Freshman Requirements

We are excited that you are considering joining us at Mason, where we are on a relentless quest to reimagine tomorrow.

Here, you can expect a rigorous curriculum that prepares you to be workforce-ready, a community that supports you, and the opportunities you need to experience success.

Admission is done using a holistic approach, and all aspects of a student's application, including high school transcripts, standardized test scores, essays, and letters of recommendation, among other supplemental documents, are reviewed by the Admissions Committee. 

We proudly accept almost 90 percent of applicants because we prefer inclusivity over exclusivity. We know that to realize our collective goal of a better tomorrow, the problem-solvers of the future need to reflect the diversity of the real world.

Freshman General Admission Requirements

The following factors are evaluated in the decision process:

• Cumulative high school grade point average (GPA) 

  • For work completed in grades 9-12 along with level of difficulty of courses selected, particularly in core academic courses. Request your high school send an official copy of your transcript.

• SAT or ACT Scores

  • You have the option to submit ACT or SAT scores with your application, or you may apply Score Optional if you meet certain requirements. If you decide to apply with ACT or SAT scores, George Mason University will use the self-reported SAT and/or ACT test scores as part of our holistic admissions process. However, an admission decision will then be contingent upon receipt of official test scores, sent directly from the testing agency, prior to the first day of classes for the semester in which the student intends to enroll. The Office of Admissions reserves the right to reevaluate an applicant’s admissions or scholarship decision upon receipt of official test scores. This reevaluation may result in a change of admissions or scholarship status.

• Secondary School Report and counselor recommendations

  • We suggest sending two (2) letters of recommendation, one from your high school counselor and one from a teacher. The Common Application provides a section for uploading letters of recommendation. For George Mason University’s Undergraduate Application for Admission, there is no special recommendation form and letters can be submitted electronically or via e-mail to admissions@gmu.edu. (If you have been out of school for more than five years, this is not necessary.)

• An optional, but strongly encouraged personal statement

  • This should be approximately 250 words explaining to the Office of Admissions why YOU want to go to college. Tell us about yourself and your experiences that have led to this decision. Submit your statement online when prompted during the online application process or within the Common App.

• Non-native English-speaking applicants are required to meet the University's English proficiency requirement

  • Applicants who will have completed four years (grades 9-12) of college preparatory English (excluding ESL and remedial English courses) at a U.​S.​ secondary school, excluding Puerto Rico, with grades of C or better in each course satisfy the requirement. If you are in doubt as to whether you need to complete an English-language proficiency examination, please contact the Office of Admissions.

• Extracurricular activities and community service participation

  • These can be listed on your online application, the Common Application, or sent within an activity sheet or resume.

Mason has been a score optional institution regarding SAT and ACT since 2007. Find out what this means for you as you apply to Mason.

There are additional admission requirements if you are applying to Mason as a freshman or undergraduate student internationally.

We welcome applications from home-schooled students or those who have pursued pre-college educational opportunities that may not be accredited. Learn more about how you can apply to Mason.

Discover how you can accelerate your graduation from Mason with transfer credits resulting from certain exams, including Advanced Placement exams and more.

In some cases, Mason accepts college credits earned while a student is concurrently enrolled in high school. Find out if High School Dual Enrollment applies to you.

Mason is committed to providing an inclusive and safe living, learning, and working environment for all members of our community. Review these policies and terms for admission to Mason.