Short answer: the middle 50% of first-year students who enrolled at Southern Methodist University scored about 1340 to 1490 on the SAT, with an average of 1428. That means a quarter of enrolled first-years scored 1340 or lower and a quarter scored 1490 or higher. These numbers come from the U.S. Department of Education’s College Scorecard.
SMU at a glance
SAT middle 50%: 1340 to 1490 | Average: 1428
Reading and Writing: 670 to 740 | Math: 670 to 750
ACT middle 50%: 30 to 34
Admission rate: 63.3%
SMU SAT scores by section
| Section | 25th percentile | 75th percentile |
|---|---|---|
| Reading and Writing | 670 | 740 |
| Math | 670 | 750 |
| Total (sum of sections) | 1340 | 1490 |
The total row adds the two section numbers, so treat it as a close estimate, not an exact percentile of total scores. For comparison, the average SAT score for the class of 2026 was 1045 (528 Reading and Writing, 517 Math), according to College Board.
Does SMU require the SAT?
No. SMU says it is “fully test-optional” and gives no preference to applicants who send or do not send scores. Without scores, SMU says your grades, résumé, essays and recommendations become more important.
- Superscoring: SMU superscores the SAT and ACT.
- Self-report: allowed, but you must report every section. Partial scores are not considered.
- Official scores: required when you enroll.
- Scholarships: you are considered for scholarships automatically, with or without scores.
- Deadlines: November 1, 2026 for Early Action and Early Decision I, and January 15, 2027 for Regular Decision and Early Decision II.
- SAT code: 6660.
SMU reports that its Class of 2029 had an average SAT of 1400.
What SAT score should you aim for?
SMU’s middle 50% is about 1340 to 1490 among students who sent scores, and the Class of 2029 averaged 1400. SMU encourages you to send scores if they reflect your strengths, so a score of 1400 or higher is worth sending.
SMU’s sections are even: Reading and Writing 670 to 740, Math 670 to 750. With superscoring, raise whichever section is lower in a retake.
Where do you stand against SMU’s range?
Take a free full-length practice test and compare your section scores to 740 (Reading and Writing) and 750 (Math).
How to close the gap
- Find your weaker section by comparing each score to SMU’s 75th percentile above.
- Practice at the top difficulty level. Scores in this range come from getting the hardest questions right. Try these hard SAT math questions and this hard SAT English practice test.
- Drill your weak skills in Targeted Practice.
- Compare schools with similar ranges in the College Finder.
Frequently asked questions
What SAT score do you need for SMU?
There is no cutoff, but the middle 50% of enrolled first-year students scored about 1340 to 1490.
What is the average SAT score at SMU?
College Scorecard lists an average of 1428.
Does SMU require the SAT?
No. SMU is fully test-optional, superscores, and considers all applicants for scholarships with or without scores.
SAT scores by college
This guide is part of SAT Scores by College: Middle 50% and Testing Policy for 43 Schools.
Related guides:
- USF SAT Scores: Fall 2026 Admitted Middle 50% Is 1290-1420
- Babson SAT Scores: Admitted Middle 50% Is 1450-1530
- Colgate SAT Scores: Middle 50% Is 1430-1540
- RPI SAT Scores: Middle 50% Is 1375-1510
- American University SAT Scores: Admitted Middle 50% Is 1320-1430
- What Do SAT Scores Mean? How to Read Your Score Report
- Lowest Possible SAT Score: 400, and What a Low Score Means
Explore every SAT hub
- Digital SAT Complete Guide Format, scoring and a full study plan
- Advanced Math and Vocabulary Hub Hard math topics and high-value words
- SAT Grammar Guide Every grammar and punctuation rule
- SAT Reading Guide Reading question types and strategies
- SAT Practice Tests Guide Official tests and how to use them
- Desmos Guide Calculator shortcuts for SAT Math
- SAT Scores by College Ranges and testing policies for 43 schools
- PSAT Guide PSAT/NMSQT, PSAT 10, PSAT 8/9 and National Merit
- Test Strategy Hub Timing, pacing and prep resources
- SAT Predictions Questions most likely to repeat
Sources
- U.S. Department of Education, College Scorecard: Southern Methodist University (latest admissions data, accessed October 2026).
- SMU Admission, SMU Test-Optional Policy, Self-Reporting and Superscoring.
- SMU News, SMU's class of 2029 sets new records.
- College Board Newsroom, Class of 2026 SAT results.
Frequently Asked Questions
What SAT score do you need for SMU?
There is no cutoff, but the middle 50% of enrolled first-year students scored about 1340 to 1490.
What is the average SAT score at SMU?
College Scorecard lists an average of 1428.
Does SMU require the SAT?
No. SMU is fully test-optional, superscores, and considers all applicants for scholarships with or without scores.