does george mason require an essay

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George Mason University Requirements for Admission

Choose your test.

What are George Mason University's admission requirements? While there are a lot of pieces that go into a college application, you should focus on only a few critical things:

• GPA requirements
• Testing requirements, including SAT and ACT requirements
• Application requirements

In this guide we'll cover what you need to get into George Mason University and build a strong application.

School location: Fairfax, VA

This school is also known as: GMU, Mason

Admissions Rate: 86.7%

If you want to get in, the first thing to look at is the acceptance rate. This tells you how competitive the school is and how serious their requirements are.

The acceptance rate at George Mason University is 86.7% . For every 100 applicants, 87 are admitted.

This means the school is lightly selective . The school will have their expected requirements for GPA and SAT/ACT scores. If you meet their requirements, you're almost certain to get an offer of admission. But if you don't meet George Mason University's requirements, you'll be one of the unlucky few people who gets rejected.

We can help. PrepScholar Admissions is the world's best admissions consulting service. We combine world-class admissions counselors with our data-driven, proprietary admissions strategies . We've overseen thousands of students get into their top choice schools , from state colleges to the Ivy League.

We know what kinds of students colleges want to admit. We want to get you admitted to your dream schools.

Learn more about PrepScholar Admissions to maximize your chance of getting in.

George Mason University GPA Requirements

Many schools specify a minimum GPA requirement, but this is often just the bare minimum to submit an application without immediately getting rejected.

The GPA requirement that really matters is the GPA you need for a real chance of getting in. For this, we look at the school's average GPA for its current students.

Average GPA: 3.65

The average GPA at George Mason University is 3.65 .

(Most schools use a weighted GPA out of 4.0, though some report an unweighted GPA.

With a GPA of 3.65, George Mason University requires you to be above average in your high school class. You'll need at least a mix of A's and B's, with more A's than B's. You can compensate for a lower GPA with harder classes, like AP or IB classes. This will show that you're able to handle more difficult academics than the average high school student.

SAT and ACT Requirements

Each school has different requirements for standardized testing. Most schools require the SAT or ACT, and many also require SAT subject tests.

• The SAT or ACT is optional, but recommended by the school to improve your application chances.
• You might be able to get admitted with through your GPA or class ranking alone.
• Only specific departments at the school require the SAT or ACT.

George Mason University SAT Requirements

Many schools say they have no SAT score cutoff, but the truth is that there is a hidden SAT requirement. This is based on the school's average score.

Average SAT: 1215

The average SAT score composite at George Mason University is a 1215 on the 1600 SAT scale.

This score makes George Mason University Competitive for SAT test scores.

George Mason University SAT Score Analysis (New 1600 SAT)

The 25th percentile SAT score is 1120, and the 75th percentile SAT score is 1300. In other words, a 1120 on the SAT places you below average, while a 1300 will move you up to above average .

Here's the breakdown of SAT scores by section:

SAT Score Choice Policy

The Score Choice policy at your school is an important part of your testing strategy.

George Mason University has the Score Choice policy of "Highest Section."

This is also known as "superscoring." This means that you can choose which SAT tests you want to send to the school. Of all the scores they receive, your application readers will consider your highest section scores across all SAT test dates you submit .

Click below to learn more about how superscoring critically affects your test strategy.

For example, say you submit the following 3 test scores:

Even though the highest total you scored on any one test date was 1000, George Mason University will take your highest section score from all your test dates, then combine them to form your Superscore. You can raise your composite score from 1000 to 1400 in this example.

This is important for your testing strategy. Because you can choose which tests to send in, and George Mason University forms your Superscore, you can take the SAT as many times as you want, then submit only the tests that give you the highest Superscore. Your application readers will only see that one score.

Therefore, if your SAT superscore is currently below a 1120, we strongly recommend that you consider prepping for the SAT and retaking it . You have a very good chance of raising your score, which will significantly boost your chances of getting in.

Even better, because of the Superscore, you can focus all your energy on a single section at a time. If your Reading score is lower than your other sections, prep only for the Reading section, then take the SAT. Then focus on Math for the next test, and so on. This will give you the highest Superscore possible.

Download our free guide on the top 5 strategies you must be using to improve your score. This guide was written by Harvard graduates and SAT perfect scorers. If you apply the strategies in this guide, you'll study smarter and make huge score improvements.

George Mason University ACT Requirements

Just like for the SAT, George Mason University likely doesn't have a hard ACT cutoff, but if you score too low, your application will get tossed in the trash.

Average ACT: 27

The average ACT score at George Mason University is 27. This score makes George Mason University Moderately Competitive for ACT scores.

The 25th percentile ACT score is 24, and the 75th percentile ACT score is 30.

ACT Score Sending Policy

If you're taking the ACT as opposed to the SAT, you have a huge advantage in how you send scores, and this dramatically affects your testing strategy.

Here it is: when you send ACT scores to colleges, you have absolute control over which tests you send. You could take 10 tests, and only send your highest one. This is unlike the SAT, where many schools require you to send all your tests ever taken.

This means that you have more chances than you think to improve your ACT score. To try to aim for the school's ACT requirement of 24 and above, you should try to take the ACT as many times as you can. When you have the final score that you're happy with, you can then send only that score to all your schools.

ACT Superscore Policy

By and large, most colleges do not superscore the ACT. (Superscore means that the school takes your best section scores from all the test dates you submit, and then combines them into the best possible composite score). Thus, most schools will just take your highest ACT score from a single sitting.

We weren't able to find the school's exact ACT policy, which most likely means that it does not Superscore. Regardless, you can choose your single best ACT score to send in to George Mason University, so you should prep until you reach our recommended target ACT score of 24.

Download our free guide on the top 5 strategies you must be using to improve your score. This guide was written by Harvard graduates and ACT perfect scorers. If you apply the strategies in this guide, you'll study smarter and make huge score improvements.

SAT/ACT Writing Section Requirements

Both the SAT and ACT have an optional essay section.

George Mason University considers the SAT Essay/ACT Writing section optional and may not include it as part of their admissions consideration. You don't need to worry too much about Writing for this school, but other schools you're applying to may require it.

SAT Subject Test Requirements

Schools vary in their SAT subject test requirements. Typically, selective schools tend to require them, while most schools in the country do not.

George Mason University has indicated that SAT subject tests are recommended . Typically this means that SAT subject tests are not required, but submitting them can showcase particular strengths. For example, if you're applying to an engineering school, submitting science and math SAT subject tests will boost your application.

Typically, your SAT/ACT and GPA are far more heavily weighed than your SAT Subject Tests. If you have the choice between improving your SAT/ACT score or your SAT Subject Test scores, definitely choose to improve your SAT/ACT score .

Final Admissions Verdict

Because this school is lightly selective, you have a great shot at getting in, as long as you don't fall well below average . Aim for a 1120 SAT or a 24 ACT or higher, and you'll almost certainly get an offer of admission. As long as you meet the rest of the application requirements below, you'll be a shoo-in.

But if you score below our recommended target score, you may be one of the very few unlucky people to get rejected.

Admissions Calculator

Here's our custom admissions calculator. Plug in your numbers to see what your chances of getting in are. Pick your test: SAT ACT

• 80-100%: Safety school: Strong chance of getting in
• 50-80%: More likely than not getting in
• 20-50%: Lower but still good chance of getting in
• 5-20%: Reach school: Unlikely to get in, but still have a shot
• 0-5%: Hard reach school: Very difficult to get in

How would your chances improve with a better score?

Take your current SAT score and add 160 points (or take your ACT score and add 4 points) to the calculator above. See how much your chances improve?

At PrepScholar, we've created the leading online SAT/ACT prep program . We guarantee an improvement of 160 SAT points or 4 ACT points on your score, or your money back.

Here's a summary of why we're so much more effective than other prep programs:

• PrepScholar customizes your prep to your strengths and weaknesses . You don't waste time working on areas you already know, so you get more results in less time.
• We guide you through your program step-by-step so that you're never confused about what you should be studying. Focus all your time learning, not worrying about what to learn.
• Our team is made of national SAT/ACT experts . PrepScholar's founders are Harvard graduates and SAT perfect scorers . You'll be studying using the strategies that actually worked for them.
• We've gotten tremendous results with thousands of students across the country. Read about our score results and reviews from our happy customers .

There's a lot more to PrepScholar that makes it the best SAT/ACT prep program. Click to learn more about our program , or sign up for our 5-day free trial to check out PrepScholar for yourself:

Application Requirements

Every school requires an application with the bare essentials - high school transcript and GPA, application form, and other core information. Many schools, as explained above, also require SAT and ACT scores, as well as letters of recommendation, application essays, and interviews. We'll cover the exact requirements of George Mason University here.

Application Requirements Overview

• Common Application Accepted, supplemental forms required
• Universal Application Not accepted
• Electronic Application None
• Essay or Personal Statement Recommended for all freshmen
• Letters of Recommendation 3
• Interview Not required
• Application Fee $70
• Fee Waiver Available? Available
• Other Notes Audition for dance and music, portfolio for art and visual technology and computer game design, interview and audition or portfolio for theater recommended for some freshmen

Testing Requirements

• SAT or ACT Required for some
• SAT Essay or ACT Writing Optional
• SAT Subject Tests Recommended
• Scores Due in Office None

Coursework Requirements

• Subject Required Years
• Foreign Language 2
• Social Studies 3
• Electives 3

Deadlines and Early Admissions

• Offered? Deadline Notification
• Yes February 1 None
• Yes November 15

Admissions Office Information

• Address: 4400 Fairfax, VA 22030-4444
• Phone: (703) 993-2400
• Email: [email protected]

Other Schools For You

If you're interested in George Mason University, you'll probably be interested in these schools as well. We've divided them into 3 categories depending on how hard they are to get into, relative to George Mason University.

Reach Schools: Harder to Get Into

These schools are have higher average SAT scores than George Mason University. If you improve your SAT score, you'll be competitive for these schools.

Same Level: Equally Hard to Get Into

If you're competitive for George Mason University, these schools will offer you a similar chance of admission.

Safety Schools: Easier to Get Into

If you're currently competitive for George Mason University, you should have no problem getting into these schools. If George Mason University is currently out of your reach, you might already be competitive for these schools.

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Dec 3, 2020 • knowledge, information.

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Didn't find what you were looking for? Please visit us at mssc.gmu.edu.

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George Mason University | 4400 University Drive, Fairfax, Virginia 22030 | Contact Us

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George mason university.

• Cost & scholarships
• Admission requirements
• Essay prompts

Want to see your chances of admission at George Mason University?

We take every aspect of your personal profile into consideration when calculating your admissions chances.

George Mason University’s 2023-24 Essay Prompts

Why this college short response.

What is your motivation for pursuing higher education? Why do you believe George Mason University is the right institution for you?

Select-A-Prompt Essay

To complete your application to the Honors College, please choose and respond to one (1) of the prompts above in no more than 500 words.

George Mason University is Virginia’s largest public research university. As a Tier-1 research institution, every day, our faculty, staff, and students work to address unanswered questions, unresolved challenges, and problems that impact a wide variety of populations. In the Honors College, you’ll have opportunities to do this sort of work — and maybe even answer questions and solve problems that matter to you. Tell us about one question, challenge, or problem that you’d like to work to better understand or address during your time at Mason. Introduce this issue, and then explain why it matters to you and why it might matter to others. Feel free to be creative- research and inquiry can exist in unlikely places.

The art we see, the stories we read, and the words we hear have the power to move us and to change us. Tell us about a time that you’ve been moved to act by something you read, a speech you heard, or a work of art that you experienced. What was it, and how did it impact you? What did you do — or what will you do — in response?

Common App Personal Essay

The essay demonstrates your ability to write clearly and concisely on a selected topic and helps you distinguish yourself in your own voice. What do you want the readers of your application to know about you apart from courses, grades, and test scores? Choose the option that best helps you answer that question and write an essay of no more than 650 words, using the prompt to inspire and structure your response. Remember: 650 words is your limit, not your goal. Use the full range if you need it, but don‘t feel obligated to do so.

Some students have a background, identity, interest, or talent that is so meaningful they believe their application would be incomplete without it. If this sounds like you, then please share your story.

The lessons we take from obstacles we encounter can be fundamental to later success. Recount a time when you faced a challenge, setback, or failure. How did it affect you, and what did you learn from the experience?

Reflect on a time when you questioned or challenged a belief or idea. What prompted your thinking? What was the outcome?

Reflect on something that someone has done for you that has made you happy or thankful in a surprising way. How has this gratitude affected or motivated you?

Discuss an accomplishment, event, or realization that sparked a period of personal growth and a new understanding of yourself or others.

Describe a topic, idea, or concept you find so engaging that it makes you lose all track of time. Why does it captivate you? What or who do you turn to when you want to learn more?

Share an essay on any topic of your choice. It can be one you‘ve already written, one that responds to a different prompt, or one of your own design.

What will first-time readers think of your college essay?

George Mason University

George Mason University is an entrepreneurial, Tier 1 research institution with global distinction. Located outside of Washington, D.C., our beautiful 677-acre residential campus boasts a diverse student population. Over 6,200 students live on campus in over 40 residence halls. Mason enrolls more than 37,000 students in over 210 degree programs. Our connection to the D.C. area results in engaged and dedicated faculty members who are at the top of their field. This connectivity extends to our students, who take advantage of our unparalleled internship and research opportunities, and who secure careers at national and international companies and organizations.

Academic programs.

• Engineering
• Liberal Arts
• Communication
• Art & Design
• Finance/Accounting
• Government/Political Science
• Health Science
• Performing Arts
• Social Science
• Visual Arts
• Computer Science
• Conflict Analysis and Resolution
• Environmental Science
• Pre-Medicine
• Pre-Veterinary
• Computer Game Design

Student experience

• Co-op/Internship Opportunities
• Disability Services
• Intramural/Club Sports
• LGBTQIA Services
• Military/Veteran Services
• Night Class Offerings
• On-Campus Housing
• ROTC Program
• Study Abroad
• Undergraduate Research
• Distance/online learning
• Community Service
• Online Courses
• Sustainability
• Living Learning Communities

Application information

Find out about requirements, fees, and deadlines

If you have not taken any college credit beyond dual enrollment in high school, you are considered a first year student at George Mason University. In order to complete your application, you are required to submit your application, official high school transcript, and standardized test scores (if applicable, as we are a score optional institution). In addition, as a part of our holistic review, you may submit a personal statement, a secondary school report, as well as up to two letters of recommendation.

You are considered a transfer student if you have enrolled at a college or university after graduating from high school. You can apply to Mason via our Mason-exclusive application located on our website. In order to complete your application, we will need your official transcripts from all other institutions attended, as well as your high school transcript and official test scores, if you have earned under 24 transferable credits. 

Additional Information

Whether you are just beginning your college search or making your final decision, visiting campus is a great way to get to know us better. Choose from our many visit options, and come see what it’s like to be part of Mason Nation! Learn about our admissions process, academic programs and campus life in an information session led by our Office of Admissions. Take a tour of our campus and get to know our students. You can plan your campus visit experience at https://www2.gmu.edu/admissions-aid/visit-mason.

Admissions office

4400 University Drive , MSN 3A4 Fairfax , VA 22030-4444 , United States of America

[email protected]

Phone number

(703) 993-2400

For first-year students

Admissions website.

www2.gmu.edu/admissions-aid/how-apply/freshman

Financial aid website

www2.gmu.edu/admissions-aid/financial-aid

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George Mason: Here’s why you should attend

In its current format, George Mason is actually one of the youngest universities in the United States. Founded in 1956 as the Northern Virginia branch of the University of Virginia, it only became an independent university in 1972, and has since grown into the largest public university in the entire state.

Today George Mason (GMU) serves more than 36,000 students (~25,000 of whom are undergrads) across five campuses. Four of those campuses, Arlington, Fairfax, Front Royal, and Prince William, are in Virginia and the fifth is located in Songdo, South Korea (about 20 miles southwest of Seoul). The primary campus sits on 677-acre suburban location 15 miles from Washington D.C.

Is George Mason right for you?

On most college websites, you’ll find a list of statistics that are meant to help you answer this question, but we want to dig a bit deeper and provide qualitative information to help you make that decision. Your college experience isn’t just a set of stats, and we want to make sure that you have a better understanding of the experience and holistic payoff of attending George Mason. 

To put this profile together, we spoke with the George Mason admissions office and conducted our own independent research. This profile is a blend of both of those sources.

In the post, we’ll discuss:

• The things that make George Mason unique from many of its peer institutions
• The steps that George Mason takes to drive career success for its graduates
• The key elements of the academic experience. 
• How George Mason approaches freshman orientation 
• What students do for fun when they’re on campus. 
• Our point of view on the types of students that should strongly consider applying to George Mason and the types of students for whom it may not be a good fit.

What makes George Mason unique?

Proximity to washington dc.

One of the main things that distinguishes George Mason is its location on the doorstep of Washington D.C., which many students may find counterintuitive. After all, there are 10 colleges in the city of DC itself, and more than 50 colleges across DC, Northern Virginia, and Southern Maryland (including Baltimore). But along with the University of Maryland at College Park, it is one of only two public colleges in the region that hits the sweet spot of accessibility and affordability for both in-state and out-of-state students in the DC region.

Johns Hopkins and Georgetown are both excellent colleges, but they are highly selective and extremely difficult for students to get into. George Washington, American University, and Catholic University of America are all expensive private colleges. Howard is another great school in the city, but it is a smaller and selective private that is more expensive than public colleges (~$48,000 cost of attendance). That’s where George Mason and the University of Maryland step in – they are both reasonable options for a large number of students with good financial aid and scholarships. And George Mason is more generous with financial aid for out of state students.

The proximity to the DC metro area is incredibly valuable. After New York City and Los Angeles, Washington DC is probably the strongest metro area in the country in terms of job prospects and the broader economy. The federal government is obviously a huge part of that, but there is also a much larger ecosystem of private government contractors, non profits, and even other private companies that have a massive presence. The great thing about the DC-area economic story is that it also isn’t dominated by a few industries in the same way that cities like San Francisco or Boston are, and there are ample jobs for students pursuing nearly every major.

The reason this matters in the context of George Mason is that despite the rise of globalization, the vast majority of hiring is still done in a company or organization’s local market. The vast majority of employees are hired within a 50-75 mile radius of the office. There are a few schools with truly nationwide brands like Yale, Stanford, or Northwestern that place graduates all over the country. But once you get out of that small cadre of highly selective colleges, a graduate’s job prospects are actually driven as much by where their college is located as they are by which college it is.

If a student wants to work in DC after college, in law, politics, or in any other field, George Mason is maybe the best option amongst comparable schools, because: 

• 70% of George Mason graduates end up working in Washington DC, a number that is substantially higher than peer colleges and even higher than the percentage of graduates at Maryland (~50%) or the University of Virginia (~30%). 
• George Mason is ranked #153 in the US News rankings, but if a student’s goal is to end up working in DC, George Mason is going to be a better fit than schools like Clemson or Texas A&M that are ranked more than 80 spots higher.
•  In fact, George Mason grads actually have a higher starting salary than graduates of the University of Virginia at Charlottesville (UVA). 
• UVA is a much more prestigious college (it’s ranked as the 28th best school in the country by US News) but it’s 120 miles away from Washington DC instead of 20. Proximity to job markets really matters!

There are also lifestyle benefits with the proximity to a diverse major metropolitan area like Washington DC. The area has a ton of cultural amenities (operas, museums, etc), amazing food from all over the world, and even world class professional sports (at least in baseball, women’s basketball, soccer, and hockey). George Mason is less than 30 minutes away from downtown DC by car and perhaps more importantly for college students, is 30 minutes away by public transit.

Beyond its location, George Mason is also unique for a college of its size with its focus on undergraduate research, particularly in non-technical fields. Research at GMU is coordinated by OSCAR (the Office of Student Creative Activities and Research) which connects students from a variety of disciplines (including in the arts) to research and research-like opportunities with the campus faculty. Overall x percent of George Mason undergrads participate in some form of research through OSCAR, which is very high for a public college like GMU.

How does George Mason prepare you for your post-college career?

Core curriculum.

The academic approach at George Mason is unique in that the college has a true, liberal arts inspired core curriculum instead of the prototypical general education program at most big public colleges. This may not be a good fit for everyone, particularly if a student is singularly focused on building technical skills in a specific domain as fast as possible. But the pairing of that liberal arts core with the practical, technical education provided in specific majors strikes a good balance in preparing students for a career.

Adjunct Faculty

The other element that George Mason uses to elevate career preparation in a more practical sense is its approach to adjunct faculty. At many colleges, adjunct faculty tend to be future professors; academics who haven’t made tenure. At George Mason meanwhile, the vast majority of adjunct lecturers are working professionals from the DC area that teach on the side. This provides a more practical lens to the work students are doing in the classroom and also helps students build a professional network from day one on campus.

Strong Career Outcomes, Particularly for Minority Students

And once again, it’s worth reiterating that the strength of the DC job market really works hand in hand with the educational approach at George Mason to produce really strong outcomes for graduates. About 80% of graduates have either a job or enter graduate school within six months after leaving campus, and the starting salaries for those that enter the workforce (as mentioned before) are excellent.

For a large public college with a demographically and socioeconomically diverse student body like George Mason, these are really strong figures. And the other fascinating career outcome at George Mason is that nonwhite students graduate at roughly the same rate as Caucasian students and Black students actually graduate at a higher rate. Nationwide, Caucasian students graduate at 1.5x the rate of Black students so the fact that the two rates are equal at George Mason is remarkable and indicative of the strong support that minority students receive at the college.

What is the classroom experience like at George Mason?

Beyond the liberal arts curriculum and diverse set of lecturers, George Mason also has smaller classes than a typical public college of its size. 30% of its classes have fewer than 20 students and more than 85% have fewer than 50 students. And almost no classes outside of a few intro-level courses are over 100 students. There aren’t too many tiny seminars with 5-6 students, but the classes are small enough that a modestly motivated student won’t struggle to build a relationship with their professor.

Classrooms are also updated with lots of technology embedded into the learning experience. There are also very few classes that are conducted in the older model of a static lecture followed by questions; most majors incorporate experiential learning and include course time in what Boyce refers to as mixed spaces, where students break out into smaller groups for project-based learning as part of the scheduled course time.

Boyce also reiterated that the research experience is a huge part of the GMU experience. The students that do the best tend to go above and beyond their coursework through research, and at GMU there are a lot of opportunities to do so in ways that can also build out a resume.

How does George Mason approach freshman orientation and student support?

Freshman orientation.

George Mason has recently redesigned its freshman orientation experience in line with the growing practice of extending orientation throughout a student’s first year. The college offers a standard summer orientation program plus three days at the beginning of a student’s semester, and then sets aside the first two weeks of every freshman class to focus on getting students up to speed. Once students settle in on campus, the focus shifts to a holistic academic coaching model.

Student Support

This holistic academic coaching model takes a 360 degree view of student success and goes beyond the traditional academic advising model that has a more narrow tactical focus on things like registering for classes and understanding major requirements. The academic coach is a member of a dedicated team who is meant to serve as more of a coordinator to serve student needs and make sure that they get access to other resources like financial aid advising or even counseling.

One worry that parents have is that students will slip through the cracks at a large school like George Mason. But according to Boyce, the college has focused on putting in automated systems that can help catch problems earlier, perhaps even before a student becomes aware of them and raises their hand for help. It’s not a perfect system that will catch every single case. But no system can, even at a small college, and relative to other big public universities, GMU takes a more active approach.

You should apply to George Mason if…

You want to study political science or work in the government or nonprofits.

As we’ve discussed numerous times throughout this profile, proximity to job markets really matters and DC is far and away the most important job market for political science grads and people that want to work for the government or nonprofits.

You want to work in DC after graduation

Even if you’re not specifically interested in working for a politician or government office, you may still want to work in DC after you graduate. George Mason is a great launchpad for doing so.

You want to study economics

Despite its ranking and relative anonymity outside of the DC area, George Mason actually has one of the most underrated economics programs in the country. Two George Mason professors have won the Nobel Prize in economics (James M. Buchanan and Vernon L. Smith), and George Mason is also incredibly influential in modern economics. It’s economics professors include Tyler Cowen and Alex Tabarrok, who run the most influential modern economics blog, Russ Roberts who is the host of the most popular economics podcast, and many other influential thinkers. Moreover, the Mercatus Center (the on-campus economics think tank) is one of the 4 or 5 most influential think tanks on economic issues in the country.

You are looking for a really diverse student population

While most public colleges have pretty strong racial diversity, one key differentiator in the DC area is the nature of that diversity, which flows through to a school like George Mason. Because it is the home of the US government, DC attracts a ton of immigrants and residents from literally every country on earth. And many of their children end up at George Mason, whether they are Ethiopian, Russian, or Cambodian.

You shouldn’t apply to George Mason if…

You are looking for a more homogenous experience.

If you are looking to mostly go to school with students from your home state or even a small region of your home state, George Mason isn’t going to be a great fit. The same is true if you’re looking to attend an HBCU, a Hispanic Serving Institution (HSI), or all-male or all-female college.

You are looking for ultra-small classes or deeply personalized attention

While GMU does have many characteristics that are similar to those of smaller liberal arts colleges, at the end of the day it is a large public college. If you want a lot of personalized attention or aren’t comfortable with having to navigate life at a big college, George Mason probably isn’t going to be a good fit.

Next Steps in Applying to George Mason

If you are interested in learning more, you can schedule a campus visit at George Mason. If you are interested in applying to George Mason, you can find more information at the admissions page . George Mason uses the Common App but it also has a separate application system. It has three main application deadlines.

Curious about your chances of acceptance to your dream school? Our free chancing engine takes into account your GPA, test scores, extracurriculars, and other data to predict your odds of acceptance at over 500 colleges across the U.S. We’ll also let you know how you stack up against other applicants and how you can improve your profile. Sign up for your free CollegeVine account today to get started!

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Quick Answer: Does George Mason Require Essay

In addition to the freshman application requirements, you must submit a supplemental essay as prompted within the application. The essay topic can be found in the online application and should be no longer than 750 words.

Does George Mason require an application essay?

A personal statement and letters of recommendation are optional. Students must submit an additional essay if they wish to be considered for the Honors College. The application and detailed admissions requirements are available online at https://www2.gmu.edu/admissions-aid/how-apply/freshman.

Is Wes evaluation necessary for George Mason University?

All applicants who were educated outside the United States are required to submit an official credential evaluation, written either by an approved evaluation company, or by Mason evaluators.

How much does it cost to apply to George Mason?

U.S. citizens and permanent residents pay a $70 application fee. International students and those with non-immigrant status pay $80. Applicants to our graduate programs pay a $75 application fee. All application fees are non-refundable.

Can you get into George Mason with a 2.5 GPA?

What GPA do you need to get into George Mason University? Applicants require very good grades in high school to get into Mason. The average high school GPA of the admitted freshman class at George Mason University was 3.66 on the 4.0 scale indicating that primarily B+ students are accepted and ultimately attend.

Is it hard to get into George Mason?

George Mason University admissions is selective with an acceptance rate of 89% and an early acceptance rate of 90%. Half the applicants admitted to GMU have an SAT score between 1100 and 1300 or an ACT score of 24 and 30.

Does George Mason require SAT 2022?

Mason remains a test optional institution regarding SAT and ACT scores, and more information is available below. George Mason University accepts the Common Application and George Mason University’s Undergraduate Application for Admission.

Is George Mason still accepting applications?

Mason continues to accept applications for general transfer admission after the priority deadlines on a rolling and space-available basis. Late applications are not considered for GAA consideration. Transfer applications received after published deadlines will be considered on a space-available basis only.

How much is George Mason per semester?

In-State Tuition Discount Available Tuition Fees Out-of-State $32,520 $3,504 In-State $9,060 $3,504.

How much is graduate tuition at George Mason University?

For Graduate School, in-state tuition and fees are $16,098 and out-of-state tuition and fees are $37,410 for the academic year 2020-2021. The graduate 2021-2022 estimated tuition & fees at GMU is $16,561 for Virginia residents and $37,865 for out-of-state students.

Is George Mason expensive?

George Mason University’s tuition is $13,119 for in-state and $36,579 for out-of-state students. Compared with the national average cost of in-state tuition of $11,331, George Mason University is more expensive.

Who qualifies for fee waiver?

You may qualify for a fee waiver if your household income is at or below 150 percent of the Federal Poverty Guidelines at the time you file. Check the current poverty levels for this year at Form I-912P, HHS Poverty Guidelines for Fee Waiver Requests.

How much is George Mason tuition per year?

In-state tuition 12,564 USD, Out-of-state tuition 36,024 USD (2019 – 20).

What GPA is required for Harvard?

Last year, the reported average GPA of an admitted high school student at Harvard was a 4.04 out of 4.0, what we call a “weighted” GPA. However, unweighted GPAs are not very useful, because high schools weight GPAs differently. In truth, you need close to a 4.0 unweighted GPA to get into Harvard.

What GPA is needed for GMU?

With a GPA of 3.65, George Mason University requires you to be above average in your high school class. You’ll need at least a mix of A’s and B’s, with more A’s than B’s.

How do you know if you have a 2.0 GPA?

A 2.0 GPA, or Grade Point Average, is equivalent to a C letter grade on a 4.0 GPA scale, and a percentage grade of 73–76.List of Common GPA Conversions. Letter Grade Percent Grade 4.0 GPA Scale B 83–86 3.0 B- 80–82 2.7 C+ 77–79 2.3 C 73–76 2.0.

Is GMU a bad school?

George Mason is among the most unhappy universities in the US. The survey was conducted by Princeton Review and sadly a college in Virginia made the top 20 list for least happy students.

What is the average SAT score for George Mason?

Reading and Writing 560-660, Math 550-660 (2019–20).

Why is GMU acceptance rate so high?

Because GMU is a public university committed to offering quality education to Virginians and qualified out-of-state students, it has a relatively high acceptance rate. 87% of those who apply to receive an offer of admission, with a 92% early admission rate.

What college can I get into with a 3.0 GPA?

What Schools Can You Get into With a 3.0 GPA? School Name Location GPA Clark Atlanta University Atlanta, GA 3 Kean University Union, NJ 3 State University of New York College of Agriculture and Technology at Cobleskill Cobleskill, NY 3.04 Texas Southern University Houston, TX 2.96.

What is the average ACT score for George Mason University?

24-30 (2019–20).

Does George Mason require GRE?

Is the GRE required? No, the GRE is not required for any of our graduate programs. Do not submit GRE scores to SOPHAS or to Mason, as they will not be reviewed.

How do you know if you got into George Mason University?

Freshmen Applicants Early action applicants will be notified of their admission decision on December 15. Regular decision applicants will be notified on April 1. All admission decisions are communicated via the Mason Admissions Portal.

How much do George Mason dorms cost?

Traditional Halls – Freshmen Only Room Description Semester Rate/Bed Annual Rate/Bed Single $5,125.00 $10,250.00 Double $3,810.00 $7,620.00 Triple/Quad $3,310.00 $6,620.00.

What is the tuition for VCU?

In-state tuition 14,596 USD, Out-of-state tuition 35,904 USD (2019 – 20).

How much does it cost to go to GMU for 4 years?

Tuition Tuition Type Undergraduate Graduate In-state, full-time per year $13,118* $13,382** Out-of-state, full-time per year $36,578* $29,366**.

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George Mason University 2020-21 Supplemental Essay Prompt Guide

Regular Decision: 

George Mason University 2020-21 Application Essay Question Explanations

The Requirements: 1 essay of 250 words.

Supplemental Essay Type(s): Why

Why do YOU want to go to college? We know it is an excellent path to a career, but we want to hear more specifically about what you are hoping to gain from your time in college. Tell us about yourself and your experiences that have led to this decision. (250 words)

This prompt is similar to a standard why essay, but widens the net to include why you’re going to college at all. Don’t be fooled though — admissions still wants to know why George Mason fits the bill for what you’re looking for. We recommend starting with the big picture: Why spend the next 4+ years studying rather than jumping right into a job or volunteer opportunity? Do you value college for not only the course offerings, but also the chance to learn how to learn because you’re a self-proclaimed nerd with a thirst for knowledge? Do you know that your dream job requires a college degree? Once you have your answer to that question down, you can narrow in on why George Mason is the perfect school for you. Do some research and explore how this college in particular will help you achieve your goals and get you on the path to a bright future. And don’t forget to connect your future to your past by mentioning an experience or moment that led you to apply.

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