Mississippi High School Seniors Prefer Mississippi State Over U of Mississippi by a Slim Margin

LEE'S SUMMIT, MO (05/18/2011)(readMedia)-- MyCollegeOptions.org, the nation's largest college planning program, has announced that Mississippi State University has beaten out The University of Mississippi in the minds of Mississippi high school seniors.

Forty-three percent of seniors in Mississippi have named Mississippi State University a top college choice compared to 34% of the class declaring a desire to attend The University of Mississippi.

Over 16,000 Mississippi students have reported their top college choices to MyCollegeOptions.org. Overall, around 26,000 Mississippi students currently participate in the MyCollegeOptions.org college planning program.

"This year's competitions between universities are not only settled on the football field, the basketball court and other sporting venues – they begin much sooner for students and families across the country. As early as 8th grade, students are planning and preparing to attend the college or university that is best for them. All institutions of higher education try to stand apart from their competition in the hearts and minds of their future freshman classes," remarked Ryan Munce, Vice President of My College Options.

For now, in the battle of choice, Mississippi State University has beaten this longtime rival. But like any sport, there is always next year, and the high school class of 2012 could have a very different opinion.

Rounding out the top five overall most declared colleges for the Mississippi high school class of 2011 are:

1. Mississippi State University - 43.2%

2. The University of Mississippi - 33.8%

3. The University of Southern Mississippi - 24.7%

4. Jackson State University - 17.2%

5. Louisiana State University - 13.2%

About My College Options®

MyCollegeOptions.org, the nation's largest college planning program, is operated by the National Research Center for College & University Admissions™. For almost 40 years, this non-profit education research organization based in Lee's Summit, MO has served as the primary link between high school students and colleges, universities, and the resources they need to succeed. For more information, visit www.mycollegeoptions.org.