All public and private schools in Missouri are eligible to nominate at least two sophomore students for the Academy. Home schooled students will also be considered. Larger schools have the option of nominating more than two students on a prorated basis according to enrollment. Nominees must be Missouri residents enrolled in a public or private Missouri school. Information about the number of students each school can nominate is posted on the nomination process page.
Missouri Scholars Academy welcomes participants with disabilities and/or unique health requirements. If selected for the program, MSA, along with Mizzou’s Disability Center, Dining Services, and others, is happy to work with scholars and their families to plan for necessary accommodations.
Schools nominating students for the Academy are required to provide specific information to the University of Missouri. A selection committee comprised predominately of teachers and university educators from across the state will evaluate nominations.
Scholar participants are selected on the basis of the following criteria and factors:
- Grade point average.
- Standardized Test Scores.
- I.Q. test scores optional
- GPA and Standardized Test Score Rubric
- Two student essays.
- Two letters of recommendation, at least one from a teacher. MSA does not accept letters of recommendation from parents or guardians.
- Evidence of leadership, creativity, intellectual curiosity, problem-solving ability, initiative, and the projected benefits to the student for participating in the Academy.
- Commitment to participate fully in the Academy’s offerings