IMPORTANT UPDATE (05/19/2025): The SMBHC will be moving to a new website platform this summer, and the Special Programs & Scholarship Applications is undergoing a major revision as the University of Mississippi is transitioning to a new software program. The SMBHC will be updating our essay prompt for admissions in the coming weeks.
Already a University of Mississippi student or transferring to UM? Learn about our Honors Scholars Program for current and transfer students.
For high school students:
Prior to applying to the Honors College, students need to apply for admission to the University of Mississippi. The online application to the Sally McDonnell Barksdale Honors College for Fall 2025 entering freshmen is part of the Special Programs & Scholarship Application for the University of Mississippi, which becomes available September 1 or after you have applied for admission to the University (whichever is later).
Through the Special Programs & Scholarship Application, you will also be able to apply for financial aid and other programs on campus. The Honors College Early-Action deadline is November 1 (applicants will be informed of our decision by December 20). For Early-Action, we will accept recommendation letters through November 15th. Our regular deadline is 11:59 PM (CST) January 10, 2025. We will accept recommendation letters through January 24th for all regular deadline submissions. Students applying by the regular deadline will be notified by the first week of March. All admitted students have until May 1 to accept or decline the offer of admission.
The Special Programs & Scholarship Application must be completed in the order that the tabs appear. The Honors College portion of the Special Programs application includes the following information:
1. Academics: GPA, rank, etc.
2. Recommenders: One should be one of your teachers; One should be a counselor or principal; and the third should be someone you have a responsibility to, such as another teacher, a coach, or an employer. Applicants will enter in the names, positions, and email addresses of their recommenders; the recommenders will receive an email notification with instructions on how to proceed. If your recommender does not receive an email, then ask them to check their clutter/junk email folders. If they still do not receive the email, they can email your letter as an attachment to umrecltr@olemiss.edu.
3. Your Resume
4. A personal statement describing your educational aspirations and future career goals
5. The general essay: Describe a problem you’ve solved or a problem you’d like to solve – anything that is of personal importance, no matter the scale. Explain its significance to you and what steps you took or could be taken to identify a solution. Your essay must be between 500 and 700 words. It will be evaluated on a combination of style, grammar, imagination, and substance.
6. If you could invent a new word, phrase, or device, what would it be? How/when would you use it? Your essay must be between 500 and 700 words. It will be evaluated on a combination of style, grammar, imagination, and substance. Do not use the same essay you submitted for the Shared Information portion of the application.
**Please note that the Honors College admissions committee will have access to both your scholarship application essay AND the essay you submit for the Honors College application. Please do not use the same essay for both prompts.**
If you have any questions or problems with the application process, please call 662-915-7294 or email honors@olemiss.edu. You may also contact our Coordinator of Recruitment and Admissions, Ms. Timera Rodgers, at tdrodger@olemiss.edu.
For more information about UM admissions, visit https://admissions.olemiss.edu/get-info/.