| Application deadline | November 1, 2026 (2027 cycle) | March 1, 2027 (2027 cycle) | Unconfirmed — check official site |
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| Cost | Free attendance; check separate expenses (2027 cycle) | $3,600–$7,200 (2027 cycle) | Unconfirmed — check official site |
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| Financial aid | Unconfirmed — check official site | Need-based scholarships: Amount: Unconfirmed — check official site. Apply in the financial aid section of the application with your most recent tax form. (2027 cycle) | Unconfirmed — check official site |
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| Expenses and aid conditions | Room: $0; Meals: $0 (2027 cycle) | Application fee (non-refundable): $55–$85. $55 before January 1, $85 after January 1.; Need-based scholarships: Amount: Unconfirmed — check official site. Apply in the financial aid section of the application with your most recent tax form. (2027 cycle) | Unconfirmed — check official site |
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| Stipend or pay | Unconfirmed — check official site | Unconfirmed — check official site | Unconfirmed — check official site |
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| Eligibility | Grades 10–11 when applying; summer rising grade is one higher | Unconfirmed — check official site | Unconfirmed — check official site |
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| Additional eligibility | Residency: Mississippi; Requirement: Open to students currently in grades 10–11 when applying; Requirement: Has not previously attended the Mississippi Governor's School; Requirement: Meets at least one academic qualification: Mississippi gifted eligibility, composite ACT 25+, SAT 1250+, PSAT Selection Index 175+, or cumulative GPA 3.25+ on a 4.0 scale; Requirement: Demonstrates advanced ability in academic aptitude, creative thinking, leadership, or fine and/or performing arts | Ages 9–18 | Ages 13–17 |
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| Session dates or duration | Starts June 6, 2027; Ends June 19, 2027; 2 weeks (2027 cycle) | Starts June 20, 2027; Ends August 15, 2027; 2–4 weeks (2027 cycle) | Unconfirmed — check official site |
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| Format | In person | In person | In person |
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| Housing and supervision | Residential. Supervision and housing details: Unconfirmed — check official site | Residential. Supervision and housing details: Unconfirmed — check official site | Non-residential. Supervision and housing details: Unconfirmed — check official site |
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| Location | Columbus, MS | Lake Luzerne, NY | Apple Valley, MN |
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| Selection and application | Application materials: Two recommendation letters (one teacher, one community member); 2027 scholar prompt response (essay, video, presentation or other original format; AI use prohibited) | Application materials: Audition video of 8-10 minutes | Selection: The zoo closes applications when the summer cohort is filled, but it does not publish applicant counts, cohort size, interview process or selection rate. |
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| Official sources | Source 1 · checked 2026-10-24Source 2 · checked 2026-10-24Source 3 · checked 2026-10-09Source 4 · checked 2026-10-09Source 5 · checked 2026-08-21 | Source 1 · checked 2026-10-24Source 2 · checked 2026-10-24Source 3 · checked 2026-10-24Source 4 · checked 2026-10-24Source 5 · checked 2026-10-11Source 6 · checked 2026-08-21Source 7 · checked 2026-08-21Source 8 · checked 2026-08-21 | Source 1 · checked 2026-10-24 |
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