The High School Direct Admission Program provides a pathway for select students at participating high schools to pursue a college degree at Virginia’s largest public research university through a simplified application process.
At George Mason, you'll join a diverse community of individuals bringing their curiosity, talents, strengths, and resilience to the task of advancing and improving the world.
For those who have been selected for this program, congratulations! In addition to explaining the program, this page will provide all the information you need to accept your offer.
What is the High School Direct Admission Program?
The George Mason High School Direct Admission Program is a partnership program between George Mason and local high schools to offer admission to high-achieving students.
We believe in being a university that is accessible and inclusive, striving to take an active role in pursuing the students who will thrive on our campus.
What are the benefits?
The college application and admissions process can be cumbersome and stressful at times, but the program's simplified application and admissions process provides students the peace of mind that a college acceptance waits for them on the other side.
Who is eligible?
Students who attend our partner high schools and who meet set academic requirements are eligible for the program.
How are students selected?
The partner high schools identify students who are a good fit for the program based on their academic record. Partner high schools provide George Mason with the necessary information of their selected students, and those selected are admitted to George Mason after completing a simplified application process.
How is the offer letter sent?
George Mason's Office of Admissions will send identified students an offer of admission via email.
How do I accept my offer?
Fill out the High School Direct Admission application to accept your offer. Instructions to create an account and to apply can be found in your offer letter.
Is there anything I need to do before I can fill out the Direct Admission application?
Yes; you may need to give your consent to share your information with the Office of Admissions. This is school specific so if you’re not sure, please ask your school’s Direct Admission point of contact or your school’s college and career center representatives for guidance.
What name do I put on my application?
Please refer to your offer letter and type your name on your application as is written on your offer letter. Please contact the admissions office if you need to change your name in our system.
Why do I need to submit an application if I am already admitted through the Direct Admission program?
An application is required of all students seeking enrollment at George Mason University. While this program offers you acceptance to George Mason, an application gives you the opportunity to apply to other programs and majors outside the program's parameters.
Admission based on the Direct Admission program does not guarantee admission to the Honors College or specific majors. For example, students interested in applying to the Honors College and specific majors (engineering, nursing, and visual and performing arts) are required to provide supplemental application materials or have taken specific courses.
Do I need to provide any other details on my application?
You will need to have your high school transcript submitted to George Mason. Through the Direct Admission program, you are already admitted to the University; however, you may need to include additional application materials. For example, if you want to apply to the Honors College, you must write a supplemental essay based on the prompts provided on the application.
What is the Honors College and how do I apply?
George Mason’s Honors College provides students the chance to enrich their academic and social environment to and enhance their college experience through multidisciplinary opportunities; we like to say the Honors College is the equivalent of a small college within a large research university. We welcome students seeking an engaging academic and social community to apply. You can learn more about the Honors College and their application process on their website.
Are there any majors that have specific admissions requirements?
Yes; some majors require specific courses or additional application materials. Please visit our website to learn more about these selective majors.
English Language Proficiency
All students are required to show English language proficiency regardless of involvement with the program. Students who do not have four full years of high school English will be required to meet the English language proficiency requirement via other means. You can find all acceptable options and exams on the admissions website.
Deadlines:
George Mason offers two application deadlines. While admission via the program is not contingent on either deadline, students interested in applying to the Honors College or who want to be considered for merit scholarships should apply by November 1. Our admissions website has additional information about these deadlines.
Do I get a scholarship by being a part of the Direct Admission program?
Not automatically; there is not a specific scholarship that Direct Admission students receive. Any student who submits an application by November 1 will be considered and reviewed for merit scholarships. Students within the program should work to fill out a FAFSA or VASA by March 1. Submitting a FAFSA or VASA is the best way for George Mason to determine how we can financially assist you.
What scholarships are available?
Please visit our financial aid website to learn more about merit scholarships and other forms of aid. The Office of Admissions is also more than happy to help you locate scholarship opportunities.
What if I submitted a Common Application already?
The Direct Admission program is one of several options to apply to George Mason. Ultimately, it is your decision which application option you would like to pursue. If you have already submitted an application to George Mason, we ask that you not submit the Direct Admission application as multiple applications in our system can cause delays and issues in processing. Your admission to the university will not be impacted by the type of application you submit.
What do I need to include in my application?
If you are applying to the Honors College, you will need to respond to the Honors College essay prompt and provide more information about your extracurricular activities and involvement, as these items are important to the review process for the Honors College. Also, if you want to share anything with the admissions office about yourself or your academic history, please include this information in a short essay.
What else do I need to do to be admitted?
After you receive your initial offer, please fill out your Direct Admission application. Next, have your high school transcript sent from your high school to George Mason. If you have any questions or concerns about your application, please reach out to your schools’ Direct Admission point of contact and they can connect you to your George Mason Admissions representative.
I am a part of the Early Identification Program (EIP); do I need to submit a specific application?
No; as a participant of EIP, you may apply via the Common Application, the Mason Exclusive Application or the High School Direct Admission Applicaiton. All applications contain the same questions, making it your choice as to how you apply.