Southern Methodist University
Southern Methodist University SAT and ACT Requirements
Southern Methodist University is test-optional for the 2026-27 cycle. The middle 50% of enrolled first-year students scored 1340 to 1490 on the SAT and 30 to 34 on the ACT.
2026-27 policy
Test-Optional
SAT middle 50%
1340–1490
ACT middle 50%
30–34
Acceptance rate
63%
Southern Methodist University SAT scores by section
| Section | 25th percentile | 75th percentile |
|---|---|---|
| Reading and Writing | 670 | 740 |
| Math | 670 | 750 |
| Total | 1340 | 1490 |
| ACT Composite | 30 | 34 |
The total is the sum of the section percentiles, the standard way to estimate a middle 50% for the combined score.
Where your score puts you
- Below 1340: lower than three quarters of enrolled students. A retake has the most upside here, and at a test-optional school you can also leave the score off.
- 1340 to 1490: in line with the class. The rest of your application decides it.
- Above 1490: higher than three quarters of enrolled students. Testing is no longer what holds the application back.
Keep these numbers
Frequently asked questions
Does Southern Methodist University require the SAT or ACT?
Southern Methodist University is test-optional for the 2026-27 cycle. Official page states: 'SMU is fully test-optional. No preference is given to applicants based on whether they submit test results or not, but without test scores, all other elements of your application become more important.' SAT/ACT accepted with superscoring if submitted.
What SAT score do you need for Southern Methodist University?
The published range is not a cutoff. Among enrolled first-year students, a quarter scored below 1340, half scored between 1340 and 1490, and a quarter scored above 1490. A score at or above 1490 puts you ahead of most of the class on testing; a score below 1340 works against you.
What ACT score do you need for Southern Methodist University?
The middle 50% of enrolled students scored 30 to 34 on the ACT. On the official conversion table that is an SAT 1370 to 1500.
Score ranges: College Scorecard API — U.S. Department of Education (api.data.gov) and Editorial overrides layer (overrides.json) — Common Data Set & institutional sources. They describe students who enrolled, not everyone admitted. Test policy: Southern Methodist University admissions, verified for 2026-27.
