Freshman Admission Requirements

Mason receives over 17,000 applications each year for its incoming freshmen class of approximately 2,500 students. Admission is competitive and successful candidates have completed a challenging college preparatory curriculum. Students who have not graduated from high school or earned a GED at point of application are considered freshman applicants and must meet all freshman application requirements. Students who have graduated or earned a GED are considered transfer applicants.

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 SAT Reasoning Test and/or the American College Test (ACT). Mason receives SAT and ACT scores electronically from each testing agency. Applicants should request scores to be sent directly from SAT and/or ACT. Student score reports will NOT be accepted.
  • 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.
  • All freshmen applicants are strongly encouraged to submit an optional “Personal Statement” of approximately 250 words that highlights your leadership achievements or significant service contributions to your high school or community. Students who apply online may 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 School of Art. For more information, call 703-993-8898.

Computer Game Design Majors

A portfolio review is required of all applicants to the Computer Game Design Program. Click here for more information about the portfolio requirement.

Dance Majors

Dance majors are required to audition. To obtain information concerning audition dates and times call the dance department at 703-993-1114.

Film and Video Studies Majors

Applicants to the Film and Video Studies program are required to prepare a portfolio. Information about the portfolio process, including dates and portfolio requirements, can be found on the FAVS web page.

Music Majors

Entrance to the B.A. (Major in Music) and B.M. (Bachelor of Music) degree programs is by audition. To register for an entrance audition, please visit http://music.gmu.edu/node/30. For questions, please contact the School of Music at 703-993-1390."

Theater Majors

Acceptance to the Theater B.A and B.F.A. degree programs is by interview and audition or portfolio review. Audition dates and requirements may be found at: http://www.gmu.edu/depts/theater/admissions.html or by calling the Theater Department at 703.993.1120.

All prospective Art and Visual Technology, Computer Game Design, Dance, Film and Video Studies, Music, and Theater students are encouraged to submit applications to the university BEFORE scheduling auditions or portfolio reviews.