Oseola McCarty Scholars Program (MSP)

 Yes: The Oseola McCarty Scholars Program is 1 of 3 freshman competitive scholarship programs offered by the University. 

• Students must apply for competitive scholarships by January 15 through the GO System.
• Only 4 new scholars are selected to participate in the 4 year program for each incoming freshman class

Click here to learn how to apply for the Oseola McCarty Scholars Program in the GO System. 

 

 

No: Although that was Oseola McCarty's initial intent stated in past interviews, the program is open to all students. The only eligibility requirements are listed below:

• Mississippi resident
• Minimum 3.0 core high school grade point average and at least a 21 composite on the ACT
• Must be from a public high school in south Mississippi, show demonstrated financial need, desire to serve the community, and strong leadership skills

Yes: A FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) is required to receive all undergraduate scholarships. This program is also for a student with financial need, so information is imported from your FAFSA for consideration. 

• Make sure that you check the work-study box located on your FAFSA application if you are interested in obtaining a campus job through this program. 
• Remember, students must be admitted by December 1 and the Southern Miss FAFSA priority date for scholarship consideration December 15.

Yes: The Oseola McCarty Scholars Program scholarship is stackable with Academic Excellence Scholarships offered through Southern Miss and most other scholarships, with the exception of any Honors College Awards, Luckyday Scholars Program, or National Merit. Total scholarships taken must not exceed the federal calculated cost of attendance. 

Your scholarship packet for the program will include a stipulation agreement outlining how you will maintain your scholarship(s). Make sure you keep this stipulation agreement while you are attending The University of Southern Mississippi. You will also be emailed an electronic copy to keep for your records. Scholars in the program can expect the following: 

• Maintain a 2.75 USM cumulative grade point average
• Enroll in 15 credit hours per semester
• Required meetings with mentors and advisors
• Required curriculum and monthly assignments 
• Required volunteer, internship, and/or job shadowing (will be assigned based on career plan and student goals)

No: The Oseola McCarty Scholars Program is one of the University's 3 freshman competitive scholarship programs. Only selected scholars are chosen through a fair selection process to participate in the program. Only 4 scholars are selected for each incoming freshman class. 

Initial eligibility only requires the criteria below. Since this is a freshman competitive program, only 4 applicants are selected for each incoming freshman class. An additional selection and interview process follows to help determine scholars that are a best fit for our program. 

• Mississippi resident
• Minimum 3.0 core high school grade point average and at least a 21 composite on the ACT
• Must be from a public high school in south Mississippi, show demonstrated financial need, desire to serve the community, and strong leadership skills

Successful applicants have a history of involvement in their community and strong leadership skills. Evaluation is placed on financial need, community service, leadership positions in high school, recommendations, and overall fit for the Oseola McCarty Scholars Program. Students who feel that they embody the values of the Program and are willing to actively explore the career field of their choice are encouraged to apply. Before applying in the GO System, students should use the checklist below to ensure they have completed and provided all components below:

• General Application in the GO System
• FAFSA completion
• Letter of Recommendation
• Resume
• Phone Interview

Yes: Students must accept scholarship(s) via the GO System. If you do not accept your scholarship by the stated deadline, your scholarship will be cancelled. 

• Make sure you complete all post-acceptance received through your USM email address for the USM Foundation.
• Click here to view instructions on accepting your scholarship in the GO System.
• Academic and Competitive Scholarships: May 1