Division of Outreach & Continuing Education

Summer College for High School Students

Program DescriptionProgram InformationAvailable Programs
Contact InformationOnline Forms


Four SCHS Alumni Inducted into UM Hall of Fame
Jermaine Jackson, Ebony Nichols, Ryan Perkins, and Shad White, former participants in the SCHS were recently inducted into the UM Hall of Fame for 2006-07. Click here to read the full article.


What is Summer College for High School Students at Ole Miss?

For the past 28 years, the University of Mississippi has been bringing academically gifted high school juniors (and some sophomores) to its beautiful campus for a unique summer experience. Students get a head-start on their college career by taking two courses (in a variety of subject areas), earning on average 6 hours of credit transferable to any accredited college or university. Courses are taught by university faculty, and in many cases Summer College students are enrolled in a course alongside Ole Miss freshmen and sophomores.

In addition to the college level coursework, summer college students are given the opportunity to meet faculty, staff, and other members of the University community during ‘Exploring Sessions’ which helps them to explore their own academic and career interests as well as to learn a few tips about the college admissions process. Summer College students also experience a taste of college by living in an Ole Miss dorm and eating at one of the campus dining areas. Summer College student even have the opportunity to participate in intramural activities, just like regular college students! This helps participants build long-lasting relationships with their peers in the program.

Session I: May 26-June 24
Session II: June 25-July 25

Why attend the Summer College for High School Students?

Preparation for attending college should start early, but students frequently are overwhelmed and do not know how or where to begin. They worry about the adjustment of leaving home and living on a campus, attending classes with strangers, taking college tests, and even taking care of such daily living necessities as laundry and dinner on their own.

Summer College students experience all the opportunities, as well as all the challenges, of college life, and the staff is very aware of the need for nurturing and support. Summer College students are housed in a residence hall designated specifically for them with counselors chosen from the Ole Miss student body. These counselors are hand-picked using a rigorous selection process and then trained to act as mentors to Summer College participants. They act as big brothers and big sisters to the students, answering questions, and providing support.

In addition, the professional staff is available to participants 24 hours a day to counsel, to act as liaison with college professors, to monitor student progress, and to act in lieu of a parent when a parental shoulder is needed. The entire focus of the staff is to ensure a positive experience for the students in their first encounter with college courses. Thus Summer College students have a strong support structure that allows us to guarantee a positive experience for both students and parents.

Finally, while in the care of the Summer College, students must abide by certain rules and regulations designed to give parents the knowledge that their son/daughter is safe at all times. Thus, students get a taste of the freedom they will soon be experiencing as freshmen, but in an environment that is closely regulated and monitored. More importantly, b oth parents and students report that Summer College participants have a greater interest in academics during their senior years in high school and greater success in adjusting to college life as freshmen the following year.

A Typical Day

A Summer College student’s day is constructed to approximate the busy schedule of a college freshman during the regular semester. After all, learning to budget time and to meet all obligations is a part of being successful in college. Most Summer College students are in class for approximately 4 hours per day (time in class can vary). During the afternoons, students have the opportunity to participate in our ‘Exploring Sessions’ and ‘Intramural’ activities (creative, academic, and athletic). Time outside of class and outside of Summer College activities should be used for studying, going to the library, going to the computer center, etc. The University’s recreational facilities are also available for students to swim, play racquetball, run, lift weights, work out, play tennis, etc. Then again, some students prefer to just hang out in the dorm or spend time in the Grove (the 10 acre park at the center of campus) with their peers.

Weekends

Activities are planned on the weekends to entertain, as well as to inform, students. Students may go to Memphis to visit a museum, an exhibition, or maybe a Memphis Redbird’s baseball game. Perhaps we will take a trip to the Mississippi River to catch a ride on the Memphis Queen riverboat for a dinner cruise. Then again, we might stay in Oxford and go to a nearby lake for recreation and a cookout. We will also make arrangements for students to attend the worship services of their choice at one of our local churches (Oxford has a mosque, but it does not have a synagogue).

Dates

The Summer College for High School Students offers two sessions. When applying, students should note that some Institutes and Programs are available during only one session.

Session I: May 26-June 24
Session II: June 25-July 25

Who Can Apply?

Students wishing to attend the Summer College for High School Students at the University of Mississippi must meet or exceed the following admissions criteria:

  • Applicant must be a student in good academic and conduct standing in the tenth or eleventh grade (Senior Classes of 2009 and 2010) at the time of admission. The school can be public, private, parochial, or even home-educated.
  • Applicant must have permission to attend from his/her principal (indicated by principal’s signature on the application packet).
  • Applicant must have two recommendation forms from teachers (recommendation forms are included in the application packet).
  • In addition to the requirements listed here, certain programs require a minimum ACT/SAT score (which will be noted in the individual program description).
  • Applicants must satisfy one of the three admission options listed below:
    • Option 1: The applicant must have 15 high school credits* (or show proof he/she will have 15 credits by the end of the current school year) and a minimum 3.2 GPA.
    • Option 2: If the applicant has at least a 25 on the ACT, or an 1140 on the SAT, and at least a 3.5 GPA, the applicant can be admitted with only 10 high school credits*.
    • Option 3: Mississippi residents seeking Dual Credit (college credit and high school credit) can be admitted if they have at least a 2.5 GPA on 14 high school credits*. In order to use this method of admission, an applicant’s high school must send a letter with the student’s application stating that the school has agreed to accept the courses to be taken for dual credit. Applicants using this option cannot enroll in a program with a minimum ACT/SAT score unless they meet the minimum score.
*The University of Mississippi counts high school credits that are part of the College Preparatory Curriculum (CPC). Most academic courses (including all core classes) fit this description. Examples of credit that are not counted include credit for sports and certain vocational courses. If you are unclear about what UM considers as the College Preparatory Curriculum, please visit our website here.

To Apply

To apply to the Summer College for High School Students you need an application packet, which you can download from our website. If you would prefer to have the application packet mailed to you, email your mailing address to umsummer@olemiss.edu - OR- call us with your mailing information at 662-915-7621.

Notification of Acceptance

When the application review process is completed, the Summer College Office will notify the student of his or her acceptance, along with instructions for completing the enrollment process. The first round of acceptances is usually made at the end of February. Students will continue to be accepted on a first come basis as long as there is space available. Each program is limited in enrollment to 25 students.

Costs

Every Summer College applicant must pay a nonrefundable application/activity fee. This fee covers the University of Mississippi’s one-time application fee and reserves a student’s place in the Summer College. Other costs include tuition, housing, books and course fees, and a required meal plan. Additionally, students will need money for weekend meals, and miscellaneous costs while living on campus (laundry, snacks, etc.). The following is a breakdown of what the 6 hours of college credit programs and institutes would cost (this would be all programs except the Health Professions Institute and the Pre-Med Program):

Cost
In-State (MS Resident)
Out-of-State (Non-Resident)
SCHS Application/Activity Fee (Nonrefundable)
$100
$100
Tuition
$1,233
$1,233
Non-Resident Fee
NA
$741
Housing
$350
$350
Meal Plan
$375
$375
Subtotal
$2,058
$2,799
Scholarship*
-$616.50
-$987
Total
$1,441.50
$1,812

* All Summer College for High School participants, once accepted to The University of Mississippi, will receive a partial tuition scholarship valued at $616.5 ($987 for non-residents). You may be able to combine this with other academic or need-based awards.

Financial Aid

If you are interested in receiving scholarships for academic achievement or need-basis, an application for financial aid is included in the application packet. Finances should not prevent a qualified student from applying to the Summer College. Additionally, if you have been offered a scholarship through our office or the Office of Academic Competitions, we have record of that offer, and you do not have to complete the financial aid application in order to receive that scholarship.

Available Programs

Business Administration Institute

The Business Administration Institutes provides students with a taste of Business School basics. Students will focus on business law and communication while enrolled in two courses. The first course is BUS 250, Legal Environment of Business; this course focuses on the legal environment in which business and organizations operate. The second course is BUS 271, Business Communication; this course is an oral and written communications course focusing on developing, writing, and presenting business reports, briefings, and multimedia presentations.

Dates
Session I (May 26-June 24)
Summary of Business Administration Institute Fees
Session II (June 25-July 25)
(Complete cost breakdown is available in brochure)
   
Fees
MS Resident
Non-Resident
Courses
BUS 250 Legal Environment of Business
SCHSS Fee
$100
$100
BUS 271 Business Communication
Tuition/Fees
$1,233
$1,974
   
Housing
$350
$350
Credit
6 hours of College Credit
Meal plan
$375
$375
 
Sub-total
$2,058
$2,799
Additional
Admission
Requirements
There are no additional admission requirements for this program.
Scholarship*
-$616.50
-$987
Total
$1,441.50
$1,812

Art Institute

The Art Institute is for students with an aptitude or interest in art. Students that enroll in the Art Institute will take two freshman-level art courses. The first course is ART 101 Two-Dimensional Design, which uses reading, discussion, and projects to introduce students to the studio method while exploring the fundamentals of two-dimensional design. The second course is ART 111 Drawing I, which serves as an introduction to traditional drawing techniques and skills with a primary focus on perspective. Because these courses are of an introductory nature, we welcome experienced as well as beginner artists into the program. Art supplies are not covered by tuition.

Dates
Session II only (June 25-July 25)
Summary of Art Institute Fees
(Complete cost breakdown is available in brochure)
   
Fees
MS Resident
Non-Resident
Courses
ART 101 Two-Dimensional Design
SCHSS Fee
$100
$100
ART 111 Drawing I (studio class)
Tuition/Fees
$1,233
$1,974
   
Housing
$350
$350
Credit
6 hours of College Credit
Meal plan
$375
$375
 
Sub-total
$2,058
$2,799
Additional
Admission
Requirements
There are no additional admission requirements for this program.
Scholarship*
-$616.50
-$987
Total
$1,441.50
$1,812

Croft International Studies Program

Interested in global issues? Looking for a challenging degree program that prepares its students to work and succeed in a global economy? Then take a look at the Croft Institute at the University of Mississippi. The department’s international studies major combines:

  • the study of history, politics, economics, society & culture;
  • area studies and global studies;
  • study abroad; and
  • proficiency in a language other than English

to create a multidisciplinary B.A. degree that will prepare students for a future in international affairs or international business, whether in the private sector, government service, the not-for-profit section, teaching or research.

Students admitted to the Croft International Studies Program will take one 3-hour course of their choosing ( any course listed under the Liberal Arts Institute) and one 3-hour International Studies course (INST 109 Social Networks in Global Perspective ). This second course will be taught by the Assistant Director of the Croft Institute for International Studies, Dr. Kate O’Neil. It is a new course designed specifically for participants in this summer program. Below is a brief description of the course.

INST 109 Social Networks in Global Perspective: What connects people and organizations within countries? How are countries connected to other countries through personal and organizational relationships that transcend national boundaries? In this course we will look cross-culturally and globally, at the informal connections that people rely on for support, help, and information. We will also examine the rise of transnationalism, looking specifically at the ways migrants remain connected to their communities of origin and the role of international non-governmental organizations in development.

Dates
Session II only (June 25-July 25)
Summary of Croft Institute Fees
(Complete cost breakdown is available in brochure)
   
Fees
MS Resident
Non-Resident
Courses
INST 109 Social Networks in Global Perspective
SCHSS Fee
$100
$100
Additional course of student’s choosing
Tuition/Fees
$1,233
$1,974
   
Housing
$350
$350
Credit
6 hours of College Credit
Meal plan
$375
$375
 
Sub-total
$2,058
$2,799
Additional
Admission
Requirements
In addition to general admission requirements, student must have a composite ACT score of 24 and no subscores below 22 (or SAT equivalents)
Scholarship*
-$616.50
-$987
Total
$1,441.50
$1,812

Engineering Program

The Engineering Program, in its sixth year, is designed to expose high school students to a variety of engineering areas to assist them in making informed decisions about possible college majors. The program is designed for the exemplary high school student interested in applied mathematics, science, and technology. Admitted students will take ENGR 100 Introduction to Engineering, which is a course designed to provide students with an introduction to the problem-solving methods that engineers use when applying scientific principles for the creation of realistic solutions to everyday technical problems. Students will conduct experiments, learn the basics of engineering research, and complete projects (such as building a coffee maker or a trebuchet). The second course Engineering Program students will enroll in is CSCI 111 Computer Science I. This course is designed as an introductory course into programming, problem-solving, and algorithm development. In this course, students are exposed to Java, one of the most popular programming languages. ENGR 100 course fee is not included in tuition.

Dates
Session I (May 26-June 24)
Summary of Engineering Institute Fees
Session II (June 25-July 25)
(Complete cost breakdown is available in brochure)
   
Fees
MS Resident
Non-Resident
Courses
ENGR 100 Intro to Engineering
SCHSS Fee
$100
$100
CSCI 111 Computer Science I
Tuition/Fees
$1,233
$1,974
   
Housing
$350
$350
Credit
6 hours of College Credit
Meal plan
$375
$375
 
Sub-total
$2,058
$2,799
Additional
Admission
Requirements
In addition to general admission requirements, students must have a composite ACT score of 24 and no subscores below 22 (or SAT equivalents).
Scholarship*
-$616.50
-$987
Total
$1,441.50
$1,812

Health Professions Institute

The Health Professions Institute is designed for students with a career interest in a health-related profession such as nursing, medical assisting, laboratory tech, etc. The goal of the Institute is to provide a base knowledge in human biology using one of the University’s freshman biology courses along with the accompanying lab. Students will also take a University health course that provides safety instruction and practice in the methods as prescribed by the American Red Cross. In addition to their coursework, students in the Health Professions Institute will also have the opportunity to meet local health professionals and administrators in order to ask questions and network with people in the field.

Dates
Session I (May 26-June 24)
Summary of Health Professions Institute Fees
Session II (June 25-July 25)
(Complete cost breakdown is available in brochure)
   
Fees
MS Resident
Non-Resident
Courses
BISC 102 Inquiry Into Life: Human Biology
SCHSS Fee
$100
$100
BISC 103 Inquiry Into Life: Laboratory I
Tuition/Fees
$1,438.50
$2,303
HP 203 First Aid and CPR
Housing
$350
$350
   
Meal plan
$375
$375
Credit
7 hours of College Credit
Sub-total
$2,263.50
$3,128
 
Scholarship*
-$719.25
-$1151.50
Additional
Admission
Requirements
There are no additional admission requirements for this program.
Total
$1,544.25
$1,976.50

Journalism Institute

Students interested in a career in journalism would be hard pressed to find a better place to prepare than The University of Mississippi. The Journalism Department has state-of-the-art facilities to train journalism’s leaders of tomorrow in radio, television, and print. Students admitted to the Journalism Institute will enroll in JOUR 101 Introduction to Mass Communication, which is an introduction to traditional mass media (newspapers, magazines, television, radio, public relations, and advertising), the new media, and their importance to and impact on modern society. Students may select any course listed under the Liberal Arts Institute (during the term they plan on attending) as their second course selection. In addition to their coursework, students will have the opportunity to volunteer at the S. Gale Denley Student Media Center. This allows students to earn hands-on experience working with Newswatch 12 (campus television news), Rebel Radio (student-ran regional radio station), or The Daily Mississippian (award winning daily campus newspaper).

Dates
Session I (May 26-June 24)
Summary of Journalism Institute Fees
Session II (June 25-July 25)
(Complete cost breakdown is available in brochure)
   
Fees
MS Resident
Non-Resident
Courses
JOUR 101 Intro to Mass Communication
SCHSS Fee
$100
$100
Additional course of student's choosing
Tuition/Fees
$1,233
$1,974
   
Housing
$350
$350
Credit
6 hours of College Credit
Meal plan
$375
$375
 
Sub-total
$2,058
$2,799
Additional
Admission
Requirements
There are no additional admission requirements for this program.
Scholarship*
-$616.50
-$987
Total
$1,441.50
$1,812

Liberal Arts Institute

The Liberal Arts Institute offers students an opportunity to explore the College of Liberal Arts and get a head start on satisfying college-level general liberal arts requirements. While the other programs of the Summer College offer a specific focus of some type or another, the Liberal Arts Institute’s focus can be whatever the student wishes it to be. This Institute is particularly attractive to the student who has not settled into one specific area of study. It is the ultimate goal of this Institute to give its participants a taste of the subjects they are most interested in and help them to find a direction for their higher education. Each student will enroll in two 3-hour courses from the list to the right. After successfully completing the program, participants will have 6 hours of college credit.

Please note! Not all courses listed on the right will be available during both sessions. Moreover, some courses may have only one or two sections which could cause a time conflict with another course with limited sections. All Liberal Arts Institute students will receive a list of courses once the University finalizes its Summer 2008 schedule (April 2008).

Liberal Arts Course Options

AH 101 Intro to Western Art
ANTH 101 Intro to Cultural Anthropology
ANTH 102 Introductory Archaeology and Biological Anthropology
ASTR 103 Astronomy I
ASTR 104 Astronomy II
CJ 100 Intro to Criminal Justice
CSCI 103 Survey of Computing
DANC 200 Dance Appreciation
ECON 203 Microeconomics
ECON 203 Macroeconomics
ENGL 101 English Composition I
ENGL 102 English Composition II
GEOG 101 Principles of Geography
HP 191 Personal and Community Health
HIS 101 History of Europe to 1648
HIS 102 History of Europe Since 1648
HIS 105 The United States to 1877
HIS 106 The United States Since 1877
MATH 115 Elementary Statistics
MATH 121 College Algebra
MATH 123 Trigonometry
MUS 103 Music Appreciation
PHIL 101 Intro to Philosophy
PHIL 103 Logic: Critical Thinking
POL 101 Intro to Political Science
PSY 201 Intro to Psychology
REL 101 Intro to Religion
SOC 101 Intro to Sociology
SPCH 102 Fundamentals of Public Speaking
THEA 201 Theatre Appreciation

Dates
Session I (May 26-June 24)
Summary of Liberal Arts Institute Fees
Session II (June 25-July 25)
(Complete cost breakdown is available in brochure)
   
Fees
MS Resident
Non-Resident
Courses
Two courses of student's choosing
SCHSS Fee
$100
$100
Tuition/Fees
$1,233
$1,974
   
Housing
$350
$350
Credit
6 hours of College Credit
Meal plan
$375
$375
 
Sub-total
$2,058
$2,799
Additional
Admission
Requirements
There are no additional admission requirements for this program.
Scholarship*
-$616.50
-$987
Total
$1,441.50
$1,812

Pre-Law and Legal Studies Institute

The Pre-Law and Legal Studies Program is designed for students with an interest in the law and envision attending law school. One component of the institute is the LA 201 Introduction to Law course, which serves as an introduction to legal terminology and reasoning along with an overview of the judicial system and its component careers. In addition to that overview course, students will enroll in PHIL 103 Logic: Critical Thinking. This course is designed to instruct students in the principles and methods of sound reasoning with an emphasis on the analysis of everyday argument. This course familiarizes students with the critical thinking process needed to prepare for and succeed in law school.

Dates
Session I (May 26-June 24)
Summary of Pre-Law and Legal Studies Institute Fees
Session II (June 25-July 25)
(Complete cost breakdown is available in brochure)
   
Fees
MS Resident
Non-Resident
Courses
LA 201 Introduction to Law
SCHSS Fee
$100
$100
PHIL 103 Logic: Critical Thinking
Tuition/Fees
$1,233
$1,974
   
Housing
$350
$350
Credit
6 hours of College Credit
Meal plan
$375
$375
 
Sub-total
$2,058
$2,799
Additional
Admission
Requirements
There are no additional admission requirements for this program.
Scholarship*
-$616.50
-$987
Total
$1,441.50
$1,812

PACE Honors Program

Project PACE is the granddaddy of all our Summer College Programs. PACE (Promoting Academic and Creative Excellence) began in 1980, and has helped hundreds of students become critical thinkers, problem solvers, and communicators. Accepted program participants will enroll in Honors 100 PACE Seminar. This 3-hour course is based on Greek literature as a means for exploring the philosophical roots of western man. By looking at Greek (and Roman) mythology, early Greek drama, and Greek philosophy, students will discover the origin of most thought systems in western culture. They will master the factual information of the course, but they will extend their learning to look at modern societal problems and to propose solutions. The skills emphasized in the course prepare the student for participation in seminar courses such as those offered by the Sally McDonnell Barksdale Honors College. In addition, PACE students take one other 3-hour course of their choosing ( Students may select any course listed under the Liberal Arts Institute during the term they plan on attending as their second course selection). Students that choose to attend the University of Mississippi and are admitted to the Sally McDonnell Barksdale Honors College will be able to count the 3-hour PACE course toward their total required Honors College hours.

Dates
Session I (May 26-June 24)
Summary of Pre-Law and Legal Studies Institute Fees
(Complete cost breakdown is available in brochure)
   
Fees
MS Resident
Non-Resident
Courses
HON 100 PACE Seminar
SCHSS Fee
$100
$100
Additional course of student's choosing
Tuition/Fees
$1,233
$1,974
   
Housing
$350
$350
Credit
6 hours of College Credit
Meal plan
$375
$375
 
Sub-total
$2,058
$2,799
Additional
Admission
Requirements
In addition to general admission requirements, student must have a composite ACT score of at least 24 (or SAT equivalent).
Scholarship*
-$616.50
-$987
Total
$1,441.50
$1,812