a lot of merit money, SMU isn't worth it (except for a few arts fields). It is a pretty campus, but that area is crowded, parking is a pain and it truly is a "bubble". I know Vandy isn't in the cards for you, but Vandy is an example of a university integrating much better into it's city.</p>
<p>My only TMU experience is negative. Cousin goes there and parties like a rock star including the visits to the ER. Lots of beautiful people lots of out of control partying but some good programs. If you are looking for more personal growth try one of the Texas publics or maybe Trinity U which seems to have a more intellectual feel.</p>
<p>I'm not instate... And it's tough to get into my instate uni (UGA).</p>
<p>I thought that SMU had a top 25 undergrad business school as well as a very strong communications program. Is this incorrect? If it's true and there's a good chance of merit aid, is it worth a look?</p>
<p>They are trying to beef up the business school. I think the grad program is stronger than the undergrad program. Sorry- I'm just not a big fan of the university. I don't think it is worth the money.</p>
<p>Seriously, look at TCU or Tulsa instead.</p>
<p>I've heard similar things about TCU -- I chatted with their rep for about 20 minutes at our college fair last fall, however, and then met with her for like an hour a couple weeks later.</p>
<p>^wait, they had a TCU rep in Atlanta?</p>
<p>There was one at the Lovett College Fair, which was private I think. Then their rep (same one) came to my school.</p>
<p>Daughter has to choose between ut and SMU. SMU will be 40k more overall. We are middle class dallasites, not rich. We are sad about it.</p>