Missouri Scholars Academy (University of Missouri)

The Missouri Scholars Academy brings about 330 academically gifted rising juniors to the University of Missouri's Columbia campus for three weeks of college-level seminars, labs, and residential life alongside a statewide cohort of peers. Only Missouri sophomores (public, private, or homeschooled) are eligible, and a student must be nominated by their school before submitting two 300-350 word essays and two letters of recommendation (at least one from a teacher). A $600 scholar fee applies for students accepted to the 2027 program, with fee waivers available for students eligible for free or reduced-price lunch.

Who can apply

FieldsGeneral/Interdisciplinary

SelectivityAbout 330 students selected annually

Logistics

Applying

You submitSchool nomination (limited by school size); two 300-350 word essays plus two letters of recommendation (one from a teacher)