University Scholars Program

This scholarship award is the most competitive and distinguished merit scholarship that George Mason University offers to undergraduate students. To be eligible for this scholarship, a student must be a high school senior, must have submitted an admission application to George Mason University, must have completed at least 22 credits of high school class work, and must have outstanding SAT or ACT scores. Although there is no predetermined criteria for selecting scholars, the small group of outstanding students that have been considered in the past have had at least a minimum score of 1300 on the SAT (math and verbal only) or a 29 on the ACT, as well as a 3.70 grade point average (using a 4.0 scale). In addition to these academic credentials, students who have been considered for this scholarship have also had a superior record of service, leadership, and community involvement. Priority consideration is given to those who apply by December 1. For more information, see How to Apply. In order to continue to receive the scholarship, a student must maintain a cumulative grade point average of 3.00 while enrolled in the Scholars Program.

4. If I drop below the requirement, will my scholarship be revoked?

Once you are a University Scholar, you will always retain that status at the University. However, if you do not meet the requirements of the program, your semester-by-semester financial scholarship will not be continued. In order to continue to receive the scholarship, a student must maintain a 3.00 cumulative grade point average. If you fall below a 3.00 grade point average you will have a semester to realign yourself with the requirements of the program, at which time your scholarship will be reinstated.

5. How many University Scholars are there?

There are approximately 100 University Scholars, with each class averaging about 25 students. All University Scholars are undergraduate students at George Mason University.

6. Can I be a University Scholar and in the Honors Program in General Education?

Yes. The University Scholars program is a financial scholarship and community, while the Honors Program is an academic program of classes that fulfills your general education requirements. The two are not in conflict. Scholars can choose whether or not to participate in the Honors Program. For more information on the Honors Program, visit the Honors Program website.

7. What is priority housing?

All scholars receive priority housing within their academic classes when applying for housing each academic year. This means that the housing requests of University Scholars are considered before the rest of their academic class. For more information about housing, please see the Office of Housing and Residence Life website.

8. What is priority course registration?

Priority course registration means all scholars are among the first to register for their classes. This is especially useful when enrolling in General Education courses that tend to be in high demand. For a list of course offerings, please see the University Catalog.

9. What is UNIV 100?

The University 100 course is a one-semester course designed to help freshmen make a successful transition to life at George Mason University. Scholars take the course together in the fall of their first year. The University 100 course for scholars is taught by the Scholar Director and upper class scholars who act as Peer Advisors. The course is an integral part of the University Scholar experience and helps first year scholars construct a meaningful and supportive community that improves the quality of life and experiences for each scholar. For more information, see the University 100 Course Catalog entry.

10. Who is the Scholar Director?

The program has a tradition of truly dynamic and excellent directors. Erek Perry is the current Director of the University Scholars Program and has been with the program since fall 2004. The Director is an excellent resource for students, and part of his or her job includes connecting the scholars with the greater Mason community, and acting as an advisor and advocate for all scholars.

11. What is The Freshman Center?

The Freshman Center is associated with Student Academic Affairs and Advising. It is a unique and successful organization created to assist all Mason freshmen. It houses the UNIV courses, including UNIV 100 in which all freshman scholars are enrolled. The Freshman Center, along with the Office of Housing and Residence Life, also hosts Living & Learning communities. The freshman scholar living community is a part of this program. For more information, see the Freshman Center website.

12. What is the Noreen McGuire-Prettyman Scholar Center?

The Scholars lounge is a study, learning, and social lounge available to students enrolled in the University Scholars Program. It is named after Noreen McGuire-Prettyman, a former director of the Scholars Program. Dr. McGuire-Prettyman is remembered fondly by upperclassmen for her positive impact on their lives and on the program itself.

13. What are Class Representatives?

There are two elected Scholar Representatives from each of the four classes. The representatives keep their classes up-to-date on news and events and act as a communication link between each individual scholar, class, the scholar community, and the director. Representatives are also responsible for overseeing the scholar committees, are committed to helping at each scholar event, and represent the Scholars community at Mason events.

14. What other scholar committees are there? How do I get involved?

Several scholar committees keep students involved and help improve the program. Getting involved is as easy as sending an email or attending a committee meeting. At times, ad hoc committees are created for temporary needs or projects. Everyone is welcome to join the committees, and involvement is highly encouraged!

15. What is the Fall Retreat? Do I have to go?

The Fall Retreat, which takes place in early September, is a time for scholars to get away from campus and spend time together. First, second, and third year scholars attend, and fourth year scholars frequently join in the fun as well! During the retreat, the first-year scholars meet their mentors and establish themselves in the scholar community. Scholars agree that it is a fantastic way to start the school year!

16. What is the mentoring system?

Each freshman scholar is paired with an upper class scholar. These mentoring pairs are given careful thought by the Director and the Mentor Assessment Group (MAG), who try to match personalities and interests as best as possible. The mentors help the freshmen with any concerns they may have and want to be a resource for new scholars.

17. What are Scholar Town Hall meetings?

Town Hall meetings are held once a month. They are the primary means by which scholars discuss upcoming news, events, programs, policies, and issues. Decisions and votes are often taken at these meetings. All scholars are required to attend unless there is a conflict with their classes. It is also an opportunity for all four scholar classes to catch up with each other and eat free food!

18. What social events do the University Scholars host?

The scholars plan many events for their own enjoyment. In addition to the Fall and Spring Retreats, scholars plan and attend the Snow Ball, which is a fall semester semi-formal. There are also numerous smaller events, including trips to Washington, D.C., tailgate parties at Homecoming, basketball games, movies, and many more.

19. Can I day-shadow a Scholar?

Yes! If you have been admitted as a University Scholar, call or email us to set up a scholar shadowing experience. We will do our best to match you with a scholar who has interests similar to your own and will provide an opportunity for you to meet with our faculty and staff.