International Freshman Requirements

Applications from international students are evaluated in the same holistic manner as applications from domestic students.

In addition to overall admission requirements, some schools and colleges have individual requirements for acceptance into the major.

International Freshman Requirements

The following factors are considered when reviewing applications for admission:

  • Completed online application and paid application fee

    • Mason accepts the Common Application and Mason’s exclusive undergraduate application. The Office of Admissions reviews both applications equally and without preference.

  • Certified official, original transcripts

    • From all secondary schools as well as official results from any leaving certificates or university entrance exams taken. A certified English translation must be submitted for any documents not already in English. All application materials are property of Mason and will not be returned to the applicant, nor shared with another individual, institution, or organization under any circumstances. 

  • Official scores from SAT or ACT

    • International students have the option to submit SAT or ACT scores with your application or apply Score Optional. Score Optional consideration allows for highly qualified students to be evaluated without standardized test scores.

      • Applicants to Computer Science or Engineering majors may be considered without SAT or ACT scores if they have completed four years of high school mathematics course. One course designated as a higher level than Algebra II must be completed by the senior year. All math courses must be completed with equivalent grades of a B or higher.

  • Verification of English language proficiency

    • Non-native English-speaking applicants are required to meet the university’s English Proficiency requirement.

    • Secondary School Report and counselor recommendations

      • We suggest sending two (2) letters of recommendation, one from a high school counselor and one from a teacher. There is no special recommendation form and letters can be submitted electronically or via e-mail to admissions@gmu.edu. Applicants who have been out of school for more than five years are not required to submit this form.

      • An optional, but strongly encouraged, personal statement or essay

        • Approximately 250 words explaining to the Office of Admissions why YOU want to attend university study. 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.

      • Resume

        • For any applicant with gaps in enrollment.