Academic Component

The academic component is structured to reflect the commitment of purpose. We assist students by providing tutorial services in the areas of literature, composition, foreign language, mathematics and science. Students are provided with workshops that will prepare them for the TAKS/PSAT/ACT/SAT/THEA, character education and career workshops and cultural enrichment trips. Juniors and seniors will be provided with information about financial aid, scholarships, careers and higher educational opportunities.

Summer Component

The summer component is designed to give students a "glimpse" of college life. We prepare students academically for the upcoming year. Students reside on the campus of Southern Methodist University and participate in academic instructional courses, fun activities, and cultural enrichment trips. Graduating seniors are awarded a scholarship which includes tuition of six credit hours, books and room and board. In order to qualify for the scholarship, the student must be an active participant of the program and accepted into a college or university.

Benefits of Upward Bound

·         Free Tutoring
·         ACT/ SAT/ THEA Preparation
·         TAKS Preparation
·         Financial Aid & Scholarship Information
·         College Preparation
·         College / University Tours
·         Cultural Enrichment Trips
·         Mentor Program
·         Scholarships for graduating seniors (includes tuition, books/room &  board)

• High School 9th or 10th Grader
• Desire to achieve academically and pursue college
• First Generation College Student (neither parent has graduated from a four-year college institution)
• Low income qualifications, established by the Department of Education  

This summer, get the credit you deserve for your exceptional academic efforts through SMU's College Experience, a unique five-week summer program that provides an opportunity for a small and carefully chosen group of highly motivated and academically able high school students to get a head start on college and a taste of campus life. Through participation in college credit courses, students entering the eleventh and twelfth grades can earn up to six credit hours which can be applied towards a bachelor's degree.

Students live together in a campus residence facility, and cultural and recreational activities are arranged by resident advisors.

http://smu.edu/education/youth/collegeexperience/registration.asp

http://smu.edu/education/youth/collegeexperience/information.asp

Applicants must have finished the tenth or eleventh grade by the start of the program. Selection for the College Experience program is competitive and based on a completed application form which includes an academic transcript; recommendations; an essay; and PSAT, SAT, or ACT scores

Application requirements include recommendations, transcripts/grades, PSAT scores, and student essays.  Complete application packets must be received by April 1, 2009. The Application Form is available for download in PDF format.   Download PDF Application Form

We're going to show you what SMU is all about.  That's why we're heading your way and inviting super savvy students like yourself to our SMU Preview.  The SMU Preview is a great way to see what's out there before you get in here.  You'll get a closer look at a nationally acclaimed private university.  Learn the ins and outs of the admission process.  Figure out financial aid. Get the scoop on residence halls. Think about a major - or several!

Please visit the website for a listing of cities we will visit. 

http://smu.edu/admission/visit_schedule_preview.asp

Mustang Mondays

Wow, what a campus! That's what you'll say when you visit us on Mustang Mondays. If you think SMU is the place for you, come see for yourself. You'll hear deans and professors discuss our many academic programs. You'll snap up information on admission, scholarships, financial aid, and campus life. Our student panel will answer your toughest questions. You can even stay overnight in a residence hall, but you must call us two weeks in advance to reserve your place.*  Registration starts at 8 a.m. and the program concludes at 3 p.m. Parents are welcome. You can even bring a friend - or two!

http://smu.edu/admission/visit_schedule_mondays.asp

Mustang Mondays

Wow, what a campus! That's what you'll say when you visit us on Mustang Mondays. If you think SMU is the place for you, come see for yourself. You'll hear deans and professors discuss our many academic programs. You'll snap up information on admission, scholarships, financial aid, and campus life. Our student panel will answer your toughest questions. You can even stay overnight in a residence hall, but you must call us two weeks in advance to reserve your place.*  Registration starts at 8 a.m. and the program concludes at 3 p.m. Parents are welcome. You can even bring a friend - or two!

http://smu.edu/admission/visit_schedule_mondays.asp

Mustang Mondays

Wow, what a campus! That's what you'll say when you visit us on Mustang Mondays. If you think SMU is the place for you, come see for yourself. You'll hear deans and professors discuss our many academic programs. You'll snap up information on admission, scholarships, financial aid, and campus life. Our student panel will answer your toughest questions. You can even stay overnight in a residence hall, but you must call us two weeks in advance to reserve your place.*  Registration starts at 8 a.m. and the program concludes at 3 p.m. Parents are welcome. You can even bring a friend - or two!

http://smu.edu/admission/visit_schedule_mondays.asp

The Nancy Ann and Ray L. Hunt Leadership Scholars Program allows students to combine learning and leadership. It enables outstanding student leaders from all walks of life to come to SMU—students whose leadership gifts will have a significant impact on our SMU community and, eventually, on the quality of our society.

The Hunt Leadership Scholars award is for full SMU tuition and fees, less the amount of resident tuition and fees at the leading public school of the student’s state of residency. If eligible, a student can be awarded need-based aid in addition to the Hunt Scholarship. In addition, because leaders of the 21st century will need to have a global vision in any area of leadership, the award also underwrites tuition and transportation to one of SMU’s study abroad programs.

In addition, Hunt Leadership Scholars have unusual opportunities to learn from leaders. The Scholars have wide access to the Tate Lectures Series, one of the premiere public lecture series in the country. The Hunt Scholars Program hosts a number of forums and discussions with leaders from many arenas. Finally, Hunt Scholars are expected to become leaders and change agents within the SMU community.

SMU offers an extensive variety of merit based scholarships.  They vary from full tuition, including a trip in our study abroad program, to smaller amounts based on academic achievement. 

Each year SMU invites 30-35 of the most gifted students in the first-year entering class to receive President’s Scholarships, the highest academic merit awards given by the University. The President’s Scholars program is so named because it represents the University’s highest commitment to attract and serve high-achieving students. President’s Scholarships provide full-tuition and fees.

International Study

Scholars also receive travel expenses and tuition for study abroad, choosing from more than 20 programs throughout the world. Some President’s Scholars take advantage of SMU summer programs abroad, while others compete to be admitted as students for a year at prestigious universities abroad such as those in Great Britain.

Meeting world leaders

Scholars also have opportunities to meet world leaders on campus for the Tate Distinguished Lecture Series, which sponsors several of the scholars. In its 25 years, the Series has brought to campus three former U.S. presidents, nine foreign heads of state, eight Nobel Laureates, and two Supreme Court Justices. For more information, the Tate web site can be visited at www.tateseries.com.

A community of learners and leaders

President’s Scholars join a tight-knit community of highly motivated students and dedicated faculty and staff mentors. Activities throughout the year include the annual retreat at the SMU-in-Taos campus, located on the site of a pre-civil war fort and a 13th century Anasazi pueblo nestled in the Sangre de Cristo Mountains of Northern New Mexico. Dinner-discussions at faculty members’ homes bring scholars together with other professors for conversations on the hot topics of the day. Many scholars interact with corporate and community leaders who underwrite their scholarships and offer mentoring opportunities. SMU President R. Gerald Turner also welcomes scholars to his home for special events.

President’s Scholars are invited to join the University Honors Program, which fosters an intellectual community through challenging interdisciplinary courses, student-initiated research, internships, and classes taught by exceptional faculty (www.smu.edu/honors). It is not unusual for President’s Scholars to combine double or triple majors across disciplines, while also actively participating in campus life. After graduation, many continue their studies at distinguished medical, law, and other graduate schools throughout the nation.