General Criteria
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Page One: General Criteria
Since the first page of the application deals with admittance requirements, we'll go over those here. If you'd prefer to hear me read off this list of requirements then feel free to click on the video above.
1. Be a resident of Mississippi.
In order to apply to MSMS you must be a legal resident of the state of Mississippi. If you have questions as to what your status is or will be by the time MSMS is in your horizion, contact me.
2.Be a current 10th grader.
You cannot begin working on your application until you are a current tenth grader. You are not a tenth grader the summer before your sophomore year, so you can't get to work on your app until August.
3. Have earned a minimum 12 Carnegie Units by the end of your sophomore year.
This means by the time you have graduated the 10th grade, you must have accumulated 12 credits toward graduation. For students who are serious contenders for a spot at MSMS, this is never a problem, but you might want to check with your counselor to be on the safe side.
4. Have a record of school performance that is superior in mathematics and science (overall average of 90 or higher) and above average in everything else.
You have to have good grades to be a serious contender for a spot at MSMS. Keep in mind we are looking at your overall average. In other words you might have had a bad year last year in Geometry, but had a great year in Algebra II. We'll notice that. We'll also take into consideration the level of classes you are taking. An 88 in AP Biology is much more impressive than a 90 in regular Biology, for example. So don't fret if you have a couple of not-so-hot grades out there. On the other hand, if you are happy settling for C's, then MSMS probably isn't the school for you.
5. Submit an ACT score (composite score of 20 or higher is recommended).
I'll say it again...
There is no minimum ACT score required for admittance to MSMS. However, common sense indicates the better your score, the better your chances of getting into the school. We recommend you shoot for a 20 or better, because statistically students with those level scores are more successful at MSMS.
6. Complete and submit the application.
Duh. Obviously, you must submit a complete application.
That does it for the minimum requirements to apply, next are listed the classes you must have completed before the end of your 10th grade year. YOU DO NOT HAVE TO HAVE THESE COMPLETE BEFORE THE APPLICATION DEADLINE IN ORDER TO BE ACCEPTED INTO MSMS!!! In fact, most students who are accepted take these classes during their 10th grade year. A few even have to take them via correspondence over the summer. You simply must have them finished before you get a key to your dorm room. For those of you who crave deadlines, get these classes in the bag no later than August, 1 2012.
· Two Units of English
· Two Units of Math - Geometry and Algebra I REQUIRED, Algebra II recommended
· Two Units of Science - Biology I REQUIRED, Chemistry recommended
· Two Units of Social Studies - Mississippi Studies and World Geography recommended.
· One Unit of Technology - Computer Discovery or 1/2 Unit of Keyboarding and 1/2 Unit of Computer Applications
· 1/2 Unit of Health recommended
· 1/2 Unit of Physical Education recommended
And please remember, recommended is not the same thing as required. We recommend these classes, because the state of Mississippi requires you to have them to obtain a degree from any state high school - including MSMS. Waiting to take them at MSMS simply means you don't get to take an MSMS level class. Wanted to take Guitar Studies, British Literature or Robotics? If it's offered the same time as Health and you haven't had it yet, then tough. Try to knock that stuff out at your home school, gang.
Finally, if you are home schooled, then you have a slightly different set of criteria you have to worry about. For detailed information about what we need from you guys click here.