DD applied to SMU, hoping for Cox BBA direct, but hasn’t visited yet nor knows anyone who has attended SMU. Would consider visit if accepted. Applied to Tulane as well, but the geographic diversity there seems so much broader than SMU. Seems large majority of kids at SMU are from TX, CA and FL with only very modest representation from Northeast. Wondering how accepting student population would be for an outgoing, politically moderate kid from MidAtlantic? She would be interested in joining a Sorority. Socially, is it really different going to a school like SMU?
Since your DD is outgoing and wants to join a sorority, SMU is the best school in Texas for her. Yes, Tulane has a greater representation from the Northeast but SMU is very welcoming of those outside Texas. Less than half of SMU students are from Texas. Many Northeast prep/boarding schools have students attend SMU. The Cox school provides outstanding opportunities and is the best in the Southwest for undergrad.
current cox BBA scholar here. she will be completely fine. she just needs to look for friends with common interests so getting involved is good. if she wants to contact the BBA admissions and they may be able to connect her to current students on her visit.