SMU Cox: Admissions Q&A

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Patti Cudney
Southern Methodist University

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Coming in with thoughts on what you want to do gives us strong insight that you have thought about this seriously. We like people that are not just here to learn, but to grow personally. I love going to graduation and seeing my students more confident than when they started the program.

Can you describe someone you admitted recently who is a surprising fit? Someone who doesn't fit the profile?

There's not one specific person, but it always surprises me when someone without a track record of taking on leadership dives in and takes on a club, runs for office, or organizes activities. That to me is a pleasant surprise when a student gets here and sees everything in the MBA program is going to be a great benefit. It's fun to get a message about who the student leaders are and say, "Wow, I was not expecting to see that person's name on the list." It's always one of those things that makes me smile.

Are there any stereotypes about SMU that you'd like to disprove?

I think that there is an expectation that SMU is all about people that are Dallas natives, connected to one and other. Some people think we're not interested in bringing in people from different backgrounds. I love going around the country and world and talking to students that have no ties to Dallas and talking to them about the benefits about this community and program. I don't think there is an SMU type. There might be an expectation of that, but there really isn't. When I look at the class picture of first-year students, I see so many people of different backgrounds and with different goals, engaging with each other and making this a dynamic program. There's not a type here; we're looking for lots of different folks. If we're offering something that sounds interesting and you're intrigued, don't feel like there's a reason not to apply. We want people to come from lots of different backgrounds.

Knowing SMU draws many people from Dallas who wish to stay in Dallas, what's the situation for people who want to leave for jobs elsewhere?

Lots of people come to SMU because they want to stay in Dallas. Many were already here or have done research here. Lots of folks do stay, but this is a very portable degree. Students have the opportunity through national career fairs and networking to get in front of great companies and get some amazing jobs. Procter & Gamble (PG), Nestlé (NESR), and on Wall Street (even though not that exciting these days) are some examples. I think that yes, you're giving yourself the opportunity for a minimum of two years to be part of a great business community. That's going to give you opportunities a little easier, but you're not stuck here in Dallas by any means.