I’m trying to choose between UT Austin and SMU. I’m currently leaning towards SMU (smaller in size, I got a scholarship, and I like one of the majors), but I don’t think my mom is. She, and most of my family, think SMU is kind of a joke (not well known outside of Texas and seemingly a religious school).
How do I break it to her that I’m looking at SMU?
Note: I haven’t decided, but I want her to be aware that I could choose SMU.
Be honest. Have solid reasons why SMU is worth considering.
If possible attend the accepted students day at.both colleges with your parents.
SMU is actually owned by the United Methodist Church (note what the M in SMU means).
Yes, Highland Park United Methodist Church is located on the corner of campus, there is a theology school and a chapel, but there is no religion requirement at SMU. We are Catholic and, I’ve heard, there are actually more Catholic students on campus than Methodists. I believe just about every faith group is represented on campus or, if atheist/agnostic, that is totally fine too and should be a non-issue. I was a student there in the 90’s and nobody from my close group of friends was from TX and my daughter is a student now - and many of her friends are at SMU from both coasts/CA/FL, etc…so they must have “heard” about SMU. I definitely think she should attend Destination SMU with you and see how you both feel about it afterward.
Listen to your mom. She is right.
UT Austin is far better school in every field.
Why would your parents allow you to apply to SMU if they won’t entertain the idea of you actually attending? Ask your mom what she thinks about the school compared to UT Austin. If both are affordable but you prefer smaller classes, see if UT Austin has an honors program.
SMU is actually an incredible school, we were absolutely blown away during our private tour. They are generous with aid (merit) but it is a $70,000 per year + school.
In my 22 years of work experience in Dallas area in telecom, engineering and software development, I’ve worked with some very talented people, I have always been impressed with colleagues who graduated from UT Austin (every single one). SMU on the other hand, well not so much. UT Austin has a reputation for a reason.
If my son (currently a junior in high school) is not accepted to UT Austin and does not go out of state then UTD would be his next choice. SMU would not even be a consideration.
Congratulations on being admitted to UT Austin and good luck to you in your decision.
I’m a current SMU student and I can honestly say that SMU has been a great experience. In job interviews I am directly competing with UT Austin students and some Texas A &m students (mostly honors). I beat out a few of them as an average finance student. I have plenty of friends that got into both and came to SMU for the opportunity of smaller class sizes and more leadership opportunities. That being said both UT Austin and SMU are great choices - be weary of the highly opinionated on this board, check out both schools (if possible on admitted student days).
I will recognize that in the listed fields of telecom, engineering, and software development SMU is improving, but most of the significant improvement of graduates was over the last 10 years (none of which would be at a peer level of managerial experience of the above poster). Also surprising Texas a&m, texas tech, texas state, trinity, baylor and tcu were unlisted for where they would send a child in state all good options with more rigor than utd.
In business, sciences, humanities, and the arts SMU students have excelled for quite a long time, engineering we are catching up in and excellent financial support is being appropriated toward strengthening the engineering programs. Also check out the common data sets of both here are links easy to see some of the differences and similarities. SMU is 62% out of state for the most recent entering class and about 8% international (very typical). So about 30% of a class from all around Texas.
https://www.smu.edu/Provost/IR/Statistics/CommonDataSets/2017
https://utexas.app.box.com/v/CDS2017
Any way its been a great four years, but make sure your parents are on board. If you have questions ill try and get to them - but also feel free to reach out to specific program heads and such for their take! Pony up!
What’s you major? My wife has a MSEE from SMU and has leveraged that at several tech jobs.
@austinmshauri
My mom didn’t really have too much of a say in where I applied. For example, I applied to Middlebury for its language program even though she protested.
@jamesk2014
Thank you for your help! I’m looking at the creative computing major (which is engineering/technology and art). I’ve reached out to the CC major head and asked a few questions already. I’ve also looked at the major plan as well as the plan for the minors I mention below.
@Rivet2000
I’m looking at creative computing with a minor in either photography, film and media studies, gender studies, or graphic design!
oh yes creative computing is cutting edge very cool stuff and meadows is one of the best art schools in the country, let alone the state. The program is small and you get to work with the head of the department a lot, or so I hear. If you have any concerns be sure to stay in contact with the department head they will be your best resource!