Freshmen Admission Requirements
Mason receives over 13,000 applications each year for its incoming freshmen class of approximately 2,300 students. Admission is competitive and successful candidates generally have a B+ average or higher in a challenging college preparatory curriculum.
General Requirements
The following factors are evaluated in the decision process:
- Cumulative high school grade point average (GPA) for course work completed in grades 9 through 12
- Level of difficulty of course work selected throughout high school, particularly in the areas of English, mathematics, social studies, laboratory science, and foreign language
- Scores submitted from the Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT) and/or the American College Test (ACT). All students are highly encouraged to take BOTH the SAT and the ACT exams.
- Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) scores from non-native English-speaking applicants to supplement other standardized test results. If you do not speak English at home, you are highly encouraged to take the TOEFL.
- Personal Statement. All freshman applicants must submit a “Personal Statement” of 150-500 words (maximum) that highlights your leadership achievements or significant service contributions to your high school or community. Students who apply online must submit the statement online when prompted during the application process. Only students who submit paper applications may submit a statement in paper form.
- Secondary School Report and Counselor Recommendation
Additional Information
Admission to Your Major
Admission to the university and to the major are usually simultaneous with the following exceptions:
Art and Visual Technology Majors
A portfolio review is required of all applicants to the Art and Visual Technology Department.
For more information, call 703-993-8898.
Dance Majors
Dance majors are required to audition.
To obtain information concerning audition dates and times call the dance department at 703-993-1114.
Music Majors
Entrance to the B.A. (major in music) and B.M. (bachelor of music) degree programs is by audition.
Arrangements for an audition must be made in advance by contacting the Department of Music at 703-993-1392 or 703-993-1380.
All prospective Art and Visual Technology, Dance, and Music students are encouraged to submit applications to the university BEFORE scheduling auditions or portfolio reviews.