Admission to the University
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Freshman Admission
Standard Test Results
Please note that standard test results (ACT or SAT) should be sent directly from the testing service to the admissions office.
College Preparatory Curriculum
Admission of entering freshmen is based on the completion of the College Preparatory Curriculum (CPC) specified below with either a specific minimum grade-point average (GPA) or both a specific GPA and minimum standard test score. Students must submit a high school transcript reflecting satisfactory completion of the following high school course requirements as well as an official graduation date. (Provisional admission may be granted after six semesters of high school provided the transcript indicates that courses to complete the CPC are under way; final admission will require a complete transcript.)
| Carnegie Subject | Units | Contents and Remark |
|---|---|---|
| English | 4 | All must require substantial communication skills components (i.e., reading, writing, listening, and speaking) |
| Mathematics | 3 | Includes Algebra I, Geometry, Algebra II. A fourth class in higher-level mathematics is highly recommended. |
| Science | 3 | Choice of biology, advanced biology, chemistry, advanced chemistry, physics, advanced physics, or any other science course with comparable rigor and content. One Carnegie unit from a rigorous physical science course with content at a level that may serve as introduction to physics and chemistry may be used. Two of the courses chosen must be laboratory based. |
| Social Studies | 3 | Courses should include U.S. history (1 unit), world history (1 unit with substantial geography component), government (1/2 unit), and economics (1/2 unit) or geography (1/2 unit). |
| Advanced electives | 2 | Requirements may be met by earning 2 Carnegie units from the following areas/courses, one unit of which must be in a foreign language or world geography: foreign language, world geography, 4th year lab-based science, 4th year mathematics. |
| Computer Applications | 1/2 | Course should emphasize the computer as a productivity tool. Instruction should include the use of application packages, such as word processing and spreadsheets. The course also should include basic computer terminology and hardware operation. |
| Eighth Grade Units | Algebra I or first-year foreign language taken in the eighth grade will be accepted for admission provided the course content is the same as the high school course. |
Mississippi Residents
Regular admission will be granted to the following high school graduates:
- All students completing the College Preparatory Curriculum (CPC) with a minimum 3.20 high school GPA on the CPC.
- All students completing the CPC with a minimum 2.50 high school GPA on the CPC and a minimum score of 16 on the composite ACT (or 770 on the old SAT critical reading/mathematics or 860 on the new SAT).
- All students completing the CPC with a class rank in the top 50 percent and a minimum score of 16 on the composite ACT (or 770 on the old SAT critical reading/mathematics or 860 on the new SAT).
- All students completing the CPC with a minimum 2.00 high school GPA on the CPC and a minimum composite score of 18 on the ACT (or 860 on the old SAT critical reading/mathematics or 940 on the new SAT).
- All students who meet certification requirements for the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA). This option is available to all freshman applicants.
In lieu of ACT scores, students may submit equivalent SAT scores. Students scoring below 16 on the ACT (Composite) or the equivalent old SAT/new SAT are encouraged to participate in the Year-Long Academic Support Program during their freshman year.
Required Admissions Documents for Applicants:
- Completed application
- Six-semester transcript
- Official standardized test scores (ACT or SAT)
- Senior course schedule
Nonresidents of Mississippi (High School Class of 2018)
Regular admission for Nonresidents of Mississippi will be granted to students who have either a minimum composite score of 22 on the ACT (or 1020 on the old SAT critical reading/mathematics or 1100 on the new SAT evidence-based reading and writing/mathematics) OR a 2.75 core GPA in addition to one of the following:
- All students completing the CPC with a minimum 3.20 high school GPA on the CPC.
- All students completing the CPC with a minimum 2.50 high school GPA on the CPC and a minimum composite score of 16 on the ACT (or 770 on the old SAT critical reading/mathematics or 860 on the new SAT evidence-based reading and writing/mathematics.)
- All students completing the CPC with a minimum 2.00 high school GPA on the CPC and a minimum composite score of 18 on the ACT (or 860 on the old SAT critical reading/mathematics or 940 on the new SAT evidence-based reading and writing/mathematics.)
- NCAA Division 1 standards for student athletics who are "full qualifiers" or "academic redshirts" are accepted as equivalent to the admission standards established by the IHL Board of Trustees.
Nonresident applicants who do not meet the above criteria are still encouraged to apply and will have the opportunity to provide additional information to support their applications through the Nonresident Admissions Application Supplement.
In addition to grades and test scores, the University Admissions Committee may consider a variety of factors to assess a nonresident applicant's potential for success at UM and to make an admissions decision. The factors considered may include, but are not limited to, rigor of high school courses, diversity of background and experiences, school and community activities, work experience, and special life circumstances. In making an admissions decision, the Admissions Committee may review an application for evidence of excellence in academics, the arts, athletics, leadership, service, citizenship and character.
Admissions decisions are influenced by the institution's ability to provide an outstanding UM experience. Accordingly, all applicants should submit required materials well in advance of the term for which they intend to enroll. Non-residents of Mississippi applying for first-year admission for the summer or fall terms are encouraged to submit all application materials no later than April 1.
Nonresidents will be notified of their admissions status once all application materials are received (including the Non-Resident Admissions Application Supplement) and according to the following schedule:
| October 1 | will be notified by November 1 |
|---|---|
| November 1 | will be notified by December 1 |
| December 1 | will be notified by January 7 |
| January 1 | will be notified by February 1 |
| February 1 | will be notified by March 1 |
| March 1 | will be notified by April 1 |
| April 1 | will be notified by May 1 |
| May 1 | will be notified by June 1 |
| June 1 | will be notified by July 1 |
| July 1 | will be notified by Aug 1 |
Minimum Test Scores
Students whose ACT subtest score in reading and/or English is less than 17 (or old SAT verbal score is less than 400 or less than 23 on the new SAT) are required to enroll in an appropriate developmental course during the first semester of enrollment and to remain in the course until receiving a passing grade or until passing the placement exam administered by the Department of Developmental Studies. Additionally, students whose ACT subtest score in mathematics is less than 19 (or old SAT mathematics score is less than 450 or less than 490 on the new SAT) are required to enroll in an appropriate developmental course during the first semester of enrollment and to remain in the course until receiving a passing grade or until passing the placement exam administered by the Department of Developmental Studies. Students with ACT subtest scores of 17, 18, or 19 are encouraged to enroll in developmental courses. Those students who enroll in two or more developmental courses also are required to complete two semesters of Developmental Support Lab (see below). Enrollment in developmental courses is limited to students with subtest scores below 20 except with permission of the department. Developmental courses completed at other postsecondary institutions before enrolling at The University of Mississippi may be considered to meet developmental requirements.
Other Admission Criteria
Residents of Mississippi who apply and do not meet the admission requirements stated above may enter the comprehensive screening process (counseling and testing) held on campus and at other designated locations prior to the beginning of the first summer session. The comprehensive screening process will consider student interests, special skills, experiences, and other noncognitive factors. After counseling, students will take a computer-based examination (Accuplacer) to assist the University in the admission decision. Students who pass the Accuplacer will be admitted for the fall term and will be encouraged to participate in the Developmental Support Lab during the first two semesters of enrollment.
Admission of Visiting Students
A student who regularly attends another recognized institution and who plans to return to that institution may be admitted to the university as a visiting student. The applicant must comply with the general requirements for admission and, in lieu of transcripts of credits, may submit a letter or certificate of good standing from an official of the institution that the student regularly attends. A student admitted to the summer session as a visiting student may elect to enroll in the university's next regular session. The student can qualify by submitting transcripts of credits from the other institutions attended and by meeting the requirements applicable to transfer students. If the student has attended The University of Mississippi previously, he or she must be re-admissible.
Admission of Students Who Are Not Graduates of Regionally Accredited High Schools
Applicants who are home-schooled or who have not successfully completed high school must submit standard test scores (ACT composite minimum of 18 or old SAT combined minimum of 860 or 940 new SAT) and successfully complete the Accuplacer (see "Other Admission Criteria" above). Home-schooled students must present summaries of their educational experiences, which may include portfolios and transcripts. Students who are not high school graduates must present qualifying GED scores or, in some cases, may qualify as undergraduate special students (see below). Applicants who have not graduated from a regionally accredited high school and were not home-schooled must submit qualifying scores on the General Education Development Test (GED) and any transcripts reflecting academic performance in high school. Home-schooled students must present portfolios summarizing his or her homeschool education as well as standard test scores (ACT composite minimum of 18 or old SAT combined minimum of 860 or 940 new SAT). Applicants may be required, at the discretion of the admitting IHL institution, to appear for an on-campus interview.
Admission of Undergraduate Special Students
A student who is at least 21 years of age, has been out of school for at least three years, and cannot present an acceptable high school record may be admitted to the university for such courses as he or she may be prepared to enter. This category is reserved for those who have had delays or interruption of the traditional sequence of educational pursuits. A person admitted as a special student is admitted with the same retention standards as degree-seeking students. Special students must have a minimum of a 2.0 GPA on 12 hours of course work to become degree-seeking students. After meeting this requirement, the special student may become a regularly enrolled student and the work completed while in the special status may be applied toward a degree. Failure to meet the stated requirements will result in academic suspension. While in special student status, a student may not register for more than 12 hours in a semester or summer session and will not qualify for financial aid programs.
Admission of Unclassified Students
Applicants who have already received the baccalaureate degree may enroll in the university if they desire to take courses for personal or professional improvement at the 400 level or below; or are pursuing a second undergraduate degree. Generally, students pursuing a second undergraduate degree will not be permitted to take graduate courses, but under certain circumstances, with the approval of the appropriate academic dean, they may enroll as unclassified students in 500-level courses.
Earning College Credit in High School
In the summer before the senior year in high school, students may earn University credit by attending enrichment programs such as PACE (Promoting Academic and Creative Excellence) and the Summer Institutes in Art and in Music, if the following criteria are met:
Completion of at least 15 college preparatory courses with a minimum 3.2 GPA on those courses, recommendation by the applicant's high school principal or guidance counselor, and successful application to PACE or to the Summer Institute.
Summer enrichment programs are administered by the Division of Outreach & Continuing Education.