HUNT LEADERSHIP SCHOLARS PROGRAM
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 and departmental scholarships 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 unique 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.
APPLICATION INFORMATION
How to Apply:
In addition to submitting an application for admission to SMU, students applying for the Hunt Leadership Scholarship must submit an additional essay and YouTube video statement.Essays should be submitted online in Word document or PDF form. Links to YouTube video statements should be copied and pasted into the application form.
The selection committee will have access to your full application for admission, including letters of recommendation. Should you feel that your existing letters of recommendation do not address your leadership skills, you may email one additional letter of recommendation to huntscholars@smu.edu or mail the letter to:
SMU Office of Undergraduate Admission
P.O. Box 750181
Dallas, TX 75275
The deadline to apply is January 15, 2017.
Timeline and Selection Process:
Up to 25 entering first-year students each year are selected as Hunt Leadership Scholars. Leadership is the primary criterion for selection. Approximately sixty finalists are invited to interview at SMU (the interview is required for consideration for the Scholarship) on a designated day in March. Scholarship recipients are notified in the first week of April.In 2016, over 800 applicants for the Program were considered. Those invited to interview had shown truly exceptional leadership and service to their high schools and communities. They combined effective, dedicated, and energetic service and the ability to lead others with a spirit of inquiry and a strong sense of social responsibility. Beyond these factors, there are no stereotypes or typical characteristics for the Hunt Leadership Scholars. Their academic intentions span the University -- Philosophy, Premed, Political Science, Undecided, etc. – and they have widely varying interests, activities, and backgrounds.
Eligibility:
- Demonstrated Extraordinary Leadership:
- Submission of the Hunt Essay and YouTube statement (see below), and a completed first-year application for admission to SMU.
- Rank in top 25% of graduating class.*
- Composite SAT 1330 (using the new scoring system) or ACT 29
- Completion of a strong college preparatory curriculum, typically including AP courses, IB courses, and honors classes.
* If the school does not rank students, then the expectation is a strong academic record.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: I’ve applied early action to SMU. Must I submit my Hunt Essay and recommendation letter at the same time, or do I have more time?A: You have more time. The materials that are specific to the Hunt Leadership Scholarship do not need to be submitted at the same time that you submit your SMU application. If you submit a completed SMU application earlier—for instance, by November, December, or January 15—you can still submit the additional Hunt Leadership Scholarship materials by January 15.
Q: I see that the Hunt Leadership Scholarship deadline is January 15. If I submit my SMU application earlier, can I still submit my Hunt Leadership Scholarship application?
A: Yes. The materials that are specific to the Hunt Leadership Scholarship do not need to be submitted at the same time that you submit your SMU application. If you submit a completed SMU application earlier—for instance, by November or December—you can still submit the additional Hunt Leadership Scholarship materials by January 15.
Q: I have completed my SMU application online. Is there a place to fill out the Hunt Essay online?
A: Yes. Your Hunt Essay and application must be submitted online. You will be asked to upload a copy of your essay, either as a Word document or a PDF.
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