Mississippi Colleges ADMISSION FACTS

•2.5 GPA/16 ACT required for admission or

•2.0 GPA/18 ACT or

•Meet certification requirements for the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA). This option is available to all freshman applicants, regardless of whether they play a sport.

•Scholarships follow a simple grid: 3.0 GPA, more money for every point higher on the ACT (20 minimum at MSU, 21 at USM, 23 at UM); more money for 3.5+ GPA

•Honors Colleges (3.75 GPA and 30 automatic at MSU)

•Higher math requirements for engineering, architecture

•Croft International Program (U. of Mississippi)

•Lott Leadership Institute (U. of Mississippi)

•Center for Manufacturing Excellence (U. of Mississippi)

1 (tie). Grades in all courses

1 (tie) Grades in college prep courses

3. Strength of curriculum

4. SAT/ACT* (although most schools are test-optional right now)

5. Essay or writing sample

6. Student’s demonstrated interest

7. Counselor recommendation

8. Teacher recommendation

9. Extracurricular activities/Work

10. Portfolio

11. AP exam scores

12. Interview

1. Some students have a background, identity, interest, or talent that is so meaningful they believe their application would be incomplete without it. If this sounds like you, then please share your story. 
2. The lessons we take from obstacles we encounter can be fundamental to later success. Recount a time when you faced a challenge, setback, or failure. How did it affect you, and what did you learn from the experience? 

3. Reflect on a time when you questioned or challenged a belief or idea. What prompted your thinking? What was the outcome? 
4. Describe a problem you've solved or a problem you'd like to solve. It can be an intellectual challenge, a research query, an ethical dilemma - anything that is of personal importance, no matter the scale. Explain its significance to you and what steps you took or could be taken to identify a solution. 

  5. Discuss an accomplishment, event, or realization that sparked a period of personal growth and a new understanding of yourself or others. 
6. Describe a topic, idea, or concept you find so engaging that it makes you lose all track of time. Why does it captivate you? What or who do you turn to when you want to learn more? 

  7. Share an essay on any topic of your choice. It can be one you've already written, one that responds to a different prompt, or one of your own design. 

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