Admissions

Every college will have its own requirements and deadlines for admission, so look at the college’s admissions website or call the admissions office for the details.  You'll need to look into Undergraduate Admissions.

The Basics
In almost all cases, colleges will require:

• Completed application form
• High school transcript or GED
• ACT or SAT test scores - Many colleges offer alternatives for nontraditional students or students over 21.
• Immunization records
• Non-refundable application fee (can sometimes be waived in cases of financial need)

Extras
Some colleges, or specific college programs, will require:

• Specific high school courses for admission.  The Public Universities in Mississippi require specific courses, called the College Prep Curriculum, or CPC. However, prospective students who haven't taken these courses may still be admitted.  See "Admissions Standards for Public Universities" below. The community and junior colleges do not require specific courses, as long as the student has a GED or high school diploma.
• Essays – Proofread, proofread, proofread.  Grammar and spelling mistakes shouldn't be part of your application.
• Interviews – If an interview is required, be ready to answer questions like "Tell me a little about yourself." "Why do you want to attend our school?" or "What do you plan to major in?" 
• Auditions & Portfolios – If you're trying to get into a theater or music program, you might have to audition.  Art programs may require a portfolio of work.
• Lists of Activities – Some colleges, especially selective colleges, will want to know what extracurricular activities (sports, clubs, volunteerism, etc.) you've participated in.
• Letters of Recommendation – Some colleges, or specific college programs, will require letters of recommendation.  It is really important to ask for these well in advance.  And make sure they are submitted ON TIME.  

For admission to Mississippi’s public universities:
If you want to go to one of Mississippi’s eight public universities, you should meet one of the following criteria:

Complete the College Preparatory Curriculum (CPC) (See Credits Needed for College on the Rise Up website) with a minimum 3.2 high school grade point average (GPA) on the CPC; or

Complete the CPC with a minimum 2.50 high school GPA on the CPC or a class rank in the top 50 percent, and a score of 16 or higher on the ACT* (Composite); or

Complete the CPC with a minimum 2.00 high school GPA on the CPC and a score of 18 or higher on the ACT* (Composite); or

Satisfy the NCAA standards for student athletes who are “full-qualifiers” under Division I guidelines.

*In lieu of ACT scores, students may submit equivalent SAT scores. (See Testing Informaiton on the Rise Up website)

NOTE: As a nontraditional student, it is likely that you will not meet any of these requirements.  If you don't, you may still get in.

You should apply to the public university you want to attend.  The university will require you to undergo an on-campus placement process.  As part of the placement process, you'll have to take an Accuplacer exam.

The placement process will determine whether you can enroll in regular freshman-level courses with some academic support OR you need to enroll in the summer semester with mandatory participation in the Summer Developmental Program.

The Summer Developmental Program is an intensive ten-week program, designed to help you become "college-ready".  If you successfully complete the summer semester, then you can enroll in the fall semester with academic support.  If you don't successfully complete the summer semester, the admissions counselor will talk to you about other educational options. 

Financial aid is available for students enrolled in the Summer Developmental Program. 

For more information about public university admission standards, call 601.432.6501.