# Missouri Scholars Academy The Missouri Scholars Academy (MSA) is a three-week residential program for gifted Missouri students held each June on the University of Missouri campus in Columbia — June 7–27 in 2026. More than 300 rising high school juniors from across the state gather for a specially designed curriculum of interdisciplinary courses plus a full slate of extracurricular activities, living and learning alongside Missouri's most academically talented peers. ## What You'll Do - Take interdisciplinary academic courses built specifically for the academy rather than standard high school classes - Join discussions, activities, and enrichment programming outside the classroom - Live on the Mizzou campus for three weeks with scholars from every corner of Missouri - Build a statewide network of high-achieving peers ## Who Should Apply Missouri residents who are current high school sophomores attending public or private Missouri schools; home-schooled students are also encouraged to apply. Students are nominated through their schools — nominations for 2026 opened November 1, 2025 and closed February 6, 2026 — and are scored on unweighted GPA, a standardized test score, letters of recommendation, and two 300–350-word essays. Accepted scholars pay a $200 scholar fee, and a need-based scholarship can be requested during registration. ## Outcomes Scholars complete one of Missouri's flagship academic honors experiences, gain three weeks of college-campus living, and join an alumni network of MSA scholars. Selection itself is a statewide academic distinction recognized by Missouri schools and colleges.