Southern Methodist University 2025-26 Supplemental Essay Guide

Southern Methodist University 2025-26 Application Essay Question Explanations

The Requirements: 2 essays of 250 words

Supplemental Essay Type(s): Why, Community

SMU appeals to students for a variety of reasons. Briefly describe why you are interested in attending SMU and what specific factors have led you to apply. (250-word limit)

Consider this an opportunity to share more about you by highlighting what you like about them! Sneaky. Maybe you love their Creative Writing program because you are already teeming with ideas for the next great American novel. Or their Ethnic Studies program would give you a chance to learn more about all the places you’ve visited during your summer travels. For every fact about them, you’re also sharing something about yourself. The second part of this prompt wants you to share what events or factors in your life have led you to SMU. Think back to why you first chose SMU and backtrack to the events or people that led to that moment.

SMU is a diverse and welcoming learning environment shaped by the convergence of ideas and cultures. How will your unique experiences enhance the University, and how will you benefit from this community? (250-word limit)

This essay will show that cultural exchange is a two-way street. You will not only share who you are, but also take in what others have to offer. Your unique culture to highlight could be based on your personality, ethnic background, family dynamic, or an extracurricular passion project. When trying to define yourself, consider your inter-sectional nature: you are not only a teenager, but are also from a certain family, community, or part of the world and represent a slice of life that others may have never known. Embrace your unique nature and and take some time to appreciate that others need what you have to offer, and vice versa.