To assist with some of the most common pre and post application questions that we receive here at the Sally McDonnell Barksdale Honors College, we have developed this “FAQ” sheet to help you out. If you do not see the answer to your question here, please do not hesitate to contact us by phone at (662) 915-7294 or by emailing honors@olemiss.edu, and we will be happy to assist you!
Pre-Application
What are the requirements for graduating from the Honors College?
The requirements for graduating from the Honors College are 30 credit hours of Honors courses, a 3.50 GPA, completion of Community Action hours (10 hours a semester), and completion of the senior thesis requirement. Additionally, students must meet all of the requirements of their specific degree program. While these are the requirements for graduating, each year has specific requirements designed to keep students on-track to meeting these final requirements. First-year students are expected to earn at least 12 hours of honors credit and achieve a GPA of 3.20 by the end of the year. Second-year students are expected to have a GPA of 3.40 and at least 18 honors hours. Third-year students and above are expected to maintain a GPA above 3.50 through graduation.
Do Honors College students participate in other activities outside of school?
Yes! The students in the Honors College are oftentimes even more involved than students outside of the Honors College. The numbers that best reflect this phenomenon are related to Greek life. Around one-third of the Ole Miss undergraduate student body is involved in Greek life, whereas Honors College student participation in Greek life was at 52% this year.
Are Honors courses more difficult than standard courses?
Honors courses are different, not necessarily harder. Honors courses are typically smaller than many of their “non-Honors” counterparts, usually no more than 15-20 students, and are taught by some of the university’s most esteemed faculty. Honors courses focus on active learning and students are often more involved than in courses outside of the Honors College.
Does the Honors College require a specific major?
The Honors College works with every undergraduate major offered at The University of Mississippi. Students currently enrolled in the Honors College are pursuing degrees in over 70 different academic majors.
What does the committee look for in an application?
When reviewing your application the committee looks at a variety of criteria: GPA, extracurricular involvement, the level of rigor in your courses in high school, the strength of your essays, your letters of recommendation, if you are involved in community service or if you are employed, and everything in between. Ultimately, we look for a diverse and involved group of students that seeks to challenge themselves!
Is there a minimum ACT score and GPA to get into the Honors College?
There is no “minimum” ACT or GPA to gain entrance to the Honors College. The typical academic profile of our entering freshmen last year was a 30.3 ACT and a 3.92 unweighted GPA. However we encourage high-performing student to apply no matter what their test scores, especially valedictorians and salutatorians, as all applicants are viewed holistically. During the first round of reviewing applications, the admissions committee DOES NOT consider the standardized test scores of any applicant.
Post-Application
I applied after the January 10 deadline, when will I hear about my admissions status?
Late applications are reviewed, and qualified applicants are placed on our waitlist. No applications will be received after May 1.
What about Orientation?
There is an Honors-only Orientation in late May. If you’re selected for the Honors College, you will be notified of the dates once they are set. We understand that not all students will be able to attend this session, so you may attend whichever Orientation session works best with your summer plans. No matter the orientation session, you will still have the opportunity to meet with the Honors College.
What about Honors Housing?
Freshman Honors students may participate in the Honors College Living-Learning Community (LLC), which will be located in RC South. Spaces in the Honors College LLC are first-come, first-served. Freshman Honors students will be able to choose from spaces in the LLC, if available, as well as spaces in traditional halls. Honors students are not required to live in the Honors College LLC. Those who do choose to live in the LLC must have roommates who are also freshman Honors students. For more information, please visit the student housing website.
Is there an appeals process for admissions decisions?
As decisions are made by a committee and reviewed by the Dean before being submitted, there is no appeals process for admissions decisions.
What happens if my application is declined?
If we are unable to admit a student into the freshman class, they can pursue the Provost Scholars program if they have at least a 26 ACT and a 3.25 high school GPA. Additionally, we encourage the Provost Scholars to apply for admission to the Honors College through our Honors Scholars Program, once they have acquired 45 credit hours and a 3.50, or better, GPA.
What happens if I am waitlisted?
Students who are waitlisted for admission to the Honors College will be notified via telephone after May 1st if we are able to admit them for the fall semester. Please understand that we will not give notice to students until we are able to determine space availability and students could find out any time over the summer if we are able to accept them.
Once I am accepted into Honors, what do I do next?
Once you are notified of your acceptance, you have time to make a decision regarding enrollment. There is an online acceptance notification that you must submit by May 1 if you plan on participating in the Honors College. Please visit here. Additionally, you can begin registering for Orientation and Housing in the spring as they become available.
When will I hear about my admission decision?
Students who apply by the Early-Action deadline of November 1 will be notified of their Honors College admissions status by December 20. Students applying between November and January 10 will be notified of their admissions status by early March.