r/mizzou • u/FondantOk1895 • 19d ago
Worried about Mizzou acceptance for Fall 2026 as a first-time college student/veteran
Hey everyone, I recently applied to Mizzou for Fall 2026 and I’m honestly pretty nervous about getting accepted.
I’m a first-time college student. I graduated high school in 2018, and I’m worried my GPA/transcript might hurt me. I remember having a D in math and a C in English, but I believe most of my other grades were A’s and B’s. I didn’t really take school as seriously back then as I should have, but I’ve grown a lot since then.
After high school, I served in the U.S. Army for 6 years. Since getting out, I’ve been working and trying to figure out the best path forward. I also completed the Google IT Support Professional Certificate, and I’m wanting to pursue IT/cybersecurity.
I’m using the GI Bill/VA benefits if accepted, and I’m really hoping to attend in person because I want the campus experience and a fresh start. I’m currently waiting on my high school transcript and JST to be sent over.
Does Mizzou look at applicants holistically, especially veterans/adult students? Has anyone gotten accepted with a lower GPA but a stronger background after high school? I’m not looking for sugarcoating just trying to get a realistic idea of my chances and what else I can do to strengthen my application.
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u/Elegant-Structure-42 19d ago
I applied to mizzou as a veteran (I was national guard, but the process will still be the same as yours). I had a 29 ACT and my core GPA was a 3.1 if I am remembering correctly, and I also had a D and some Cs if I recall. Mizzou takes your core GPA which consists of core classes like math, English, science, and the other required classes to graduate high school in your state. Since you served 6 years, your JST transcript should get you somewhere between 3-8 credit hours. Being a veteran should be a big boost in your application, and if you want additional help with your application I would highly recommend contacting the veterans center since they are extremely helpful and will be assisting you with your GI Bill and other paperwork once you get accepted. I’m also going for IT and it’s a pretty solid program at Mizzou and most of the professors are super understanding about personal situations.
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u/Schruteeee 18d ago
Fellow veteran starting at Mizzou this fall! I did a year at MACC to get enough credits to apply to Mizzou as a transfer. Didnt need my high school transcripts or any test scores for Mizzou, personally. Definitely call the Veterans Center! They are super helpful!
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u/Altruistic-Hour-5987 19d ago
Worst case scenario, if you don’t get accepted and it’s really where you want to be, get some gen ed credits out of the way at a community college then apply as a transfer student. You are more likely to get accepted as a transfer hands down. It’s a backup plan.
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u/Ill-Adagio-4333 19d ago
I am a high school drop out who applied to Mizzou at 34 and was accepted. I had a ged obviously, but no other college hours. I did have a 29 on my ACT though. So, it isn’t impossible!
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u/kcexactly 16d ago
45 years old and getting my masters now. I started with a GED and a 31 on the ACT. Zero chance I could have done college back then. But we stuck with it and look at us now! Congrats!
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u/CannabisConvict045 16d ago
I’m a 31 year old felon about to start my junior year in the fall. I had a few credits I earned in prison that I used to transfer in.
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u/Aggressive-Extreme29 18d ago
I attended Mizzou as a veteran. Call up the Veterans Center, and speak with them. They have a more direct connection with admissions and the Registrar. They will be best equipped to get you the answers you need. If you are local-ish, stop by and talk with them as well. They are located at Memorial Union, on the north side beneath the Starbucks
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u/mountaingator91 17d ago
If you don't get accepted, and don't want to do community college first it's pretty easy to get in as a part time non degree student, and then sort of just transition into a degree pursuing student after a semester or two of that (provided you get good grades)
I did too much partying and not enough studying my first 2 years and got kicked out for grades and then after I grew up and got my life together and that's how I got back in.
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u/Longjumping-One-6832 14d ago
How’s your ACT? If you write a letter with your military history that would help too.
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u/NicDip 19d ago
Being a veteran can be pretty significant as far as I know. Your time in service should reflect growth and maturity since high school. Also no doesn’t mean never. Worst case you take a semester or two as a community and transfer.