On this Provost Scholars FAQ page, we endeavor to provide answers to the most commonly asked questions. Be sure to reach out if there is something you would like for us to cover. We hope you will be as excited about being part of this prestigious group of students as we are about having you in our program!
General Questions
What is the Provost Scholars Program?
The Provost Scholars Program is a set of benefits that we offer to students in recognition of their academic achievements. Provost Scholars enjoy the following benefits:
Top 5 Benefits of Being a Provost Scholar
1. Priority registration
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- Fall benefit for spring courses
- Facilitates enrollment in courses you need for timely degree completion
- Attend an orientation session with open availability
2. Attend network-building activities with other Provost Scholars, Deans, faculty and, of course, the Provost
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- Network-building may include Ice Cream Socials and Meet-the-Provost sessions
3. Exclusive Provost Scholar Seminars and workshops designed to facilitate success
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- Workshops may include public speaking and writing for exams
4. May apply to Sally McDonnell Barksdale Honors College once Junior standing + 3.5 GPA is reached
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- For those exceptionally motivated to face academic challenges
- Provides experiences for research, internship, travel and more
5. Provost Scholars may enroll in reserved Provost Scholar course sections. Follow us on Social Media for current updates.
Provost Scholars must maintain a cumulative GPA of 3.0 to remain in the program. This is assessed each year after the August intersession.
How do I get in?
There is no application to the Provost Scholars Program. All students who apply to the University and who meet our academic requirements are automatically invited to join the program. To qualify, you must have both of the following:
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- A high school GPA of 3.25 or higher,
- An ACT Composite score of 26 or higher (or SAT combined score of 1,170 or higher on the old SAT critical reading/mathematics or 1,240 or higher on the new SAT-R evidence-based reading and writing/mathematics).
There are no other requirements for membership, and there are no exceptions to these criteria.
Once you are invited to participate, you must accept or decline the invitation by following these steps:
- STEP 1: If you have already enrolled in classes, click here.
If you haven’t, go to olemiss.edu/provostscholarspreenrollment. - STEP 2: Log into myOleMiss.
- STEP 3: Select the appropriate option.
Is there an application or an interview?
No. There is no separate application or interview process for the Provost Scholars Program. All qualified students are automatically issued invitations to join.
If my scores aren’t high enough, can I retake the test and become eligible?
Yes! If you retake the ACT or SAT before the start of your first semester and get a score higher than the program minimums (ACT 26 or higher, SAT 1,170 or higher), then you will be invited to participate. You may not be able to take advantage of all of the program benefits, such as early move-in, but you can participate in the program once classes begin.
Can I be in other programs?
Yes! You can participate in…
LuckyDay program – FASTrack program – Croft Institute – Lott Leadership program – Residential College – Athletics – Band – Freshman Year Abroad – Biology Bootcamp – ROTC – Theater Arts – [Honors College – in junior year – see #5 above]
What does a member do?
- You must maintain a cumulative GPA of 3.0 and continuous enrollment to remain in the program. Cumulative GPA is assessed each year after the August intersession.
- Provost Scholars events are to benefit you but they are not required.
- As a Provost Scholar, you get to choose your level of involvement in the program.
- Every event hosted by the Provost Scholars Program is optional and is presented for your enrichment.
Is there a cost for the Provost Scholars Program?
No! The Provost Scholars Programs is no cost to you.
Do Provost Scholars also get a scholarship?
No, there is no scholarship attached to membership in the Provost Scholars Program. However, since Provost Scholars are academically talented, they may be eligible for other merit-based scholarships and financial aid opportunities. You can get more information from the Office of Financial Aid.
What is the deadline to accept membership?
To receive all of the benefits of the Provost Scholars Program, you must accept your invitation by June 30 the summer before your first semester. Good news – you can still join the program up until the beginning of classes. However, you may miss the opportunity to live in the Provost Scholars Living Learning Community.
How does the Provost Scholars Program compare to the Honors College?
Both the Honors College and the Provost Scholars Program are designed for academically talented students. They are, however, quite different experiences.
Honors College students take specially-designed courses that can be more challenging and they are expected to complete a thesis in their senior year. Honors College students who complete their thesis will graduate with honors.
The Provost Scholars Program is designed to be a package of benefits to help students succeed and not an academic program. There is no requirement that Provost Scholars take particular classes or participate in any specific academic activities.
If you have further questions about which program is right for you, please visit the Honors College and contact them to learn more.
If I joined the Honors College, but later decide it was not for me, can I still be a Provost Scholar?
Yes, if you decide to leave the Honors College, you may become a Provost Scholar if you meet two conditions:
You met the standards for the Provost Scholar Program when you came to the university
You currently have a 3.00 overall cumulative GPA
Can I apply to the Honors College as an incoming freshman and still accept my membership into the Provost Scholar Program?
Yes, you can apply to the Honors College as an incoming freshman and accept your membership into the Provost Scholars Program. However, if you are ultimately accepted into the Honors College, you will have to choose which program would want to participate in. If you choose the Honors College, we will deactivate your Provost Scholar status.
How do I find out about Provost Scholars Program activities?
The best way to keep up-to-date about the Provost Scholars Program is to frequently check your university email account, or Follow our Social Media.
Can upperclassmen Provost Scholars move into residence halls early?
No, all Provost Scholars, regardless of status, can move in according to the regular move-in schedule published by Student Housing. Students should review the move-in schedule posted on the housing website and determine their move-in dates/times. Students are eligible to move in at the earliest time that applies to them, whether it’s for a community or a facility.
Where did my invitation go?
There could be a few reasons why you don’t see your invitation in myOleMiss after you received the invitation email. If you have followed the instructions for accepting your membership and are having difficulty, please email us. We can help reset your invitation, if necessary.
What if I’m eligible but starting in the Spring semester?
Contact the Provost Scholars Program to receive an invitation.
Why is my registration window not open on the first day of priority registration?
Registration windows are assigned individually to students based on a variety of factors. There is a hierarchy of who gets to register first and only a certain number of windows can be opened at a time. Provost Scholars have an earlier window than other students with the same class standing (freshman, sophomore, etc), but not necessarily the earliest possible window.
Scholars Living Learning Community
1. What is the Provost Scholars Living Learning Community?
The Provost Scholars Living Learning Community (LLC) is housed in Minor Hall. A specific number of beds are reserved for Provost Scholars. As a member of the LLC, Provost Scholars will have the opportunity to get to know their fellow Scholars and enjoy additional activities and programming. Please visit https://studenthousing.olemiss.edu/communities/provost-scholars-living-group/ for more specific information about this Living Learning Community.
2. Am I required to live there, if I am a Provost Scholar?
No, you are not required to live in the LLC. Any Provost Scholar can choose to live in a traditional residence hall if they wish.
Provost Scholars who do not wish to participate in the LLC may apply for other residential communities or choose to be members of general communities in traditional halls. Check the student housing website for deadlines and details about community applications.
3. Can I bring a roommate to the LLC?
Yes, if your roommate is also a Provost Scholar. If your roommate is not a Provost Scholar, then you will have to choose to live somewhere other than the Provost Scholar Living Learning Community
4. How do I book a room in the Living Learning Community?
You must first accept the invitation to be part of the Provost Scholars Program. If spaces are available in the Provost Scholars LLC, those will be available to you during room selection in addition to spaces in traditional halls. Spaces in the Provost Scholars LLC are available on a first-come, first-served basis. If you have specific questions about the selection process, please visit the Housing Office website.
Provost Scholar Membership
1. What GPA do I need to keep?
To remain a Provost Scholar, you must maintain a cumulative, annual GPA of 3.00 or higher and maintain enrollment in the University.
2. When is the GPA checked each year?
We review the GPAs of all Provost Scholars once a year, at the end of the summer semester.
3. If I lose my eligibility, can I get it back?
No, once you lose your place in the Provost Scholars Program, you will not be able to rejoin, even if you retake classes and replace poor grades.