Freshmen Admission Requirements

Mason receives over 11,000 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. 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 the high school years, 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). These may be supplemented by the SAT subject exams (SAT II) results in English (essay required), U.S. history, mathematics (level I or II), and a foreign language or science (foreign language is preferred for students seeking a bachelor of arts degree). 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.
• Essay-This is a personal essay of approximately 150 words of a topic of your choice.
• Secondary School Report and Counselor Recommendation

Scholarship Consideration

Score Optional Consideration

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.