The primary objective of MESG is to provide educational opportunities for high-achieving high school students who wish to pursue postsecondary education in the state. This program is designed to provide financial assistance to students attending state approved public and private not-for-profit two-year and four-year eligible colleges and universities. Entering freshman applicants must earn a high school cumulative GPA of 3.5; score a minimum of a 29 on the National ACT (1350 on the SAT), or be named a National Merit Finalist or Semifinalist. Students currently enrolled in college must have a minimum 3.5 cumulative college GPA on at least 12 completed college hours but no more than 18 completed college hours. Students must attend an approved postsecondary institution in Mississippi in a program of study leading to a first certificate, first associate's, or first bachelor's degree. Students who are enrolling in Vocational or Technical programs may receive MESG awards if those students meet the entrance requirements of that particular community or junior college. A recipient may receive MESG up to 8 semesters (12 trimesters) or degree completion, whichever comes first. New applicants and some renewal applicants with a break in enrollment will be required to submit two forms of residency documentation. The preferred residency documents are FAFSA and a Mississippi driver's license. Alternate residency documents accepted are State Tax Return for the current tax filing year, Homestead Exemption, Voter Registration, and Vehicle Registration. Please visit the scholarship's website or contact the Mississippi Office of Student Financial Aid for more information.