Apply to the Chinese Language Flagship

Find out how to apply to the Chinese Language Flagship Program.

a pile of white cards spread on a table with Chinese characters on each card

Who Should Apply?

The University of Mississippi’s Chinese Language Flagship Program is designed to bring undergraduate students (including those without a background in Chinese) to the Superior proficiency level within a five-year time span. While far from impossible, this presents a demanding and intense challenge that all students must work diligently to meet. Our rigorous curriculum is only effective for students who are committed to exert the effort necessary to succeed in class. Thus, the ideal Flagship applicant:

  • has a strong academic record
  • understands how Chinese will enhance his/her personal and professional goals
  • is committed to completing the entire Chinese Language Flagship Program and achieving Superior-level Chinese proficiency
  • has been accepted for undergraduate admission to the University of Mississippi

Please note, prior Chinese language experience is not required, but those who have it are also encouraged to apply.

Our Current Students 

Our current cohorts of students come from across the state and across the country — and you could be one of them!
Mississippi map with pins to show hometowns of students in the Chinese Language Flagship program.

See the hometowns of our current Mississippi students in the Chinese Language Flagship program.

US map with pins to represent the hometowns of students in the Chinese language flagship program.  Most of the pins are in the Southeastern portion of the US.

See the hometowns of our current students in the Chinese Language Flagship program.

Zachary Miller Adamz

Welcome to the Chinese Language Flagship Program

I am the Project Coordinator for the UM Chinese Language Flagship program. After a Croft visiting professorship here at the University, I joined the Flagship program in 2023. As your point of contact for the application and admission process for our Chinese Flagship program, I hope you will reach out regarding scholarship opportunities, inquiries about visiting campus and classes, and any other questions you may have so we can help you join our top-tier Chinese program here at UM! Also, for any language instructors and counselors, I am happy to visit your classrooms and introduce your students to the unique opportunities we offer those that study the Chinese language.

Zachary Miller Adamz

Project Coordinator

Application Instructions

  1. Apply to UM.
  2. Access the Special Programs & Scholarships application.
  3. Use your admissions application number and date of birth to log in.
    • Having trouble accessing your admissions application number? Contact us at chinese@olemiss.edu!
  4. Navigate to the "Shared Information" tab.
    • First, input the following resume information:
      • Class Rank
      • Extracurricular Activities & Leadership: honors societies, student government, school and community clubs, athletics, the arts, etc.
        • Be sure to indicate areas where you have been an active leader.
      • Community Service: service projects or organizations you have been consistently involved with
      • Honors & Awards: major honors, awards, and accolades that you have received for academic accomplishments, service, leadership, or character
      • Employment and Internships: any employment experience (including internships)
    • Next, answer two essay prompts:
      • Personal Statement: describe your educational aspirations and future career goals (250-word limit)
      • Essay: "Describe a problem you've solved or a problem you'd like to solve–anything that is of personal importance, no matter the scale. Explain its significance to you and what steps you took or could be taken to identify a solution." (500-700 words)
    • Finally, identify three recommenders:
      • Recommender 1: teacher
      • Recommender 2: guidance counselor or principal
      • Recommender 3: teacher, coach, or employer
    • Information in this tab is shared with all Special Programs you apply to.
  5. Navigate to the "Chinese Language Flagship" tab.
    • Complete the essay: "Please explain your motivation for applying to the Arabic Language Flagship program and why you are a good candidate." (500-700 words)
    • Confirm eligibility by checking the boxes.
    • Click Submit.
  6. Peruse the other Special Programs application tabs, and apply to those that interest you.
  7. Complete the "Freshman Scholarships" tab by the January 10 deadline.
    • Browse available scholarships, and apply to those that interest you. Be sure to indicate eligibility for automatic scholarships for numerous types of students including, valedictorian/salutatorian, student body/council president, Eagle Scout/Gold Award recipient, etc.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes! Some students do come in with a few years of Chinese study from high school courses or programs such as National Security Language Initiative for Youth (NSLI-Y), but a majority of our incoming freshmen do not have any former experience in the language.

Incoming students with prior Chinese experience will take a placement exam. Most students with four to five years of high school Chinese will test into the second half of Chin 111 (about 3 weeks into the summer) — that’s how strong our program is! Also, our classes are great reviews of grammar that you may have already learned, this program will make your language foundation even stronger!

UM Chinese Flagship takes a wholistic approach to the application review process. Though standardized test scores are taken into consideration, there is no minimum ACT/SAT score required for admission. Similarly, the program has no minimum GPA requirement, though GPA is taken into consideration. Instead, the program weighs a variety of factors including GPA, rigor of coursework, prior study of any language, community involvement, work experience, leadership, writing ability, time abroad (if applicable), future academic and career plans, language aptitude, and ability to succeed in a rigorous academic program, among others.

We will review these cases on an individual basis dependent on academic standing and commitment to all Flagship policies. If this is you, please contact us at chinese@olemiss.edu.

We’ve got answers. Contact our Coordinator Zach Adamz at chinese@olemiss.edu.

After acceptance to the University of Mississippi, complete the Special Programs & Scholarships application by January 10. See instructions above!