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Admission to George Mason University is competitive, and based on a variety of factors. Each applicant who applies for admission must present sufficient qualifications in order to be reviewed within the context of other qualified applicants. An offer of admission is valid only for the semester for which the student applied. Programs with limited space or special requirements may use a second review process for admission.

Applying for Admission

Application for undergraduate admission should be made to the Office of Admissions. Applications are available at www2.gmu.edu/admissions-aid/apply-now. A non-refundable and non-transferable application fee must accompany the application.

Application Deadlines for Freshmen and Transfer Students

There are several different application deadlines for freshmen and transfer students.

Freshmen Applicants
Freshman Non-Binding Early Action Deadline* November 1
Freshman Honors College Consideration* November 1
Freshman University Scholars Consideration* November 1
Freshman Merit-Based Scholarship Consideration* November 1
Freshman Regular Decision Deadline February 1
Freshman Priority Application Deadline (for Spring Semester) October 1

*All freshman applicants who apply to Mason by 11:59 pm eastern time on November 1 will automatically be considered for merit-based scholarships and our non-binding, Early Action decision.

Freshmen applications received after published deadlines will be considered on a space-available basis only. The university reserves the right to close applications before published deadlines if conditions warrant. Admission is contingent on satisfactory completion of in-progress course work and graduation from high school or community college, if relevant.

Transfer Applicants
Fall Priority Deadline/ GAA Application* March 1
Spring Priority Deadline/ GAA Application* October 1

* Please note that the transfer deadlines listed above are the Priority/ GAA Application deadlines. 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. The university reserves the right to close applications before published deadlines if conditions warrant. Admission is contingent on satisfactory completion of in-progress course work and graduation from high school or community college, if relevant.

Early Admission

High school juniors who have completed high school graduation requirements except for senior English and government courses may, with the approval of their high school counselor or principal (demonstrated through a letter of recommendation), apply for admission and thereby enter the university as degree-seeking students one year early. Applicants should present exceptional grades, SAT or ACT scores, and a high school course of study demonstrating rigorous academic preparation for university-level work. Competitive candidates will have pursued the most rigorous curriculum available at their school (i.e. AP/IB/Honors level coursework). Candidates must also submit first semester junior year grades.

Application for a Second Bachelor's Degree

Those holding one or more bachelor's degrees may earn an additional bachelor's degree at Mason in another discipline.  Second bachelor's degree applicants must have a conferred degree accredited by a Mason-recognized U.S. accrediting agency, or from a country where the institution is recognized by the Ministry of Education.  After admission, students work with the appropriate academic program to develop an approved contract or course of study of at least 30 credits beyond the first degree, taken after admission to the second degree, to meet university residency requirements. Some academic programs will have more stringent requirements. This contract will detail college-level and major requirements that must be met to satisfy graduation requirements.

Re-enrollment after Previous Attendance

Students in good academic standing who have missed one or more consecutive semesters of enrollment (excluding summer term) at Mason, and who do not meet any of the excluded categories listed below under Readmission after Previous Attendance (below), may re-enter by completing a re-enrollment form available through the Office of the University Registrar. Undergraduate students do not need to submit a re-enrollment form if an approved Leave of Absence is on file. Upon re-enrollment, undergraduate students who do not have an approved Leave of Absence on file will be required to meet new catalog year requirements. Some academic programs require departmental approval prior to re-enrollment.

Readmission after Previous Attendance

Undergraduate students who have missed one or more consecutive semesters of enrollment (excluding summer term) at Mason must apply for readmission through the Office of Admissions if any of the following conditions are true:

  • The student has not been enrolled at Mason for more than 2 years, and an approved Leave of Absence form is not on file.
  • The student is an undergraduate returning after any absence during which he or she studied at another institution without prior written permission of his or her school or college. Such students must reapply as transfer students.
  • The student was suspended or dismissed from any college or university for nonacademic reasons.
  • The student was academically dismissed from Mason.
  • The student was ever convicted of a felony.

Deferral of Undergraduate Admissions Offer

Under certain circumstances, students unable to enroll may defer their admission to the next semester (e.g.: Fall to Spring) or next year (e.g.: Fall to Fall) after submission of the enrollment deposit. Requests to defer must be made through the online admissions portal no later than the deadline. Submitting a request to defer admissions does not guarantee that your deferral request will be approved. If a deferral is granted, students may not take courses at any other college or university during the period of the deferral.

Admission Decision Appeal

An undergraduate admission appeal is a formal request for reconsideration after receiving a denied decision to the University. Students may request an appeal if they have new information that was not submitted at the time an admission decision was rendered. The undergraduate appeal request must be submitted in writing and by the deadline. Appeals are reviewed by a committee, and the committee provides the results of the appeal process in writing to the student.

Right to Rescind Admission

Mason reserves the right to rescind offers of admission if applicants fail to (1) successfully complete their current academic program, (2) maintain grades that meet the requirements for admission to George Mason, and (3) exhibit exemplary personal conduct prior to enrollment.  Additionally, Mason may rescind an offer of admission based on cancellation or change of any test score required for admission or if it is determined that admission was obtained through the use of incomplete, falsified, altered, or embellished information.  Mason also reserves the right to impose restrictions or requirements on the admission of a student (e.g., housing or educational restrictions or additional conditions or requirements prior to enrollment) as a result of any of the foregoing.  Admitted students are required to timely update the Office of Admissions of any new information that may affect their admission, including, but not limited to, any changes in their participation in their current academic program or their grades, or any conduct related issues (e.g., criminal matters and school discipline matters). 

Upon learning of any relevant changes to a student’s record, either directly from the student or from a third-party, the Dean of Admissions shall refer the case to the appropriate committee for review.  The student shall have an opportunity to provide a written statement to the Dean of Admissions for consideration by the committee.  The committee shall make a recommendation to the Dean of Admissions regarding whether the offer of admission should be rescinded or whether any restrictions or additional requirements should be placed on the student.  In the case of withdrawal of admission from a matriculated student credit earned at Mason may be withheld.

Records Maintenance and Disposal

All admissions documents, including academic records sent from other institutions, become part of the official university file. Admission credentials are retained for only 12 months. They are subsequently destroyed if any of the following conditions are true:

  • The applicant does not register for courses within the period for which the offer of admission is valid.
  • The applicant was denied admission.
  • The applicant does not respond to requests for additional information.
  • The applicant fails to submit a complete application, including all official transcripts and test results.
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Freshman Requirements

Freshmen applicants to George Mason University are encouraged to apply online by using the Common Application (for those applying to more than one school) or Mason's Online Application (for those applying only to Mason) by visiting www2.gmu.edu/admissions-aid/apply-now. The following factors are considered when reviewing freshmen applications for admission:

  • Cumulative high school grade point average (GPA) for course work completed in grades 9 through 12
  • Level of difficulty of course work elected throughout the high school years, particularly in English, mathematics, laboratory science, social science, and foreign language
  • Self-reported SAT I or ACT scores*
  • For all non-native English speakers, applicants must submit test scores from an English proficiency exam. Test options and score minimums can be found here.
  • Essay(s)
  • List of extracurricular activities
  • Teacher and/or counselor recommendations

*George Mason University provides the option to either apply Score Optional (see below for more information), or use self-reported SAT I and/or ACT test scores throughout the initial admissions process. If you decide to apply with ACT or SAT scores, George Mason University will use the self-reported SAT and/or ACT test scores as part of our holistic admissions process. However, an admission decision will then be contingent upon receipt of official test scores, sent directly from the testing agency, prior to the first day of classes for the semester in which the student intends to enroll. The Office of Admissions reserves the right to reevaluate an applicant’s admissions or scholarship decision upon receipt of official test scores. This reevaluation may result in a change of admissions or scholarship status.


Please note that some majors have additional requirements beyond those listed in this catalog. For more information please review the 'Majors with Selective Admission' section of the website.

Early-action applicants who meet the November 1 deadline will be notified of their non-binding admissions decision in mid-December. Regular decision applicants who meet the February 1 deadline are notified of decisions on a rolling-basis, starting in February. All other applicants are notified on a space-available basis.

The following table specifies the minimum units of college preparatory work required for admission, as well as the minimum units recommended. The recommended units reflect the typical high school program of students who have been admitted to Mason in recent years.

Note that one unit equals one academic year of study.

Required Minimum

Subject Bachelor of Arts1 Bachelor of Science2 Applicants with Specific Majors3
English 4 4 4
Social Sciences 3 3 3
Mathematics4 3 3 4
Laboratory Science5 2 2 3
Foreign Language 2 2 0
Other Academic Electives 3 3 3
Total 17 17 17
1

Refers to students applying for a bachelor of arts, excluding those in the "Applicants with Specific Majors" column

2

Refers to students applying to a bachelor of science degree program, excluding those in the "Applicants with Specific Majors" column

3

Refers to applicants who intend to major in pre-business, chemistry, computer science, engineering, geology, mathematics, or physics

4

Selected from algebra I, algebra II, geometry, trigonometry, analytic geometry, functions, math analysis, pre-calculus or calculus

5

Selected from biology, chemistry, physics, or other advanced lab science

Recommended Minimum

Subject Bachelor of Arts1 Bachelor of Science2 Applicants with Specific Majors3
English 4 4 4
Social Studies 4 4 4
Mathematics4 4 4 5
Laboratory Science5 3 3 4
Foreign Language 3 3 3
Other Academic Electives 5 4 3
Total 23 22 23
1

Refers to students applying for a bachelor of arts, excluding those in the "Applicants with Specific Majors" column

2

Refers to students applying for a bachelor of science degree program, excluding those in the "Applicants with Specific Majors" column

3

Refers to applicants who intend to major in pre-business, chemistry, computer science, engineering, geology, mathematics, or physics

4

Selected from algebra I, algebra II, geometry, trigonometry, analytic geometry, functions, math analysis, pre-calculus or calculus

5

Selected from biology, chemistry, physics, or other advanced lab science

Freshman 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 competitive process, and score optional candidates are considered on their own merits. Qualifying for score optional review does not guarantee admission to Mason. Qualifications for score optional consideration can be found at www2.gmu.edu/admissions-aid/how-apply/freshman.

Dual-Enrollment Policy

The term dual-enrollment refers to students being enrolled concurrently in two distinct academic programs or educational institutions. The term is most commonly used in reference to high school students taking college courses while they are still enrolled in a secondary school (i.e., a dual-enrollment student), or to the programs that allow high school students to take college-level courses (i.e., a dual-enrollment program). If you have enrolled in, or will have completed dual-enrollment college coursework prior to high school graduation, be certain to indicate this on the admission application.  Dual-enrollment students are responsible for notifying the Office of Admissions of all dual-enrollment coursework at the time of application, and providing official transcripts of all course work attempted at other colleges/universities at the completion of those courses.

All dual-enrollment students are considered freshman applicants regardless of the number of college-credits earned while in dual-enrollment status. Students taking dual enrollment courses will be evaluated using our transfer credit policy, and will receive a formal evaluation of credit from the Office of Admissions upon receipt of the final official transcript following admission and receipt of enrollment deposit. Please click here to search for courses using our Transfer Credit Matrix.

George Mason University reserves the right to revoke admission or disenroll students who fail to indicate all previous institutions attended on the admission application.

Acceptance of Freshman Admission Offer

Mason complies with the national freshman candidate reply date of May 1. Students must confirm their intent to enroll by completing the enrollment confirmation online. The deposit is non-refundable after May 1.

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Transfer Requirements

Students who have graduated from high school or earned a GED and subsequently attempted college or university coursework are considered transfer applicants. Transfer applicants may pursue their transition to Mason through Regular transfer admission or GAA admission.

The following admission factors are considered for regular transfer applications:

  • Transfer applicants who have earned less than 24 transferable credits must have a minimum 2.50 cumulative GPA and meet freshman admission requirements. Transfer applicants who have graduated from high school more than 5 years prior to the term for which they are applying, may be exempt from providing their secondary school records at the discretion of the Admissions Committee.
  • Transfer applicants with 24 or more transferable credits must have a minimum 2.50 cumulative grade point average including an English Composition and a non-remedial mathematics course. 
  • All applicants are reviewed for English language proficiency. Applicants whose native language is not English are required to meet the University’s English proficiency requirement for admission.

Virginia Community College System and Richard Bland College graduates transferring with Associate of Arts, Associate of Arts and Sciences, or Associate of Science degrees may be considered for GAA admission via the Guaranteed Admission Agreement.

The following admission factors are considered for GAA applications:

  • GAA applicants must request consideration of GAA admission on the transfer application
  • GAA applicants must have a minimum 2.85 cumulative GPA
  • GAA applicants must graduate from the Virginia Community College System or Richard Bland College with an Associate of Arts, Associate of Arts and Sciences, or Associate of Science degree
  • GAA applicants with credit-by-exam or course work at colleges or universities other than VCCS or RBC are subject to additional requirements outlined in the Guaranteed Admission Agreement.

GAA or regular admission status is specifically noted in the transfer admission letter. Decisions concerning GAA eligibility are made based on the Guaranteed Admissions Agreement and are not subject to appeal.

All transfer applicants are required to declare a specific major on the application to benefit from academic advising within their intended program.

Some majors have higher admission requirements. To view the requirements for Mason’s selective majors, see here.

Official transcripts from all previous institutions must be transmitted directly from the Registrar at your previous school(s) to the George Mason University Office of Admissions. Electronic transcripts may also be sent to ugtrans@gmu.edu. Unofficial transcripts will not be processed.  

Transfer credit is accepted from colleges holding accreditation from Mason-recognized U.S. institutional accrediting agencies or from an international university recognized by that country’s Ministry of Education, provided that a grade of C or better has been earned in the course, and the course content is equivalent to that offered at Mason.

All non-native English speakers are required to meet the University's English language proficiency requirement. Applicants can find additional information about meeting this requirement, test options and test minimums here. Undergraduate applicants may also present six credits of English Composition from a U.S. college or university holding Mason-recognized U.S. institutional accreditation or from an international university recognized by that country’s Ministry of Education. Each course must be completed with grades of C or better and be approved by the Department of English and the Admission Committee. ESL and remedial courses will not be considered..

Mason students on active suspension or dismissal are not eligible for admission.  The Office of Admissions reserves the right to evaluate applicants who have been suspended or dismissed from other institutions on a case-by-cases basis, and these non-Mason students will be reviewed by a committee for admission eligibility.  Applicants are required to disclose this information on their application.

Bachelor of Individualized Study (B.I.S.)

The Bachelor of Individualized Study (B.I.S.) Program is an undergraduate degree completion program serving adult students 22 years of age or older. It offers students a distinctive educational opportunity that allows them to integrate previous experiences into university coursework.

Recognizing that college-level learning may be acquired through varied professional, military, and personal experience, the BIS program provides mechanisms for translating experiential learning into academic credit. B.I.S. students may request a review of non-traditional credit from institutions not recognized by Mason, credit-by-exam, employer, military training, or other credit for prior learning. Specific credit limits apply. This exception is subject to approval by the BIS program director.

The following admission factors are considered for the Bachelor of Individualized Study (B.I.S.) applications:

The Bachelor of Individualized Study (B.I.S.) Program is an undergraduate degree completion program serving adult students 22 years of age or older. It offers students a distinctive educational opportunity that allows them to integrate previous experiences into university coursework.

The following admission factors are considered for B.I.S. applications:

  • a minimum cumulative 2.00 GPA
  • Twelve (12) transferable credits from a Mason-recognized college or university
  • Good academic standing at previous institutions
  • All applicants are reviewed for English language proficiency. Applicants whose native language is not English are required to meet the University’s English proficiency requirement for admission.

Transfer Partnerships

George Mason University engages in several distinctive Virginia community college transfer partnerships that encourage completion of the transfer associate degree. ADVANCE and the Mason Transfer Academies facilitate seamless transfer to bachelor’s degree completion.  Additionally, the University participates in the Transfer Virginia initiative to provide transparency and access throughout the college transfer process.

Transfer Credit

Transfer students receive a formal evaluation of transfer credit from the Office of Admissions after admission. Students are responsible for providing the Office of Admissions official final transcripts of all coursework attempted at all colleges/universities during the semester in which they enroll.

Transfer credit is accepted from colleges holding accreditation from Mason-recognized U.S. institutional accrediting agencies or from an international university recognized by that country’s Ministry of Education, provided that a grade of C or better has been earned in the course, and the course content is equivalent to that offered at Mason. Only credits are transferred; grades for transferred courses will not become part of a student's GPA at Mason.

Disclosure of Enrollment History

Applicants to the University who have attempted college courses at other institutions are required to disclose their complete academic enrollment history in the admission application. George Mason University reserves the right to revoke admission or disenroll students who fail to indicate all previous institutions attended on the admission application. 

Transfer Credit Standards

  • The University will award a maximum of 90 transfer credits.
  • No more than 75 lower-level credits may transfer.
  • A minimum of 45 credits of upper-level course work must be completed to qualify for graduation. While lower-level courses taken at previously attended institutions may meet the content requirement of some upper-level courses, they do not reduce the 45-credit upper-level requirement required for graduation.

Residency Requirements

A minimum of 30 credits must be completed in residence at Mason to qualify for graduation. Courses from other institutions do not reduce the 30-credit residency requirement.

Military Credit

George Mason University honors the service of military personnel by awarding undergraduate elective credit to honorably discharged military students upon receipt of a DD-214 or Joint Services Transcript (JST). These credits effectively recognize learning through basic training and the service member's Military Occupational Specialty.

George Mason University honors the service of military personnel by awarding up to six (6) hours of undergraduate elective credit to Mason Korea students who have served in the South Korean Military.

General Education Policy for Virginia Transfer Students

Students who complete the VCCS Uniform Certificate of General Studies (UCGS) or a VCCS or Richard Bland College transfer associate degree, including all VCCS General Studies, A.S. degrees, will receive a waiver of the Foundation and Exploration (lower division) Mason Core general education categories. VCCS and Richard Bland transfer associate degrees include: the Associate of Science (A.S.), the Associate of Arts (A.A.), the Associate of Arts and Sciences (A.A&S.), and the Associate of Fine Arts (A.F.A.). 

 Requirements for all students:

  • Students must complete ENGH 100 or ENGH 101, or an equivalent, with a C or higher.
  • College, major, and Integration (upper level) Mason Core requirements are not waived under this policy.
  • Students may still be required to meet any prerequisite requirements to enroll in future coursework at Mason, as required by the department offering the course

Acceptance of Transfer Admission Offer

Admitted transfer students are required to confirm their enrollment by submitting an enrollment deposit by June 15 for fall entrance, or December 1 for spring entrance. Transfer students admitted after June 15 or December 1 are required to submit their enrollment deposit as soon as possible after receiving their offer of admission. Enrollment deposits are non-refundable after these deadlines. Admitted students who do not accept the offer of admission by the published deadline may forfeit their space in the transfer class. All final official transcripts are required to be submitted by the beginning the applicant's start term.