Application FAQ

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Application Deadline For the Class of 2014 is

FEBRUARY 17, 2012

Welcome to the MSMS Application FAQ page where you can find all the resources you need to help you through the application process. Simply scroll down and read the answers to some very commonly asked questions about the application, or click on one of the buttons above to get detailed information on every single part of the application.

Who can apply to MSMS?

Applicants must be legal residents of the state of Mississippi and current high school sophomores. There are no other criteria required to put your name in for application. Getting accepted to the school, however, is an entirely different ball of wax.

What is involved in the application process?

There have been some fairly significant changes in the way the application is now being presented, but the core of the thing hasn't changed. For some, flipping through the pages of this 18 page document can be a bit intimidating, but it certainly doesn't have to be.

Use this FAQ site as a primary resource when working on your application and you will find yourself not only getting it complete faster, but also turning in work of which you can be proud. Before we jump into the nitty-gritty of the process there are a couple things you should consider.

1. There is no "preferred" method of completing the application. If you had a paper copy mailed to you, you can use it to fill out the application. If you prefer, you can click right here and go to the on-line version. Keep in mind, however, some parts of the application require your PHYSICAL SIGNATURE. Which means you can't send those pages in electronically.

2. The application is designed to be completed and submitted in parts. You do not have to wait until you have completed every part to send in your material. For example, the first couple pages of the application won't take you more than 10 minutes to complete. Once they are finished you can send them off and send the rest of the application as you get it done.

3. We don't care how we get it as long as we get it. The parts of the application which require your physical signature can get here any way you can get them. You can mail them in, you can fax them in, you can even scan them into your computer and e-mail them.

4. Put your name and home school on everything you submit. We don't know all of you, and believe it or not sometimes two students with very similar names apply to MSMS. So on each piece of the application you submit make sure your name and a working contact phone number are shown.

5. And finally, before we get any further, please remember...

I emphasize this because every year, I hear the same excuses. Here they are, along with my standard answers:

"Mr. Wade, I didn't know we had to take the ACT!"

Well, you do now. The state of Mississippi REQUIRES you to have an ACT score as part of your application, and your application cannot be processed until we have an ACT score for you.

 "Mr. Wade, I'm going to take the ACT, but I was going to do it (INSERT TIME AFTER APPLICATION DEADLINE HERE)"

As I just said, the ACT is part of your application. If you don't have one, you don't have a complete application. Therefore, planning to take the ACT after your application deadline is a bit stupid. And you're not stupid, right? You're applying to MSMS. You have until around the middle of FEBRUARY to get this done. Just take the dang 'ole test.

"Mr. Wade, My counselor told me I couldn't take the ACT until I'm a senior."

Frankly, your counselor is mistaken. You can take the ACT as often and as early as you want to. In fact, many experts recommend you take the ACT as early as possible, if for no other reason than to get used to the way the test looks and works. Almost NO ONE, including MSMS, punishes people for taking it multiple times. Click on the ACT and Transcripts link above for more information about ACT.

Click here to get to work on the application!

Next: General Criteria