Expert Admissions hosted a webinar with admissions officers from Southern Methodist University (SMU) and the University of Florida (UF). They discussed the rise in popularity of Southern schools and answered questions about the schools’ admissions processes, academics, campus cultures, and more.
Rising Interest in Southern Schools
Schools in the South are seeing a surge in popularity nationwide, with many students and families now looking southward for a blend of academic excellence and supportive, community-driven culture. SMU offers a smaller, tight-knit campus culture with flexibility on test scores and strong traditions in both research and liberal arts. UF is a large public university with a predominantly in-state student body, firm testing requirements, academic flexibility, and a focus on community and student support.
Spotlight on Southern Methodist University (SMU) – Dallas, TX
It’s an exciting time for Southern Methodist University (SMU), which recently gained R1 status, given to U.S. universities with the highest research activity. This mid-sized, private university stands in the large, cosmopolitan city of Dallas, which provides a dynamic backdrop for campus life. It is conveniently located not only in the middle of the country, but also about ten minutes from Dallas Love Field Airport. SMU joined the ACC last July—a new draw for fans of college athletics.
While SMU maintains its own “bubble” of a close-knit, lively atmosphere on campus, students also benefit from the vibrancy of downtown Dallas’s diverse neighborhoods, cultural and arts attractions, and inclusive community. The university is known for its rigorous academics combined with an extremely friendly culture that is respectful of differences. Though founded with Methodist roots, SMU is nonsectarian and welcomes individuals of all faiths or none. The student body is composed of about 55% out-of-state students, bringing a wide range of perspectives to campus life.
SMU offers Early Action and Early Decision I, due by November 1, and Early Decision II and Regular Decision, due by January 15. Early Action is the most popular option, as it is non-binding; students who choose EA or ED I usually receive decisions before winter break. The university has a test-optional policy, with about half of applicants choosing not to submit standardized test scores. Applications are reviewed geographically, meaning regional representatives like Molly Ingram read files from their territories before applications move through a collaborative committee review process.
Certain programs at SMU have direct entry applications: the Cox School of Business has an additional, highly competitive application process (in which the applicant must choose a Cox major as their first-choice major), and the Meadows School of the Arts requires applicants to submit portfolios or complete auditions. Applicants to these programs should be aware that they may be admitted to SMU but denied admission to their program of choice. This makes Early Decision a risky choice for applicants who have their hearts set on Cox or Meadows, so EA is strongly recommended. Outside of these specific programs, however, academics at SMU are flexible, and it is relatively easy to change majors.
While the supplemental essays for SMU are technically optional, it is highly recommended that students complete them . For the “Why SMU?” prompt, be sure to reference particular academic programs, campus experiences, or other distinctive qualities that make SMU a good fit for you, academically and culturally. Using AI to write the essays is discouraged, as authenticity in applications is paramount; SMU will be releasing an official statement about the use of AI in applications for 2025-6.
Spotlight on the University of Florida (UF) – Gainesville, FL
The University of Florida is a large public flagship university known for its strong in-state representation, although it has an out-of-state population of 22% that it is working to expand. In the past year, UF has seen a surge in interest from Northeastern states, drawn by warm weather that allows for outdoor activities all year round, as well as a familiarity with the state. The campus culture emphasizes inclusivity and student engagement, with more than 1,000 student organizations, a very high freshman retention rate of 97%, and a community that encourages students to put themselves out there and find their niche. While the State of Florida provides guidance to UF, the university operates its admissions independently from state political influence.
On the admissions side, UF recently implemented Early Action for the first time, and the new admissions process is still undergoing refinement, with the Regular Decision deadline not yet finalized. For Early Action applicants, the Common App is due November 1, and test scores and the Student Self-Reported Academic Record (SSAR) must be submitted by November 15. The university requires standardized test scores.
Due to UF’s massive applicant pool—which jumped from 70,000 to 90,000 last year—the reading process is structured to be efficient and consistent ( the readers are all real people; there is no use of AI). Applications are not read geographically, although regional admissions officers do take part in committee discussions. There is no preference for in-state students in admissions, and students are evaluated based on their performance at their high schools.
UF is known for its flexibility, fulfilled through several enrollment options, a non-major-specific admissions process, and extensive online learning options. About 65% of students ultimately change their major. Applicants can indicate whether they prefer to begin in the fall or summer, though many admitted students are assigned a summer start due to space constraints. Additionally, the university offers the PACE program, where students complete their first two years online before transitioning to campus. For those interested in business and engineering, no separate application is required; students must complete foundational coursework and achieve a certain GPA in order to advance to upper-division classes. Biomedical Engineering is the only program that requires a separate application.
Essays are also an important part of the UF application, and admissions officers appreciate students who think outside the box. In both the personal statement and required supplemental essay prompt about a student’s “most meaningful activity,” students are encouraged to share authentic passions and personal growth that reveal their character and experiences beyond academics.
For all the details on these topics and more, watch the webinar above.
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