Southern Methodist University: what international applicants need

What are Southern Methodist University's application deadlines for 2026–27?

Southern Methodist University has 4 application deadlines for 2026–27: Early Decision on November 1, 2026, Early Action on November 1, 2026, Early Decision II on January 15, 2027, and Regular Decision on January 15, 2027.

• Early Decision is binding: if you're admitted, you commit to attend and withdraw your other applications.
• Deadlines are usually 11:59 pm in your own time zone, unless the university says otherwise on its site.

What is Southern Methodist University's acceptance rate?

63.3% for students who started in fall 2024: Southern Methodist University admitted 9,657 of its 15,245 first-year applicants.

• The rate covers all first-year applicants, US and international: the federal data doesn't give a separate rate for international applicants.
• US Department of Education (IPEDS). Fall 2024 admissions (provisional release). Source

Does Southern Methodist University require the SAT or ACT for international applicants?

No. Southern Methodist University is test-optional for 2026–27: you decide whether to send SAT or ACT scores.

• This is the policy listed for all first-year applicants. Some universities treat international students differently, so confirm it on the testing page.
• For the Early Decision deadline (November 1, 2026), the last international SAT whose scores come out in time is October 3, 2026: scores on October 16, 2026, registration by September 18, 2026 (late registration September 22, 2026).
• For the Regular Decision deadline (January 15, 2027), the last international SAT whose scores come out in time is December 5, 2026: scores on December 18, 2026, registration by November 20, 2026 (late registration November 24, 2026).
• Official score reports can take a few more days to reach universities.

What SAT score do you need for Southern Methodist University?

The middle half of first-year students who enrolled in fall 2024 and sent SAT scores had 670–750 in Math and 670–740 in Reading and Writing (16% of them sent SAT scores).

• On the ACT, the middle half had a composite of 30–34.
• If your score is above the middle of these ranges, it helps your application. At a test-optional university, a score below the lower number usually isn't worth sending.
• US Department of Education (IPEDS). Fall 2024 admissions (provisional release): 25th to 75th percentile of enrolled first-year students who submitted scores. Source

How much is Southern Methodist University's application fee for international students?

Southern Methodist University charges no application fee, for international and US applicants alike.

Which English tests does Southern Methodist University accept?

Southern Methodist University doesn't list its English tests on the Common App: they're detailed on its international applicants page.

• Minimum scores and exemptions (for example if you studied in English) are set by the university: check its international page.

How many recommendation letters does Southern Methodist University require?

Southern Methodist University requires a counselor recommendation for 2026–27.

• Whatever the letters, your school sends the School Report and, after graduation, the Final Report: the Common App says every university requires them.

Does Southern Methodist University require the Common App personal essay?

Yes. Southern Methodist University requires the Common App personal essay (250 to 650 words) for 2026–27.

How many international students does Southern Methodist University have?

279 of Southern Methodist University's 7,285 undergraduates were international students (US nonresidents) in fall 2024: 3.8%.

• US Department of Education (IPEDS). Fall 2024 enrollment (provisional release). Source

How much does Southern Methodist University cost for international students?

Southern Methodist University's published tuition and fees for 2024–25 were $67,040, the same for every student. On-campus food and housing was $19,064. With books and other expenses, a year cost about $89,602 before any financial aid.

• US Department of Education (IPEDS). Published charges for 2024–25. Costs usually rise each year: check the university's site for 2027–28. Source