How to Apply to Beauty School: A Step by Step Guide to Enrolling

Ready to turn your interest in beauty into something more? Applying to beauty school is an exciting step, but it’s completely normal to have questions about how the process works.

At Mississippi Institute of Aesthetics, Nails & Cosmetology, enrollment starts with making sure you meet the admission requirements and gathering a few important documents. From there, you’ll schedule a tour, meet with admissions, complete your enrollment agreement, and attend orientation.

Here’s a closer look at each step so you can feel prepared and confident as you get started.

What Do You Need to Apply to Beauty School?

Before beginning the enrollment process at Mississippi Institute, make sure you meet these admission requirements. Applicants must:

• Be at least 17 years old
• Have a valid state or federally issued photo ID
• Have a high school diploma, GED, or homeschool diploma
• Be able to clearly read, write, and speak English

You’ll also need to provide documents showing that you completed high school or an accepted equivalent. The exact records you need will depend on your educational background.

Requirements may vary for students who completed a homeschool education outside Mississippi. If you’re not sure which documents to submit, reach out to the admissions team. They can help you understand what you’ll need based on your situation.

Once you have your documents ready, you can begin the four-step enrollment process.

Step 1: Schedule Your Tour and Admissions Interview

Your first step is to schedule a school tour and an interview with the director of admissions.

During your visit, you’ll get to see the Mississippi Institute facilities, experience the school’s welcoming and professional atmosphere, and learn more about what it’s like to be a student. You’ll also meet with admissions to confirm that you meet the enrollment requirements and talk through what comes next.

This is a great time to ask questions about class schedules, costs, financial aid, and Mississippi Institute’s programs in Cosmetology, Aesthetics, and Nail Technology. You don’t need to have every part of your future figured out before your visit. The admissions team can help you explore your interests and find the program that feels right for you.

Step 2: Complete and Sign Your Enrollment Agreement

After your tour and interview, you’ll complete and sign the Mississippi Institute enrollment agreement.

This step takes place in person with a member of the admissions team and cannot be completed online. Take your time reviewing the agreement, and don’t be afraid to ask questions. The admissions team is there to make sure you understand what you’re signing and what comes next. 

Step 3: Pay the Registration Fee and Submit Your Records

Next, you’ll pay the required $200 registration fee and submit your official high school transcript or other required educational records.

Check the document table above before submitting your records so you know which requirements apply to you. If you recently graduated, you may need to request an official transcript from your high school. Because it can take time for schools to process transcript requests, it’s a good idea to request yours early.

Once the admissions team has received the required documents and fee, they can continue completing your enrollment file.

Step 4: Attend New Student Orientation

The final step is attending New Student Orientation, which is mandatory for all new students. Mississippi Institute will provide your orientation details after you’ve been accepted. Orientation is generally held on the Friday before your start date.

During orientation, you’ll receive information to help you get ready for your first day and understand what to expect as a student.

Keep in mind that student kit and textbook fees must be paid at orientation. These items are required for attendance and will not be issued until the fee has been paid in full, so make sure you plan for this cost before orientation.

Is Financial Aid Available for Beauty School?

Yes. Financial aid is available to those who qualify. Mississippi Institute participates in Title IV Federal Financial Assistance programs, and eligible students may receive assistance from federal, state, or private sources.

Financial aid options may include:

• Federal Pell Grants
• Federal Direct Student Loans
• Payment plans
• Outside scholarships

The first step is completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid, or FAFSA®. Be sure to enter Mississippi Institute’s school code, 041402, so your information is sent to the school’s financial aid office.

Depending on your application, you may be asked to submit additional documents before your eligibility can be determined. Starting the FAFSA® early gives you more time to complete any additional requirements and understand your options before your program begins.

You can also speak with the financial aid team during the enrollment process or as part of your school tour. If this is your first time completing the FAFSA®, don’t worry. Our team can help answer your questions and explain what to expect.

What Else Should You Know Before Enrolling?

When do new classes begin?

New Cosmetology and Nail Technician classes begin on the first Tuesday of each month. New Aesthetics classes begin every 11 weeks. Your specific start date will be provided after you’ve been accepted.

What is the class schedule?

Classes are held Tuesday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Full-time students usually complete 32 clock hours each week. Knowing the schedule ahead of time can help you plan for transportation, work, childcare, and other responsibilities.

Can you transfer from another beauty school?

Transfer credit is reviewed on a case-by-case basis. Students entering the Cosmetology Program may transfer up to 750 clock hours from another licensed cosmetology school. Transfer hours and grades are not accepted for the Aesthetics or Nail Technician programs.

If you have previous beauty school experience, talk with admissions about your records before enrolling.

Can veterans use VA education benefits?

Yes. Mississippi Institute accepts students who use eligible VA funds to pay for their education. Veterans and other eligible students should speak with the admissions or financial aid team about the documentation needed to certify their enrollment.

Take the First Step Toward Beauty School

Applying to beauty school may feel like a big step, but you don’t have to navigate it alone. At Mississippi Institute, the process begins with a school tour and admissions interview. From there, you’ll complete your enrollment agreement, submit your documents and registration fee, and attend New Student Orientation.

Gathering your records early can make the process easier, especially if you need to request an official transcript from your high school. But if you have questions or aren’t sure what you need, the Mississippi Institute team is ready to help.

Ready to see where your future in beauty could begin? Schedule your tour of Mississippi Institute and take the first step toward enrolling