College & Career Readiness

There are two major testing programs required of students who plan to enter college. These are the American College Testing program (ACT,) and the Scholastic Aptitude Testing program (SAT). The ACT is preferred for every student who plans to attend a Mississippi state-supported institution of higher learning. Several private schools and some out-of-state institutions prefer the SAT. Students should verify with the colleges/universities to determine which test is required for admission. Test dates are the same throughout the nation and are established by the testing organizations. OSHS is a testing site for ACT and Workkeys. Students should register online (ACT: www.actstudent.org; SAT: www.collegeboard.com). 

OSHS will administer the ACT for all sophomores, juniors, and seniors during the school day in the 1st semester. Any sophomore, junior, or senior interested must pay for this exam. The statewide ACT will be administered to all juniors (at no cost to parents) during their 2nd semester. If your student requires accommodations, the registration form must be submitted to the High School designee 4 weeks prior to the testing date. Click here to view important information regarding the ACT and college entrance.

The ACT WorkKeys assessment system measures job skills that are valuable for any occupation - skilled or professional – at any level and in any industry. Students who have achieved a Gold or Platinum NCRC, an institution, would be rewarding students who demonstrate that they have developed the foundational skills needed for today’s economy. OSHS will administer the ACT WorkKeys to students who are enrolled in CCR, JROTC, and CTE classes. Students will register for this assessment in the above classrooms.

The PSAT/NMSQT (Preliminary Scholastic Aptitude Test/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test) will be given on the CollegeBoard designated date in October. This is a preliminary test to the SAT and a scholarship competitive test for juniors. Sophomores may take the PSAT/NMSQT but are not eligible to qualify for National Merit status. This test is administered to sophomores to identify AP potential and to introduce the PSAT/NMSQT and its format. Juniors may take the PSAT/NMSQT to qualify for National Merit status.

For more information, visit the website http://www.collegeboard.com/ The fee for the exam will not exceed $18.00 as set by the college board.

The National Merit Scholarship Program is a United States academic scholarship competition for recognition and university scholarships administered by the National Merit Scholarship Corporation (NMSC). In September of the student’s Senior Year, the highest-scoring students are notified through the high school that they have qualified as either Commended Students or Semifinalists. Semifinalists move on to the next round of competition. Finalists are chosen from the Semifinalists category. From the pool of Finalists, approximately 8,200 students are selected as Scholars and awarded scholarships from NMSC or sponsoring colleges or corporations. 

 

For more information, visit the website nationalmerit.org.

• Ocean Springs High School began a partnership with Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College (MGCCC) to begin offering dual credit courses both on the OSHS campus as well as the MGCCC Campus.
• Dual credit courses merit the use of a 5.0 quality point scale.
• Students wishing to enroll in courses on the MGCCC campus should check with their counselor first to ensure that the course counts for dual credit.
• Additionally, students should also check with their future college to ensure that the course will transfer and count towards their degree. 
• Dual credit will not impact your status as an entering freshman for our public in-state schools; however, students attending private and out of state schools should check with the admissions office at the school of their choice to ensure that credits earned through dual credit will not impact their status as an entering freshman.
• Please note that all policies, procedures, and fees (including course prerequisites, grading, and attendance) are set by MGCCC and are subject to change by the college. 

• Junior or Senior 
• 14 core high school credits 
• 3.0 high school GPA (unweighted) 
• Specific ACT scores apply to English (17) and Mathematics (19)

• Biology
• College Algebra
• English Composition I
• English Composition II
• Music Appreciation
• Psychology
• Sociology
• World Civilization I

Board of Trustees of State Institutions of Higher Learning (IHL)  

All state schools of higher education require the following courses and units of credit for freshmen entering college at any of the eight public institutions of higher learning in the State of Mississippi. Specifically, the institutions to which these requirements apply are Alcorn State University, Delta State University, Jackson State University, Mississippi State University, Mississippi Valley State University, Mississippi University for Women, the University of Mississippi, and the University of Southern Mississippi.

• English: 4 Carnegie Units - All must require substantial communication skills components (i.e., reading, writing, listening, and speaking). 
• Mathematics: 3 Carnegie Units - Includes Algebra I, Geometry, and Algebra II. A fourth class in higher level mathematics is highly recommended. 
• Science: 3 Carnegie Units - Biology, Chemistry, and Physics or any other science course with comparable rigor and content. 
• Social Studies: 3 Carnegie Units - Courses should include United States History (1 unit), World History (1 unit with substantial geography component), Government (½ unit), and Economics (½ unit) or Geography (½ unit). 
• Advanced Electives: 2 Carnegie Units - Includes any two Carnegie Units of Foreign Language (I and II), Advanced World Geography and a Foreign Language (I) or any combination of English, mathematics, or lab-based science courses of comparable rigor and content to those required above. 
• Computer Technology: ½ Carnegie Unit - Course should emphasize the computer as a productivity tool. Instruction should include the utilization of various forms of technology to create, collaborate, organize, and publish information. 

• Acquires advanced academic skills. 
• Develops sound decision making and critical thinking skills. 
• Is prepared for college and reduces the likelihood of needing costly remedial courses. 
• Is a stronger candidate for certain types of financial aid and scholarships. 
• Has advanced opportunities for placement and future advancement with local and international employers. 
• Receives special recognition for their academic achievements during high school and upon graduation.

• English: Same as OSHS English graduation requirements 
• Math: Algebra, Geometry, Algebra II, and one credit of comparable content or rigor beyond Algebra II
• Science: Biology, Chemistry and two additional science units of comparable rigor 
• Social Studies: Same as OSHS graduation requirements 
• Arts: Same as OSHS graduation requirements 
• Advanced Electives: Two levels in the same foreign language or a fifth math or science of higher rigor 
• Additional Requirements: 80 hours of volunteer service, 2.5 GPA on a 4 point scale, 95% school attendance throughout high school, less than 4 days of ISI, no OSS, no AEC placement, 18 ACT composite score 

Mississippi Tech Master Students are preparing for their future careers. Employers are concerned with ensuring that both potential and incumbent employees have the skills necessary to thrive in today’s workplace. Current MDE Career Pathway Track - Academic Course of Study: 

 

NOTE: Must have 21 minimum credits - Students can go the 21 or 24 credit route allowing time for internship. Requirements for this recognition are established by the Mississippi Economic Council and subject to change by the MEC.