does ole miss require an essay for admission

• Undergraduate Admissions

Build your legacy at Ole Miss.

Are you ready to become a Rebel?

Founded in 1848, Ole Miss is Mississippi's flagship public research university. We offer nearly 200 degree programs, sponsor groundbreaking research, and nurture creativity. To support our mission, we seek students who are eager to succeed and expand their horizons.

Want to join us? It starts with applying to Ole Miss.

We've designed our application process to be convenient for all. We'll work with you to make sure you have everything you need. Below, you will find information about our undergraduate admissions requirements. Questions? Connect with our admissions office, who will be happy to assist.

Let's get started.

Freshman Admission Requirements

For entering freshmen, admission is based on:

• the submission of an application (the university’s application or the Common Application ); and
• completion of the required units of the Mississippi College Preparatory Curriculum (CPC) ; and
• high school cumulative unweighted grade point average (GPA); and
• either an ACT or SAT test score*.

Standardized test results (ACT or SAT) should be sent directly from the testing agency. Our ACT code is 2250 and our SAT/College Board code is 1840.

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. 

*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.

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

• 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; OR
• 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); OR
• 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". 

Non-resident applicants are evaluated for admission based on the following:

• Completing the College Preparatory Curriculum (CPC); and
• Cumulative unweighted grade point average (GPA); and
• Optional for students with 3.2 unweighted cumulative GPA or higher
• Strongly recommended for students with less than a 3.2 unweighted cumulative GPA; and
• rigor of high school curriculum; and 
• 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.

Reading and English:  Students whose ACT subtest score in reading and/or English is less than 17 (or less than 470 on the SAT) are required to enroll in an appropriate developmental course during the first year of enrollment and to remain in the course until receiving a passing grade.

Mathematics: Students whose ACT subtest score in mathematics is less than 19 (or less than 510 on the SAT) are required to enroll in an appropriate developmental course during the first year of enrollment and to remain in the course until receiving a passing grade. Students may also choose to take the ALEKS placement exam in order to enroll in non-developmental math classes.

Other Test Scores:  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 one semester of Edhe 105 . 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.

Non-Accredited High Schools

Applicants who have completed high school from a school that does not hold regional accreditation must submit the following:

• Transcripts reflecting academic performance or a secondary school leaving form; and
• ACT or SAT scores and GPA based on Mississippi admission requirements.

Home-schooled students:

• Home-school transcripts or portfolio summarizing home school education; and
• ACT or SAT scores and GPA based on Mississippi admission requirement; and
• Final official notarized transcript.

Not completed high school:

• Passing scores on a state approved high school equivalency examination; and
• an ACT score of 18 or higher or SAT score of at least 960.

Applicants who have completed a non-domestic high school or attended a non-domestic institution of higher learning (including those not accredited by or in candidate status with an accreditation body recognized by an appropriate U.S. Federal Agency) may be admitted in another admissions category or on the basis of the following:

• Transcripts reflecting academic performance or a secondary school leaving form; or
• ACT or SAT scores.

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 non-cognitive factors. After counseling, students will take a computer-based examination (Accuplacer) to assist the University in their admission decision.

Students who pass the Accuplacer test will be admitted for the fall term and will be encouraged to participate in Edhe 105 during the first semester of enrollment.

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.

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.

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 a minimum of 15 years old by first day of the program; and
• Be in good academic and conduct standing in high school (includes public, private, parochial, or home-educated); and
• Have secured permission from high school principal to attend; and 
• OPTION 1:  14 CPC (College Preparatory Curriculum) high school credits by the end of the current school year  AND  minimum 3.0 GPA
• OPTION 2:  Minimum cumulative score of 30 on the ACT (or SAT equivalent)  AND  minimum 3.0 GPA

For more information about Summer College and other dual credit programs, visit the  Office of Pre-College Programs .

Financial Aid and Scholarships

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.

College Preparatory Curriculum

Meet our Admissions Specialists

Danielle Shannon

• Admissions Specialist

Addie House

Britnee Barnes

• Admissions Specialist II

Marian Burnside

• Admissions Specialist III

Emma Williams

Tamika Williams

Tyler McKeithen

• Admissions Specialist I

Will Turner

Courtney Jones

Welcome to Admissions

How will you make your mark on the world? At the University of Mississippi, we will support and nurture you as you define your path to a fulfilling life.

You’re about to take a major step!

A chance to explore new opportunities, establish lifelong friendships and meaningful connections, discover transformative experiences, and gain the skills and knowledge to launch your career. You want to help make a better world, and the University of Mississippi will nurture your potential and support you. We can't wait to join you on this journey. Your legacy awaits! 

Our admissions application for Fall 2025 is OPEN!

Financial Aid

Learn more about scholarships and how to pay for college.

Freshman Admissions

Are you ready to become a Rebel? We’re here to help make that a reality.

• Undergraduate

Transfer Admissions

You’ve started your college journey. We want to help you take the next step.

International Admissions

Learn more about our academic programs, research opportunities, campus life, and our city.

• International

Have a question? Ask our students They know best

Ainsley Counce

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Why did you choose Ole Miss?

Jakota White

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Admissions Team

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Debbie Wesley

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Alison Chain

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Ole Miss Requirements for Admission

What are Ole Miss's admission requirements? While there are a lot of pieces that go into a college application, you should focus on only a few critical things:

• GPA requirements
• Testing requirements, including SAT and ACT requirements
• Application requirements

In this guide we'll cover what you need to get into Ole Miss and build a strong application.

School location: University, MS

This school is also known as: University of Mississippi

Admissions Rate: 97.4%

If you want to get in, the first thing to look at is the acceptance rate. This tells you how competitive the school is and how serious their requirements are.

The acceptance rate at Ole Miss is 97.4% . For every 100 applicants, 97 are admitted.

This means the school is 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. But if you don't meet all their application requirements, you'll be one of the very few people who gets rejected.

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Ole Miss GPA Requirements

Many schools specify a minimum GPA requirement, but this is often just the bare minimum to submit an application without immediately getting rejected.

The GPA requirement that really matters is the GPA you need for a real chance of getting in. For this, we look at the school's average GPA for its current students.

Average GPA: 3.6

The average GPA at Ole Miss is 3.6 .

(Most schools use a weighted GPA out of 4.0, though some report an unweighted GPA.

With a GPA of 3.6, Ole Miss requires you to be above average in your high school class. You'll need at least a mix of A's and B's, with more A's than B's. You can compensate for a lower GPA with harder classes, like AP or IB classes. This will show that you're able to handle more difficult academics than the average high school student.

SAT and ACT Requirements

Each school has different requirements for standardized testing. Only a few schools require the SAT or ACT, but many consider your scores if you choose to submit them.

Ole Miss hasn't explicitly named a policy on SAT/ACT requirements, but because it's published average SAT or ACT scores (we'll cover this next), it's likely test flexible. Typically, these schools say, "if you feel your SAT or ACT score represents you well as a student, submit them. Otherwise, don't."

Despite this policy, the truth is that most students still take the SAT or ACT, and most applicants to Ole Miss will submit their scores. If you don't submit scores, you'll have one fewer dimension to show that you're worthy of being admitted, compared to other students. We therefore recommend that you consider taking the SAT or ACT, and doing well.

Ole Miss SAT Requirements

Many schools say they have no SAT score cutoff, but the truth is that there is a hidden SAT requirement. This is based on the school's average score.

Average SAT: 1134

The average SAT score composite at Ole Miss is a 1134 on the 1600 SAT scale.

This score makes Ole Miss Competitive for SAT test scores.

Ole Miss SAT Score Analysis (New 1600 SAT)

The 25th percentile SAT score is 1040, and the 75th percentile SAT score is 1220. In other words, a 1040 on the SAT places you below average, while a 1220 will move you up to above average .

Here's the breakdown of SAT scores by section:

SAT Score Choice Policy

The Score Choice policy at your school is an important part of your testing strategy.

Ole Miss ACT Requirements

Just like for the SAT, Ole Miss likely doesn't have a hard ACT cutoff, but if you score too low, your application will get tossed in the trash.

Average ACT: 25

The average ACT score at Ole Miss is 25. This score makes Ole Miss Moderately Competitive for ACT scores.

The 25th percentile ACT score is 22, and the 75th percentile ACT score is 29.

ACT Score Sending Policy

If you're taking the ACT as opposed to the SAT, you have a huge advantage in how you send scores, and this dramatically affects your testing strategy.

Here it is: 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 is unlike the SAT, where many schools require you to send all your tests ever taken.

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 22 and above, you should try to take the ACT as many times as you can. When you have the final score that you're happy with, you can then send only that score to all your schools.

ACT Superscore Policy

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). Thus, most schools will just take your highest ACT score from a single sitting.

We weren't able to find the school's exact ACT policy, which most likely means that it does not Superscore. Regardless, you can choose your single best ACT score to send in to Ole Miss, so you should prep until you reach our recommended target ACT score of 22.

Download our free guide on the top 5 strategies you must be using to improve your score. This guide was written by Harvard graduates and ACT perfect scorers. If you apply the strategies in this guide, you'll study smarter and make huge score improvements.

SAT/ACT Writing Section Requirements

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. Because of this, no school requires the SAT Essay or ACT Writing section, but some schools do recommend certain students submit their results if they have them.

Ole Miss considers the SAT Essay/ACT Writing section optional and may not include it as part of their admissions consideration. You don't need to worry too much about Writing for this school, but other schools you're applying to may require it.

Final Admissions Verdict

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 1040 SAT or a 22 ACT or higher . If you can achieve this, you're pretty much guaranteed a spot in the incoming class.

Admissions Calculator

Here's our custom admissions calculator. Plug in your numbers to see what your chances of getting in are. Pick your test: SAT ACT

• 80-100%: Safety school: Strong chance of getting in
• 50-80%: More likely than not getting in
• 20-50%: Lower but still good chance of getting in
• 5-20%: Reach school: Unlikely to get in, but still have a shot
• 0-5%: Hard reach school: Very difficult to get in

How would your chances improve with a better score?

Take your current SAT score and add 160 points (or take your ACT score and add 4 points) to the calculator above. See how much your chances improve?

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Application Requirements

Every school requires an application with the bare essentials - high school transcript and GPA, application form, and other core information. Many schools, as explained above, also require SAT and ACT scores, as well as letters of recommendation, application essays, and interviews. We'll cover the exact requirements of Ole Miss here.

Application Requirements Overview

• Common Application Not accepted
• Electronic Application Available
• Essay or Personal Statement
• Letters of Recommendation
• Interview Not required
• Application Fee $65
• Fee Waiver Available? Available
• Other Notes

Testing Requirements

• SAT or ACT Considered if submitted
• SAT Essay or ACT Writing Optional
• SAT Subject Tests
• Scores Due in Office September 9

Coursework Requirements

• Subject Required Years
• Foreign Language
• Social Studies 3
• Electives 1

Deadlines and Early Admissions

• Offered? Deadline Notification
• Yes Rolling Rolling

Admissions Office Information

• Address: P.O. Box 1848 University, MS 38655
• Phone: (662) 915-7211 x7211
• Fax: (662) 915-5869
• Email: [email protected]

Our Expert's Notes

We did more detailed research into this school's admissions process and found the following information:

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. 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.

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.) Learn more here.

Other Schools For You

If you're interested in Ole Miss, you'll probably be interested in these schools as well. We've divided them into 3 categories depending on how hard they are to get into, relative to Ole Miss.

Reach Schools: Harder to Get Into

These schools are have higher average SAT scores than Ole Miss. If you improve your SAT score, you'll be competitive for these schools.

Same Level: Equally Hard to Get Into

If you're competitive for Ole Miss, these schools will offer you a similar chance of admission.

Safety Schools: Easier to Get Into

If you're currently competitive for Ole Miss, you should have no problem getting into these schools. If Ole Miss is currently out of your reach, you might already be competitive for these schools.

Data on this page is sourced from Peterson's Databases © 2023 (Peterson's LLC. All rights reserved.) as well as additional publicly available sources.

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Admission to the University

If you prefer, you may view the admission section on one page .

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.)

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 890 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 890 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 970 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)

Nonresident applicants who meet the Mississippi criteria are evaluated for admission based on the following:

• Standardized test score (ACT or SAT, both are acceptable)
• Core grade point average (GPA)
• Availability of seats in the incoming class
• Rigor of high school curriculum

Successful candidates apply early , as admission is granted on a rolling basis until the university reaches capacity. It is suggested that candidates apply early, and not later than April 1 of their senior year, for best consideration.

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 470 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. Additionally, students whose ACT subtest score in mathematics is less than 19 (or old SAT mathematics score is less than 450 or less than 510 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 Mathematics. 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 970 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 970 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.

Ole Miss - The University of Mississippi

Academic Programs

• Art & Design
• Communication
• Computer Science
• Engineering
• Finance/Accounting
• Government/Political Science
• Health Science
• Liberal Arts
• Performing Arts
• Public health
• Social Science
• Visual Arts

Student experience

• Co-op/Internship Opportunities
• Disability Services
• Distance/online learning
• Hispanic Serving Institution (HSI)
• Intramural/Club Sports
• LGBTQIA Services
• Military/Veteran Services
• Night Class Offerings
• On-Campus Housing
• ROTC Program
• Religious Affiliation
• Study Abroad
• Undergraduate Research

Application information

Find out about requirements, fees, and deadlines

You’re about to take a major step—a chance to access new opportunities, establish meaningful connections, discover transformative experiences, and gain the skills and knowledge to launch your career. You see yourself positively impacting the world, and the University of Mississippi is here to nurture your potential and support you through this endeavor. See yourself attending Ole Miss for freshman year? Visit admissions.olemiss.edu/apply/freshman for all first-year undergraduate requirements and learn more about how we evaluate incoming freshmen.

Not every first-year experience works out the way you planned. Maybe you started at another four-year institution and decided it wasn’t a good fit, or you made the decision to begin your journey at a community or junior college to test the waters and complete your general education requirements before making a firm commitment. Wherever you’re coming from and whatever your goals, 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. Visit olemiss.edu/admissions/undergraduate-admissions/application-process/transfer-students/  for more information.   

Additional Information

Admissions office

145 Martindale-Cole Student Services Center, P.O. Box 1848 University , MS 38677-1848 , United States of America

[email protected]

Phone number

(662) 915-7226

For first-year students

Admissions website.

olemiss.edu/admissions/

Financial aid website

finaid.olemiss.edu/

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• University of Mississippi (UM) GPA Requirements

University of Mississippi (UM) SAT Requirements

University of mississippi (um) act requirements.

• What University of Mississippi (UM) looks for in applicants
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• How to Differentiate Your Application & Get In
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University of Mississippi (UM): 2024 Requirements, Scores & GPAs

This is the go-to guide for getting into University of Mississippi (UM). We suggest you read until the end... Not only will we layout the exact GPA and test scores you should aim for when applying to Ole Miss, but we’ll also offer creative ways to help your application stand out from the pack. We breakdown Ole Miss statistics better than any article out there and show you how these have changed over time. Also, make sure to check out University of Mississippi (UM) on CampusReel to see what it’s really like here . If you're interesting in transferring to Ole Miss, the read our transfer guide. You can also use the below calculator to help determine your likelihood of acceptance at Ole Miss

This free college chances tool calculates your acceptance chances at any other U.S. college

Please note all chances are estimates based on test score and GPA averages.

What GPA Do You Need To Get Into University of Mississippi (UM)?

University of Mississippi (UM)’s average GPA is 3.6. University of Mississippi (UM) does require GPA. 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”. We can’t read the minds of Ole Miss application readers, but they likely want to increase the average GPA from 3.6 to 3.78 this year - to play it safe, we recommend striving for the 3.78 GPA.

*BEFORE CONTINUING PLEASE NOTE: GPA and “prestige” DO NOT mean a college is right for you. University of Mississippi (UM) may seem amazing on paper, but you may hate it... That’s why 700,000 students transfer colleges every year - they end up going to the wrong school. It’s crucial to watch the videos on CampusReel and make sure you can envision yourself on Ole Miss’s campus. These Ole Miss admission statistics do not sufficiently tell you what a college or university is like.

What Is University of Mississippi (UM)’s Acceptance Rate?

Last year University of Mississippi (UM)’s acceptance rate was 78.73. However, check out how the acceptance rate has changed over time.

As you can see, University of Mississippi (UM) is getting more and more difficult to get into. If this trend continue it’s likely that Ole Miss will be even more competitive by the time you apply.

Acceptance rate alone does not indicate your likelihood for getting into Ole Miss - it’s a very high level understanding of the true competition. Use the acceptance rate as a general guide for curating a list of 10-15 schools that fall into different ranges of competitiveness. Then, use the below data to get a deeper understanding of how your application will compare to the rest of the pool.

Will You Get Into University of Mississippi (UM)?

Does university of mississippi (um) require test scores.

University of Mississippi (UM) requires that you either take the SAT or ACT. See the table below for how University of Mississippi (UM)’s accepted students have performed on both tests. You may be wondering how many test scores should you submit. Generally, don’t freak out about taking the test too often. Industry consensus is that you can submit up to 6 tests as a reasonable limit.

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). Check out the below table for a deeper look into how students performed - it’s also very interesting to look at the average test score over time. The trend over time helps give insight into whether University of Mississippi (UM) is getting more or less competitive.

University of Mississippi (UM)’s average SAT score is 1115. 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. To consider University of Mississippi (UM) a “target” school (one that you are likely to get into) you should aim for a score of 1230.

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. To consider University of Mississippi (UM) a “target” school (one that you have a good chance of getting into) you should aim for a score of 88.

University of Mississippi (UM) Requirements

Now you know where you need to be for getting into University of Mississippi (UM) from a grade and test score perspective. Let’s quickly outline what else you’ll need to provide for your application to get reviewed, and then we’ll move onto the most important section: differentiating your app.

How to get into Ole Miss

Follow these steps to maximize your chances of getting into Ole Miss. Everything you read above will help prepare you for what you need to achieve to have a shot at Ole Miss, but these steps will take you even further in applying that knowledge and differentiating your application.

Main Academic Excellence that is in line with Ole Miss admission standards.

• Score at least a 1115 on the SAT or 76 on the ACT.
• Maintain a GPA of at least a 3.6.

Join Extracurriculars that Align with Ole Miss’s Values.

• Join your school band, a sports team or another group activity. If University of Mississippi (UM) values music heavily, for example, then try to participate in an organization related to that topic.
• Volunteer in your hometown. University has tons of ways to be involved beyond just the college. University of Mississippi (UM) wants applicants that are also good ambassadors for the school - they want students who will give back to the local community and broader University area in general.
• 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. You are more than grades and test scores - your experiences should demonstrate that.

Prepare Your Application

• Write a stellar essay that shows University of Mississippi (UM) something they can’t figure out from the other parts of your application. For a detailed guide on writing the best college essay, check this out.
• Get teacher recs that speak to your character. If you know what you’re majoring in and include that in your Ole Miss app, try to have at least 1 recommendation from a teacher in that department.
• 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. Don’t risk the added stress this can cause - submit your app a few days early.

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Admission Requirements

The University of Mississippi School of Law requires:

• Scores from the Law School Admission Test (LSAT)
• Registration with LSAC’s Credential Assembly Service (CAS)
• The completion of a bachelor’s degree from a regionally or nationally accredited college or university prior to matriculation or pursuant to a 3+3 program approved by the University of Mississippi School of Law.

Admission to the School of Law is based on the applicant’s academic ability and aptitude for the study of law. Two of the primary factors considered in the admission process are performance on the LSAT and undergraduate grade-point average.  If you’ve taken multiple LSAT exams, we take the highest LSAT score when making our admission decision. Scores are valid for 5 years.  Other considerations are:

• Difficulty of major field of study
• Job experience
• Social, personal or economic background and circumstances
• Nonacademic achievements
• Letters of recommendation
• Grade patterns and progression

If the University of Mississippi is the right choice for you, please  view our application process  to guide you through submitting your application.

University of Mississippi | Ole Miss

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