Admission Consideration Options

There are two options by which you may be considered for admission to George Mason University. In most instances, students will choose the traditional method, which includes submission of standardized (SAT or ACT) test scores. Score optional consideration is an alternative for students who believe that their test scores do not adequately reflect their level of academic achievement and/or predict their potential. Please read the following information carefully before choosing to apply as a score optional candidate.

Score Optional Consideration

Score optional review provides an opportunity for applicants to be considered for admission without submitting or in disregard of standardized test scores. Admission to Mason remains a highly competitive process, and score optional candidates will each be considered on their own merits. Qualifying for score optional review does NOT guarantee admission to Mason.

Qualifying Criteria

In general, successful score optional candidates will submit academic credentials that exhibit the following:

• A minimum cumulative high school grade point average of 3.50 on a 4.00 scale (grades 9-11).
• Evidence of strong performance in a challenging academic curriculum as demonstrated by having taken a robust college preparatory selection of courses.
• An actual or estimated class rank in the top 20 percent of your high school class.
• Strong leadership and motivation, as demonstrated in your extracurricular, work, or service experiences.

Because grade point average, class rank, and curricular options vary widely between high schools, please use these guidelines to determine, in the context of your school, whether the score optional process is appropriate for you.

Specific Requirements For All Applicants

• Ensure that your guidance counselor submits the Secondary School Report (PDF) and ask that the sections "rank in class" or "alternative class rank" be completed depending on your school’s ranking policy.
• You 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.

Additional Requirements for Score Optional Students

• Applicants may submit a maximum of three letters of recommendation. For traditional applicants, recommendations are encouraged but not required. Score optional applicants must submit at least one recommendation from a teacher in an academic subject who can attest to your academic abilities, in addition to the Secondary School Report Form noted above.
• Students whose native language is not English may be asked to submit results of the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL). If this is needed, the admissions office will contact you.

Applicants Described Below Must Select the Traditional Review Process and are Required to Submit Standardized Test Scores:

• Applicants who wish to be considered for the Honors Program in General Education
• Applicants who wish to be considered for the University Scholars Scholarship and Program. (Note: Score optional candidates are eligible to be considered for all other scholarships.)
• Applicants who are applying to the following majors: bioengineering, civil and infrastructure engineering, computer engineering, computer science, electrical engineering, and systems engineering.
• Applicants who are home-schooled students
• Applicants who are seeking to become a member of one of Mason’s NCAA intercollegiate athletic teams