{"id":3780,"date":"2026-06-19T16:52:44","date_gmt":"2026-06-19T21:52:44","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.muw.edu\/education\/?page_id=3780"},"modified":"2026-07-29T19:09:01","modified_gmt":"2026-07-30T00:09:01","slug":"a-typical-day-at-mgs","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.muw.edu\/education\/govschool\/a-typical-day-at-mgs\/","title":{"rendered":"A Typical Day at MGS"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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What Makes MGS Different?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

MGS is hard to explain until you’ve lived it. It’s not school. It’s not camp. It’s not sitting in a classroom all day with a bunch of “smart kids.” For two weeks, you’re surrounded by people who are curious about everything. People who ask questions. People who care. People with big ideas, weird hobbies, ambitious goals, and a genuine desire to make Mississippi better. One hour, you might be discussing a question nobody in your regular classes would think to ask. The next, you’re building something ridiculous with your team, competing in a challenge, meeting state leaders, performing in a talent show, or having a conversation at dinner that changes how you see the world.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

MGS is purposeful, so everyone has moments to shine. The future engineer. The athlete. The artist. The musician. The quiet thinker. The outgoing leader. The student who has never quite found “their people.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n

You’ll leave with new friends. You’ll also leave having been challenged academically in ways most students never experience in high school.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

For the first time, many scholars realize they aren’t the only one. They find people who get excited about learning, care about their communities, and believe Mississippi can be better tomorrow than it is today. And once you’ve experienced that, it’s hard to forget.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

No two days are exactly alike, but here’s what a typical day at MGS looks like. While individual activities change from year to year, the rhythm of learning, community, and leadership remains much the same. MGS isn’t just something you attend. It’s something you become part of.<\/h1>\n\n\n\n

7:00 AM<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Wake Up<\/strong>: Get ready for the day.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

7:30 AM \u2013 8:15 AM<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Breakfast<\/strong>: The entire MGS community gathers in the university cafeteria to start the day together. Breakfast is a chance to connect with friends, faculty, and staff before classes begin.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

8:00 AM \u2013 12:00 PM<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Morning Main Academic Course<\/strong>: Spend four hours diving deeply into a subject you’re passionate about. MGS courses are discussion-based, hands-on, and designed specifically for high-achieving students who are ready to think beyond the traditional high school classroom.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

12:00 PM \u2013 12:45 PM<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Lunch<\/strong>: Scholars, faculty, and staff gather again in the cafeteria. Meals are an important part of the MGS experience and often lead to conversations, friendships, and connections that continue long after the program ends.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

1:00 PM \u2013 4:00 PM<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Afternoon Academic Course or Special Seminar:<\/strong> Your afternoon experience may include a second academic course, a special seminar, a guest speaker, a field experience, a networking reception, or another unique learning opportunity. Scholars often discover new interests, challenge their assumptions, and explore topics, careers, and ideas they may never have encountered before.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

4:00 PM \u2013 5:00 PM<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Recreation & Community Building<\/strong>: Every scholar participates in organized recreation and community-building activities. You might compete in team challenges, participate in leadership activities, play volleyball, tackle problem-solving competitions, or simply spend time getting to know your fellow scholars.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

5:00 PM \u2013 5:45 PM<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Dinner<\/strong>: The MGS community comes together in the cafeteria before the evening’s activities begin.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

6:00 PM \u2013 8:00 PM<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Evening Programs<\/strong>: This is where every day becomes a little different.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

One evening might feature a guest speaker, scholar presentations, or a leadership seminar. Another could include an MGS-style trivia competition, networking event, talent show, or service project. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

And then\u2026there’s the fun. One night might be a cardboard boat race. Another could be MGS Olympics, a scavenger hunt, Glow Party, trivia competition, talent show, service project, or a surprise tradition unique to your class. Some of your favorite memories may come from cheering on your team, laughing until your sides hurt, or discovering a hidden talent you never knew you had.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

8:00 PM \u2013 8:45 PM<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Wing Meeting<\/strong>: Meet with your residential group to reflect on the day, celebrate successes, discuss challenges, and strengthen the community that has become your MGS family.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

8:45 PM \u2013 10:00 PM<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Dorm Downtime<\/strong>: Call home. DoorDash Chick-fil-A. Take a shower. Recharge your social battery alone. Play cards. Sing karaoke. Relax with friends. This is your chance to unwind, make the residence hall feel like home, and get to know your cohort. Every year is different. From scholar-led Bible studies and movie nights to karaoke sessions, board games, nail nights, and impromptu lobby hangouts, the scholars create the MGS family experience on their terms.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

10:30 PM<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Lights Out<\/strong>: After a full day of learning, leadership, recreation, and community, it’s time to rest. We know the group chats, reels, and streaks will still be there tomorrow. Right now, your brain deserves a recharge. (You’ll be exhausted anyway.)<\/p>\n\n\n\n

And Yes, Weekends Are Full Too<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Weekend activities typically include service projects, recreational competitions, yard games, pool parties, leadership experiences, and some of MGS’s most beloved traditions. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

On Sunday morning, scholars may attend local worship services within walking distance on College Street, participate in scholar-led faith opportunities, or enjoy scheduled downtime with their cohort.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Like every part of MGS, the weekend is intentionally designed to build community, encourage personal growth, and create lasting memories.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

People Over Phones<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

One of the biggest traditions at MGS is actually pretty simple: we choose people over the phone.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

During meals and other community connection times, we ask everyone to put their phones away and be present. Those few moments each day turn strangers into teammates, classmates into friends, and friends into your MGS family. Taking the risk to say hello, sit with someone new, or join the conversation is part of the MGS experience. Trust us – years from now, you won’t remember what was on your phone. You’ll remember the people.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Campus Expectations<\/h2>\n\n\n
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MGS is a residential, closed-campus program. Think of it as your first mini college experience. You’ll experience the independence, responsibility, and community of living on a college campus while being supported by caring faculty, staff, and Student Engagement Advisors every step of the way. We can’t wait to share both The W and the Columbus community with you.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Once scholars arrive, they are expected to remain on campus and participate fully in the program. There are no routine check-outs for social events, parties, athletic practices, family activities, or other personal commitments, and we do not allow visits from family or guests during the program.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

This uninterrupted experience is one of the things that makes MGS special. For two weeks, your focus is on learning, growing, building friendships, and making the most of every opportunity alongside your fellow scholars.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Is MGS Right for You?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

We know MGS isn’t for everyone, and that’s okay.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Before you apply, take some time to explore our website, browse our social media, learn about the program, and ask yourself whether you’re ready to embrace everything MGS has to offer. This isn’t just two weeks of classes. It’s two weeks of challenging yourself, trying new things, building friendships, stepping outside your comfort zone, and saying “yes”<\/strong> to opportunities you may never have imagined.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

MGS is going to stretch you academically, personally, socially, creatively, as a leader… and yes, maybe even a tiny bit athletically. Whether you’re racing a cardboard boat, competing in the MGS Olympics, tackling a scavenger hunt, dancing at the Glow Party, serving your community, or cheering on your teammates during a team challenge, every experience is part of the journey.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

More than anything, MGS is a community built on kindness. <\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

We believe people grow best when they feel safe. Safe to ask questions, safe to try something new, safe to fail, safe to laugh at themselves, safe to change their minds, and safe to simply be who they are.<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

That kind of community doesn’t happen by accident. <\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

It happens because every scholar chooses curiosity over judgment, encouragement over criticism, gratitude over entitlement, and connection over competition. <\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

You don’t have to be the loudest person in the room or the most outgoing. You have to be willing to show up with an open mind, encourage the people around you, and give every opportunity an honest try. The goal isn’t to impress people. The goal is to become part of a community where everyone is free to learn, grow, and belong.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If that sounds exciting rather than intimidating, MGS might be exactly where you’re supposed to be.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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What Does “All In” Mean?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

You don’t have to be perfect to belong here. You just have to be willing to participate.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

MGS is an honors residential experience, not just a summer class. To earn three hours of honors college credit, scholars are expected to participate in all scheduled courses, activities, events, and residential programming through the entire program. Unless there is a documented medical reason or pre-approved accommodation, attendance and participation are required.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

We also recognize that many MGS scholars are among Mississippi’s most active and accomplished students. It is not uncommon for scholars to attend programs such as Boys State, the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association’s Youth Tour to Washington, D.C., or other prestigious leadership opportunities before or after MGS. For that reason, we can occasionally approve exceptions for late arrival on check-in day or early departure on check-out day. Because these exceptions are rare and require advance planning, any requests must be coordinated with the MGS office and approved in writing before<\/strong> the program begins.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

At MGS, learning happens everywhere. The classes are only one part of the experience.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

We put an incredible amount of thought, planning, and care into every part of the MGS experience. Every class, speaker, evening activity, tradition, and challenge has a purpose. We believe the best learning happens when you fully engage with both the academic and community experience.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

That also means something important: you can’t sit experiences out at MGS.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

When you’re here, you’re all in, all the time. <\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

You’ll attend classes, participate in evening programs, cheer on your team, serve alongside your classmates, and embrace traditions that have made MGS special for generations. Every scholar participates because every experience has a purpose.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Will you be busy? Absolutely.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Will you be tired? Probably.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Will you have people overload? Likely. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Will there be moments when you’re outside your comfort zone? Without a doubt.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

But that’s where growth happens.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

MGS is immersive. It’s intense. It’s demanding. It asks a lot of you\u2014but it gives even more in return. The scholars who get the most out of MGS are the ones who show up with curiosity, enthusiasm, and a willingness to give everything a chance. They expect the best from themselves, from their classmates, and from the experience.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Come ready to be fully present. Come ready to give it your all. We promise we’ll do the same.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What Will MGS 2027 Look Like?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Honestly? We don’t know yet.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Some traditions have become part of MGS history, and we wouldn’t dream of changing them. Others evolve every summer. New ideas come from faculty, scholars, alumni, community partners, generous sponsors, and sometimes a conversation that turns into the next unforgettable tradition. The spirit of MGS stays the same. Every class leaves its mark on what comes next.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

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