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SMU? Really?
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Anonymous
| After not getting into ED Dartmouth, DS is thinking of applying (and likely committing) to SMU. Last year, while going on college tours, DS definitely loved the campus most, but me and DH are very concerned about job prospects of going to a non-elite school like SMU. DS definitely fits the student body profile, I have to admit. But there's something about this choice that is very disappointing. |
Anonymous
| Texas: no bodily freedom? Is that's what bothering you? |
Anonymous
| Well it’s kind of a punchline but the kids who major in business and are in the right fraternities usually get good jobs. |
Anonymous
| SMU may not be elite, but it is well-known and a place where he could build a strong network. You're wrong to be so elitist about it. The word of caution I would give: it is known to be the school with the most ostentatious show of wealth of students of any other college. For my kids, that was a big turn-off. One applied anyway and was seriously considering it until they got into a dream school. |
Anonymous
|
Texas here again.
I understand your concern. There's a social aspect to SMU (money, and I don't just mean money - i mean your kid has 2 hours to shop but you don't go to Urban Outfitters, you go to Hermes rich and fly on private planes everywhere rich). I'm sure there are some kids who avoid it, but it isn't just a myth. But you asked about academics, and I think you can relax a little on that one. What does your kid want to do? Did your kid get direct admit to Cox Business School - that's a great thing and those kids do very well. Kids also go to great law schools very routinely. Must say I don't know about STEM though. You are right it is a fairly large step from Dartmouth, but don't worry too much about the academics, if you ask me. |
Anonymous
| If he were a girl you’d be even more concerned. Do you want him to get a job down there and stay? |
Anonymous
While I share your politics, as a parent who has sent two kids far from my home, people say this to me all the time. And what I say is "I hope they stay and make their own path. Nothing would make me happier than to know my kid created a new life for themselves with friends and a job they chose in a new city. Isn't that the point of all of this." |
Anonymous
This it’s a rich, connected school. Might be culture shock though. |
Anonymous
Cox at SMU is first rate. Strong ties to major firms in financial hubs across the country. |
Anonymous
Ah, to be young, rich, and terrible... |
Anonymous
|
If he's interested in staying in Texas/Dallas especially, it is a really good option. Those kids make bank out of SMU and live corporate careers in Uptown till they have families and move back into Highland Park. Very cyclic community but the lifestyle is pretty great, since, you know, they have money.
It's really not that bad an option if he fits in with the student body. |
Anonymous
|
Cox is a strong program.
Be sure he will fit in socially…extremely wealthy student body. Different than other schools as it’s flashy |
Anonymous
| Not DCUMs first pick, but the campus is admittedly beautiful and the residential commons system looks really nice. Honestly an amazing school if you have the money for it. |
Anonymous
| The most beautiful classmate I had went there to marry well and she definitely did |
Anonymous
| DD and I really loved the school and felt it had the best vibes of anywhere we visited. Students are more "traditional" so that may be a concern. Would not recommend a liberal student go to SMU, even though Dallas is very liberal. |