There is no single profile of a successful Mississippi Governor’s School scholar. MGS uses a holistic review process that considers academic achievement, intellectual curiosity, leadership, service, creativity, character, and potential.
Competitive applicants often demonstrate:
- Strong academic performance and a commitment to learning
- Leadership, service, and involvement in school or community activities
- Intellectual curiosity and a willingness to explore new ideas
- Sustained commitment to activities and interests over time
- Strong character, maturity, and personal responsibility
MGS is designed for students who are ready for opportunities beyond those typically available in their local school setting. Many scholars have already taken advantage of the opportunities available to them and are seeking greater academic challenge, deeper exploration, and connections with talented peers from across Mississippi.
Just as importantly, MGS attracts students who want to be part of something bigger than themselves. Successful scholars are eager to learn from others, contribute to the community around them, and engage fully in the MGS experience. They understand that living and learning alongside other talented students requires humility, respect, adaptability, and a willingness to support their peers. The scholars who thrive at MGS are not only accomplished students. They are curious, open-minded individuals who are prepared to contribute to a community where everyone has something to teach and something to learn.
Step 1: Determine if you are eligible
Applicants must:
- Reside in Mississippi.
- Be currently enrolled in either the 10th or 11th grade at an accredited Mississippi secondary school.
- Meet at least two of the established performance qualifications.
- Not have attended a previous session of Mississippi Governor’s School.
- Demonstrate the academic ability, intellectual curiosity, and motivation necessary to succeed in a rigorous and accelerated learning environment.
- Possess the maturity, independence, and personal responsibility necessary to live and learn in a residential community with peers from across Mississippi.
- Be prepared to spend two weeks away from home, adapt to a structured residential schedule, and engage respectfully with individuals from different backgrounds, perspectives, and experiences.
- Demonstrate respect, humility, collaboration, openness to new ideas, and a willingness to learn alongside equally talented peers while contributing positively to the MGS community.
- Be prepared to participate fully in all academic, leadership, residential, recreational, and community activities throughout the duration of the program.
- Be able to commit their time, attention, and energy to the MGS experience and temporarily pause outside obligations during the program.
Please note: Mississippi Governor’s School is an intensive (schedule-packed), full two-week residential experience and is not designed to provide individualized therapeutic services, one-on-one supervision, personal aides, specialized behavioral support, or ongoing mental health treatment. Families should carefully consider whether the MGS environment is an appropriate fit for their student’s individual needs before applying.
MGS cannot accommodate individualized training programs or outside commitments that interfere with full participation in the program. Examples include, but are not limited to, athletic training, band or music practice, debate preparation, competition training, private tutoring, independent research projects, virtual coursework, internships, employment obligations, or similar activities. There is limited downtime available for outside obligations.
Step 2: Complete the online application
All sections of the online application are required. JotForm allows you to sign in and save your information and return to the form as you are able. Apply to MGS here.
- Applicant / Scholar information
- Scholar Guardian / Parent Information
- Scholar High School Information
- School Information Release Permission
- Scholar Interest Areas
- Scholar Aptitude Qualifications
- Scholar Resume (Academic, Extracurricular, and Volunteer Experiences)
- Recommendation Letters (Teacher and Community)
- Response to Prompt (Upload)
- Submit Application
Applicants will receive an email confirmation when their completed application has been received. Medical forms and course rankings are after acceptance.