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I applied to 7 schools across the country, was accepted to all 7, and chose to attend SMU. I truly felt SMU was going to provide the best ROI because of how much they tout "SMU connections" on the campus tours and their high-profile alumni network. Also, it's hard not to be attracted to it visually. Many of the students look like Southern versions of Ken & Barbie and the campus is traditional Georgian-style in one of the most expensive towns in all of Texas. However, underneath this facade, I felt the university really fell short. Yes, college is about learning to learn and preparedness for grad school or a good job. However, college is also about lifelong friendships, good memories, and a connection to the school. I do believe SMU offers quality academic programs, but not necessarily any better than other schools. Where SMU really fell short for me is the social aspect. You hear people tell you on toursit's what you make of itor try and discredit the image SMU has for being a haven for millionaires. There is a reason they are bring this up! It's because that stereotype is true! Yes, there are minorities at SMU. Yes, there are people not in the Greek system. However, the people that truly enjoy the SMU experience are those who are in the Greek system and who fit the SMU stereotype. The other students are just…there. The students who are in the true SMU social scene have a massive amount of money. They wear the latest designer clothes, have late model BMW's, Range Rovers, Mercedes or Lexus & went to a Catholic high school or prestigious day school/boaring school.They most likely vacationed with their family in St. Barth's, Cabo, Barbados, Tahoe, Cape Cod, Vail/Beaver Creek, etc. Drug usage in the SMU fraternity culture is rampant. Pretty much everyone has at least tried Coke & probably Molly. It's not weird to have this mentioned in a conversation. Everyone binge drinks & thinks they are basically "above the law" when it comes to getting away with date rape, prescription drug abuse, alcohol abuse, etc. Many of the students' parents will buy them condos in the University Park area, which are upwards of 500K. I've been in many conversations where someone will respond to "how is so & so doing" with "oh, they just got out of rehab" or "they were at rehab" like going to rehab is as common as driving to the grocery store! That pretty much sums up the SMU culture. It's easy to say people don't care about materialism and you can't let it bother you, but your social status at the school really is dependent on that to an extent. I can't remember the last time I saw someone in the inner-circle of SMU greek like who was wearing wal-mart clothes or driving a POS car. It just rarely happens. Maybe if you're incredibly attractive and can at least afford to put up the front of looking like the other people, you might have a chance, but that's about the only way. This school is honestly Episcopal School of Dallas & Highland Park High School, Round 2. If you don't fit in with that crowd, good luck. I chose to transfer to a public state school. You can get involved in the greek system if you want, but you also don't feel ostracized or inferior if you choose differently or don't have the newest BMW 3 Series. |
