MC Select Scholars Competition
Entering freshmen are required to have a score of 27 or higher on their ACT, 1260 or higher on their SAT, or 89 on their CLT to be considered for the Select Scholars Competition at Mississippi College - recipients of the highest academic awards within our scholarship program. In addition to their scholarship package, Select Scholars are also invited to participate in the Select Scholar Interview Competition in the spring of their senior year. Here, a select number of scholars will be chosen for additional scholarships based upon an interview and submission of the items listed below.
The Competition
There are two interview dates to choose from: Monday-Tuesday, January 27-28 and Thursday-Friday, January 30-31. The dinner will be held on the Monday or Thursday evening at 6:15 p.m., respective to your interview date, and all competing scholars and their accompanying families are required to attend. Interviews will be conducted throughout the day on the following Tuesday or Friday.
Participants will be evaluated based upon an interview with the Admissions Committee and their submission of an essay and resume. Interviews are conducted in a panel format, with 3-5 students interviewing at one time. Essays and resumes are graded by MC staff and faculty members. Scores from each area are calculated to determine the levels of additional scholarship.
Evening Agenda:
Location: Anderson Hall in the B.C. Rogers Student Center
5:15 PM - Cadaver Lab Tour. For those students and their families interested in learning more about our wet cadaver lab, arrive in Anderson Hall no later than 5:15 for this exclusive tour with a member of the pre-medical program faculty.
5:30 PM - Academic Reception. Faculty from each academic department have been invited to be present before the dinner between 5:30 - 6:15 PM. This reception time is optional to you, but a great time to meet a faculty member and other students interested in your academic discipline.
6:15 PM - MC Select Scholar Dinner. Dinner will be served followed by a short program of speakers who will deliver a charge to you as the top of the entering class at MC.
Business attire is requested for the interview and the dinner.
Requirements & Registration
In order to interview for additional scholarships, students must register online for the competition. Interview time preferences may be indicated on the registration form; we will do our best to accommodate your preference. Your interview time will be assigned after you register and you will be notified shortly thereafter.
Students must be accepted in Admissions, register for an interview time (see below), and complete the following in order to be eligible for additional awards:
Submit a video of yourself (one minute maximum). Tell us who you are - have fun with it! You may upload your video link into your student portal.
Choose ONE essay prompt to write your one page paper on.
The preferred format would be Time New Roman 12 pt. font. Max of 700 words, one page, single spaced.
1. "Social Media has become a powerful force in shaping opinions, behaviors, and even identities. While it can connect us and amplify voices, it also poses challenges such as misinformation, cyberbullying, and the pressure to conform to unrealistic standards. Reflect on how social media has influenced you personally or the society around you. How have you navigated its challenges and used it positively in your life? What steps do you believe should be taken to ensure that social media continues to be a force for good in the world?"
OR
2. "Tell us about the most formative or impactful day of your life. Describe how it influenced your growth and how it continues to shape your perspective and aspirations."
Submit a resume (two pages maximum) outlining your academic and extracurricular involvements/achievements during high school.
Deadline for all required items: Sunday, December 1 at 11:59 p.m.
All documents should be submitted through your MC Student Portal, which you may use to keep track of what you have submitted.
Please email selectscholars@mc.edu with any questions or contact Josi Anthony at 601.925.3316.
Trustee & Distinction Scholar Awards
After students are evaluated on all competition criteria, four students will be named Trustee Scholars, receiving full tuition, room, and board scholarships. Fifty students will be selected as Distinction Scholars, receiving an additional range of $1,000-$3,000 per year on top of their current scholarship offer.
There are only a limited number of Trustee and Distinction Scholarships. However, everyone who attends the interview competition will receive an exclusive Orientation event and class registration date.
