SMU scholarships are awarded without regard to financial need (except where need is listed as a minimum requirement for a respective scholarship) and are gifts that do not have to be repaid. All students who apply for admission by the priority deadline date are reviewed automatically for scholarship eligibility, which are based on academic excellence, leadership, and other specialties. Except where noted, no separate application is required. See the website for a list and description of scholarships available to SMU students. They include general merit, departmental, athletic, band, United Methodist Church, Ministers' family, and International Baccalaureate awards.