I recently visited SMU, Southern Methodist University, and fell in love with it. From the campus and tour to spending the Saturday at the boulevard activities and football, I really enjoyed my visit. However, with my current grades and academic goals, SMU would be a safety school for me. My question is, what are some school that are like SMU, but more academically challenging or academically reputable? (Geographically I do not care). Also, I am pursuing business.
Some things I liked about SMU
The campus: From the layout of the campus to the design of the buildings, I loved the campus (what are some others like it?)
The big school feel, despite being a relatively smaller school: I felt as if the spirit on the Saturday visit, with the boulevard tailgating and such, made the school feel as if it were an SEC football powerhouse game day. At the same time, SMU is relatively small and easy to navigate with not a huge class. I loved it.
Why do I need to provide my stats? I am simply asking what people think are schools that are similar to SMU, but more academically reputable. Just looking for that, not whether or not those suggested schools are in my range.
if you fell in love with smu…you have a first choice. worry not about “academically reputable” tag applied by strangers.
smu is a great school and you learn nothing more or less at smu. definitely visit other schools but go with your gut instinct! (you will be the one spending 4 years at a college )
Duke and Vandy might have a similar vibe to SMU, but they don’t have undergrad business schools, per se. And I agree with the poster who advised you to look more seriously at SMU if you really liked it. Going to a school that suits you trumps chasing the rankings. All that said, ND is another school with a lot of spirit and very good business school. Emory and Wash U in St. Louis have good business schools as well as relatively nice climates in major metropolitan areas.
With due respect, both Emory and Washu are very distinct from SMU; far more academic, much less sport emphasis, and really different type of student body.
Yeah, I agree with you, but the OP asked for better academic schools. Really, if you’re looking for business and more prestige than SMU, but still with that big time college spirit, BC, ND, UVa, UNC, UMich are all that come to mind, and none of them give the merit aid like SMU does. Indiana is another great business school with all the sports, but I don’t know that it conjures up images of academic excellence like some of the others. However, the student body of UI is probably more similar to SMU than any of the others.
I agree that Wake Forest, UVA, and to some extent, UNC Chapel Hill have a campus feel and spirit similar to SMU and all have strong business schools. I currently have students at both UVA and SMU, both business majors, and both are extremely happy with their choice. As a parent, I am also extremely happy with the quality of education and opportunities offered by both schools. There are areas that SMU has impressed me more than UVA, largely because it is a smaller, private school that offers a more individualized experience. My UVA student has had to figure out a lot more on her own, and has found that the competition for leadership positions, etc. does not stop when you get to college. My SMU student has been able to pursue many leadership opportunities because it is a smaller school. They both found the perfect place for them, and I encourage you to explore all of your options. But keep in mind that the Cox Business School is very well regarded (ranked #21 nationwide by Bloomberg), and importantly, offers a lot of support in placing students in internships and jobs. Both of my kids were high achievers with high academic goals, so I totally understand your desire to attend an academically reputable school, but I do think if you love SMU you won’t go wrong with that decision.
SMU students are from wealthy families, the students are fairly superficial. Far too much emphasis on Greek life and partying. For the price and for those intellectually inclined, a small Ivy is far better. Cox school is great if you plan to work and live in Dallas after your education is complete.
What about Baylor? Many students from my school who apply to SMU cite it as being very similar and apply to it as well. Both seem to attract a similar type of student, at least from my perspective.
Edit: Realized that this might be too late…sorry about that!
@imluvinit To be completely frank it is not true to say “SMU students are from wealthy families”. If that were true then why are only approximately 30 percent of the students full pay. For example WashU is the opposite and they also stereotype WashU students from wealthy families. They have over 60-70 percent full pay. It’s a very dumb stereotype. ALL schools have wealthy students so every school has that stereotype in one form or another. That’s normal. However it doesn’t represent the whole school. Besides why does that matter? All these colleges need full pay students. They are after all a BUSINESS.
Another thing only 25 to 30 percent join Greek life so again that’s not the whole school. That’s for both SMU and WashU.