University of Mississippi: Application Requirements and Admission Guide

The University of Mississippi, also known as Ole Miss, is a flagship public research university offering a wide array of opportunities for prospective students. This article provides a comprehensive guide to the university's admission requirements for first-year and transfer students, including GPA, standardized test scores, and other essential criteria. Understanding these requirements is the first step toward becoming an Ole Miss Rebel and embarking on a transformative academic journey.

Admission Information: Requirements, Fees, and Deadlines

Applying to college is a significant step, and the University of Mississippi aims to make the process as convenient as possible. The admissions office is available to assist applicants with any questions they may have.

First-Year Applicants

The University of Mississippi welcomes first-year students eager to access new opportunities, establish meaningful connections, discover transformative experiences, and gain the skills and knowledge necessary to launch their careers. The university is committed to nurturing the potential of its students and supporting them throughout their academic endeavors.

Evaluation Criteria for Mississippi Residents

As a Mississippi resident applicant, your admission will be based on the following criteria:

Submission of an application (either the university's application or the Common Application).
Completion of the required units of the Mississippi College Preparatory Curriculum (CPC).
High school cumulative unweighted grade point average.
An ACT or SAT score, if provided.

Mississippi residents are admitted based on meeting one of the following criteria:

Read also: Comprehensive Scholarship Guide

Completing high school graduation requirements and the College Preparatory Curriculum (CPC) or completing equivalent requirements as determined by the University of Mississippi; and have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.2 on a 4.0 grading scale as reported by the high school or as calculated by the University of Mississippi using an IHL-approved unweighted cumulative GPA calculator;
Completing high school graduation requirements and the College Preparatory Curriculum (CPC) or completing equivalent requirements as determined by the University of Mississippi; and have a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.5 as reported by the high school or as calculated by the University of Mississippi using an IHL-approved unweighted cumulative GPA calculator or a class rank in the top 50%; and have an ACT composite score of 16 or higher (or SAT equivalent);
Completing high school graduation requirements and the College Preparatory Curriculum (CPC) or completing equivalent requirements as determined by the University of Mississippi; and have a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.0 as reported by the high school or as calculated by the University of Mississippi using an IHL-approved unweighted cumulative GPA calculator; and have an ACT composite score of 18 or higher (or SAT equivalent).
Any student who does not meet the above requirements may be granted full admission by satisfying the NCAA Division I standards for student athletes who are "full qualifiers" or "academic redshirts".

Evaluation Criteria for Non-Resident Applicants

As a non-resident applicant, you will be evaluated based on the criteria mentioned above, in addition to the following:

Either an ACT or SAT score.
- Optional for non-resident students with a 3.2 unweighted cumulative GPA or higher.
- Strongly recommended for non-resident students with less than a 3.2 unweighted cumulative GPA.
Rigor of high school curriculum.
Availability of seats in the incoming class.

Non-resident students are encouraged to apply early, as admission is granted on a competitive, rolling basis until the university reaches capacity. It is suggested that students apply and submit required documents no later than February 1 of their senior year for priority consideration.

Super Score Policy

The university will accept super scores (highest subject tests from ACT/SAT when scores from multiple test dates are submitted) for admission. Subject test scores must be from the same exam type (ACT or SAT) to create a super score. The university will calculate superscores if one isn’t provided.

Required Application Materials

To complete your application, gather the following materials:

Six-semester transcript (through junior year).
Standardized test scores (ACT or SAT).
Senior course schedule.

Steps to Apply

Go to the university's undergraduate application or use the Common App to begin the process. ACT/SAT fee waivers can be used in place of the application fee.
Send your high school transcript through junior year.
Send your official ACT/SAT scores directly from the testing agency. The ACT code is 2250, and the SAT/College Board code is 1840.

Next Steps for Admitted Students

Once admitted, refer to the Admitted Students page for information on university housing, orientation, and class registration.

Submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).
Mississippi residents should apply for state aid.
Submit the Freshman Scholarship Application and Competitive Academic Programs Application by January 10. Deadlines for scholarships and a full financial aid timeline can be found with the Office of Financial Aid.

Standardized Test Requirements

University of Mississippi (UM) requires that you either take the SAT or ACT.University of Mississippi (UM)’s average SAT score is 1115 - this is the sum of the math and reading portions of the SAT (the 1600 scale). To be a competitive applicant for University of Mississippi (UM) your SAT score should come close to the average. If you’re closer to the 1000, you’re likely going to have a tougher time getting accepted.University of Mississippi (UM)’s average ACT score is 76. To be a competitive applicant for University of Mississippi (UM) your ACT score should come close to the average. If you’re closer to the 64, you’re likely going to have a tougher time getting accepted.

Read also: History of the Block 'M'

Transfer Students

The University of Mississippi welcomes transfer students from various backgrounds and with diverse goals. Whether you're transferring from another four-year institution or a community college, Ole Miss is committed to guiding you through the transfer process, making you feel welcome on campus, and helping you acclimate to a new environment.

General Information

The University of Mississippi is here to guide you through the transfer process, help you feel welcome on campus, and acclimate you to a new environment, whether in Oxford or one of our regional locations.

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.

International Students

The University of Mississippi offers an award-winning campus set in a city known for its literary and music culture, a top-tier education at an affordable price, a nurturing and vibrant environment, and a welcoming, friendly, safe, and scenic campus.

Understanding Ole Miss's Admission Requirements

If you want to get in, the first thing to look at is the acceptance rate. The acceptance rate at Ole Miss is 96.6%. a nearly open admissions school. They accept nearly all students, so for the most part, you just need to submit an application to get in.

GPA Requirements

The GPA requirement that really matters is the GPA you need for a real chance of getting in. requires you to be around average in your high school class. You'll need a mix of A's and B's, and very few C's. If you have a lower GPA, you can compensate with harder courses like AP or IB classes.University of Mississippi (UM)’s average GPA is 3.6. This average GPA means University of Mississippi (UM) is very selective. Often times, schools in this range are trying to increase their selectivity and “prestige”.

Standardized Testing Policies

Each school has different requirements for standardized testing. Ole Miss has indicated that the SAT or ACT is required for some applicants. If you're applying to this and other schools, it's safest to take the SAT or ACT. Many schools say they have no SAT score cutoff, but the truth is that there is a hidden SAT requirement. The 25th percentile SAT score is 1000, and the 75th percentile SAT score is 1200. The average ACT score at Ole Miss is 25. The 25th percentile ACT score is 21, and the 75th percentile ACT score is 29.

ACT/SAT Optional?

Although we are not requiring a standardized test score for admission for the 2025-2026 academic year, ACT/SAT scores are still very important for scholarships, some aid programs, and for academic placement.

Test-Taking Strategies

When you send ACT scores to colleges, you have absolute control over which tests you send. You could take 10 tests, and only send your highest one. This means that you have more chances than you think to improve your ACT score. To try to aim for the school's ACT requirement of 21 and above, you should try to take the ACT as many times as you can. By and large, most colleges do not superscore the ACT. (Superscore means that the school takes your best section scores from all the test dates you submit, and then combines them into the best possible composite score). We weren't able to find the school's exact ACT policy, which most likely means that it does not Superscore.

Essay/Writing Section

Currently, only the ACT has an optional essay section that all students can take. The SAT used to also have an optional Essay section, but since June 2021, this has been discontinued unless you are taking the test as part of school-day testing in a few states. Ole Miss considers the SAT Essay/ACT Writing section optional and may not include it as part of their admissions consideration.

Open Admissions

This school offers nearly open admissions, which means they give almost every student an offer of admission. To be safe, you should aim for a 1000 SAT or a 21 ACT or higher.

Additional Factors in Admission Decisions

Note: Your admission decision relies not only on your GPA and SAT/ACT scores, but also on your coursework difficulty, extracurriculars, letters of recommendation, and personal statements. This tool provides only a simplistic estimate of your chances of admission. We recommend you apply to schools across a range of chances.

Automatic Admission Criteria

For Mississippi residents, admission is automatic if you complete the college preparatory curriculum (CPC) with a GPA of at least 3.2, or complete the CPC with at least a 2.50 and get a minimum 16 ACT composite score or 760 SAT score (Critical Reading and Math), or complete the CPC with a 2.00 and get a minimum 18 ACT or 860 SAT, or complete the CPC and are in the top half of your class with minimum 16 ACT or 760 SAT, or meet certification requirements for the NCAA. Non-resident applicants with a 2.50 GPA (2.75 for the high school Class of 2016 and later) or higher on the College Preparatory Curriculum (CPC) or equivalent CPC of the applicant’s state of residence and a composite ACT score of 21 or higher (or 980 or higher on the SAT Critical Reading/Mathematics only) will be automatically granted admission.

Comprehensive Screening Process

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 before the beginning of the first summer session. After counseling, students will take a computer-based examination. Students who pass the exam will be admitted for the fall term and will be encouraged to participate in a Developmental Support Lab during the first two semesters of enrollment.

Honors College and Scholarships

For consideration for the Honors College and other scholarships, there is a separate application which can only be filled out once you turn in the general application. Turn in this application by January 5th to be considered for the Honors College, and by February 15th for scholarships. (This means you should plan ahead and submit your general application early.)

Maximizing Your Chances of Admission

Now you know where you need to be for getting into University of Mississippi (UM) from a grade and test score perspective. Follow these steps to maximize your chances of getting into Ole Miss. Join your school band, a sports team or another group activity. Volunteer in your hometown. University has tons of ways to be involved beyond just the college. Spend your summer doing something that speaks to your values, personal growth, leadership qualities and other less quantifiable characteristics. Ole Miss needs to see past your test scores and grades - they need to know that you will be a valuable and contributing member of their community. Write a stellar essay that shows University of Mississippi (UM) something they can’t figure out from the other parts of your application. Get teacher recs that speak to your character. Apply Before the Deadline. Too many students wait until the last minute to submit their application, and too much can go wrong during this precious time window. Since many students are applying on the last day, it’s possible that Ole Miss’s own system crashes.

Additional Admission Categories

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 2.0 GPA on 12 hours of coursework 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.

Unclassified Students

Applicants who have already received a 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.

Summer College for High School Students

Summer College for High School Students is a four-week academic program for high-achieving high school students who want to experience university life. Participants in Summer College have the opportunity to gain dual credit (high school and college) for classes taken during the summer. This program is offered in both residential and virtual formats. Students must meet the following criteria to qualify: Be classified as a junior or higher; Have a minimum overall high school GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale; and Obtain an unconditional written recommendation from his/her high school counselor, principal. OR Have a minimum high school GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale; Earned a minimum composite ACT score of 30 or the equivalent SAT score; and Obtain an unconditional written recommendation from his/her high school counselor or principal. For more information about Summer College and other dual credit programs, visit the Office of Pre-College Programs.

College Preparatory Curriculum (CPC)

High-School Course Requirements for new freshmen students. The CPC is aligned with current Mississippi high school graduation requirements and course offerings. The CPC course list ensures uniformity of courses being accepted in each category of the CPC across Mississippi's eight public institutions.

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