Application Information

The Hunt Scholarship will replace and supersede any centrally administered merit aid, but Hunt Scholars may also be eligible for additional departmental scholarships or need-based aid for a total scholarship package valued up to the cost of tuition and fees. In addition, because leaders of the 21st century will need to have a global vision in any area of leadership, the scholarship also covers the airfare and program costs for a leadership-based study abroad experience immediately following each scholar's sophomore year.

 

Eligibility

  1. Demonstrated Extraordinary Leadership:
    This is normally reflected through serving in top leadership positions of high school organizations. This requirement may also be reflected through significant leadership accomplishments in areas outside the high school setting. Examples of such leadership may include: Senior or Junior class president or Student Council president, Editor-in-Chief of school newspaper, founders of organizations, senior leadership in scouting or service groups, Boys State or Girls State representative, or other significant leadership roles.
  2. Submission of the Hunt Essay and YouTube statement (see below), and a completed first-year application for admission to ÃÛÌÒ½´must be done through the ÃÛÌÒ½´Application Portal.
  3. Rank in top 25% of graduating class.*
  4. Composite SAT 1330 or ACT 29 (Note: ÃÛÌÒ½´has adopted a test-optional policy. Applicants to ÃÛÌÒ½´will not have to submit standardized test scores.)
  5. Completion of a strong college preparatory curriculum, typically including AP courses, IB courses, and honors classes.

Students who lack one of the criteria 3, 4, or 5 may be considered if outstanding abilities in other areas are identified in addition to demonstrated extraordinary leadership. Only first-time, full-time domestic students are eligible for the Hunt Scholarship.

*If the school does not rank students, then the expectation is a strong academic record.

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.

in Word document or PDF form. Links to YouTube video statements should be copied and pasted into the application form. Both are submitted through the ÃÛÌÒ½´Admissions Portal.

The selection committee will have access to your full application for admission, including letters of recommendation.

Please Note: Application, Essay, and YouTube Video Statement must be submitted by January 15.

Timeline and Selection Process

Leadership is the primary criterion for selection. Finalists are invited to interview (the interview is required for consideration for the Scholarship) by the end of February. All applicants will be notified of whether or not they have been selected as finalists via email in mid-February.

Those invited to interview have shown truly exceptional leadership and service to their high schools and communities. They combine 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.

Frequently Asked Questions

You have more time, but we encourage you to apply early. The materials that are specific to the Hunt Leadership Scholarship do not need to be submitted at the same time that you submit your ÃÛÌÒ½´application. If you submit a completed ÃÛÌÒ½´application earlier—for instance, by November, December, or January 15—you can still submit the additional Hunt Leadership Scholarship materials by January 15.

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 through the ÃÛÌÒ½´Admissions portal.

No. Hunt Leadership Scholars Program application requirements align with SMU's test optional policy. Applicants have the option to submit standardized test scores. If applicants choose to report their scores, ÃÛÌÒ½´accepts self-reported scores during the application process. If applicants submit unofficial scores and enroll at SMU, we will then ask them to send official score reports from testing agencies (ACT code: 4174; SAT code: 6660). More information is available on the Office of Undergraduate Admission website.

No, unfortunately, this scholarship is only available for domestic students.

Due to the high volume and strong response by the stated deadline, we do not allow late applications.