Nothing should come between you and a four-year degree.
ADVANCE Virginia is a transfer program between George Mason University and select community colleges in Virginia. When you declare for ADVANCE Virginia, you'll be provided with targeted, personalized support to save you time and money as you complete your bachelor’s degree.
What are the benefits of ADVANCE Virginia?
Major Cost Savings
- Completing your associates degree before transferring will save you tuition costs.
Make Every Credit Count
- Specialized, aligned curriculum ensures all credits transfer toward your program.
Dedicated Coaches
- ADVANCE Virginia coaches provide continuous support and guidance, from your enrollment at community college to your graduation from Mason.
ADVANCE Your Career
- Increased access to internship and co-curricular experiences prepare you for career success.
Who should consider ADVANCE Virginia?
ADVANCE Virginia is available to students at select community colleges in Virginia who are in good academic standing and who meet these enrollment requirements:
- Hold a high school diploma or GED
- Minimum 2.00 cumulative grade point average for students with college credit
- Enrolled in an associate degree program at a participating community college in Virginia
- Have earned no more than 30 college credits at the time of submission of the ADVANCE Declaration
The 30-credit limit does not include AP, IB, CLEP, or any other earned credit by exam. High school dual enrollment credit and credit earned at other U.S. or international colleges, or universities apply to the 30-credit limit. Your community college and Mason have different transfer credit policies. It is important to note that your community college may accept transfer credit that Mason does not accept.
If you have any transfer credit questions, please contact ADVANCE Admissions at advance@gmu.edu.
The ADVANCE Virginia Process
1. Submit your Declaration
2. Your Declaration is reviewed by Mason for admission into ADVANCE Virginia
3. Officially accepted into ADVANCE Virginia
4. Meet all ADVANCE Virginia program requirements at your community college
5. Apply for transfer to Mason
6. Graduate from community college and join the Mason Nation!
Deadlines for ADVANCE Virginia
| Type | Fall | Spring |
|---|---|---|
|
Declaration |
?? | ?? |
Your Academic Coach is here to help
Your ADVANCE Virginia Academic Coach offers so much more than academic advising. They'll provide holistic support, guiding and encouraging the development of your knowledge, skills, and confidence to succeed in higher education and your chosen field.
Coaches target these nine focus areas to address all aspects of a student’s life that impact their academic performance:
1. School community
2. Effectiveness
3. Commitment to graduation
4. Career
5. Managing commitments
6. Finances
7. Health and support
8. Academics
9. Civic engagement
Take the first step with ADVANCE Virginia:
Looking for ADVANCE at NOVA?
Information is available on our ADVANCE at Northern Virginia Community College page.
Have some more questions? We can help. Contact us by email at advance@gmu.edu.