Can I defer my acceptance to George Mason University?


Successful responses to the George Mason essay prompts will be specific and personal. Take some time to brainstorm each question of the George Mason supplemental essay prompt. When doing so, consider personal anecdotes, experiences, or values that have led you to seek out higher education. The best responses to the GMU essay prompts will be meaningful and personal, so allow yourself to dig deep when considering your essay theme.


Starting with the Prince William County Public Schools (PWCS) class of 2025, PWCS has entered into an innovative partnership with George Mason University to simplify admissions for students at select high schools. This partnership is part of PWCS strategic commitment to increase access and opportunity for students to post-high school education.

The George Mason supplemental essay asks applicants to answer a complex question for many: why do you want to go to college? Many students may consider college to be the obvious next step, not even questioning it. However, for others, and many first-generation students, the opportunity to go to college could be at the forefront of their minds. No matter which group you fall into, you’ll need to unravel the question and figure out your motivation behind attending a higher education institution.

Does George Mason University accept transfer credits?

George Mason University is Virginia‘s largest public research university. As a Tier-1 research institution, every day, our faculty, staff, and students work to address unanswered questions, unresolved challenges, and problems that impact a wide variety of populations. In the Honors College, you‘ll have opportunities to do this sort of work -- and maybe even answer questions and solve problems that matter to you. Tell us about one question, challenge, or problem that you‘d like to work to better understand or address during your time at Mason. Introduce this issue, and then explain why it matters to you and why it might matter to others. Feel free to be creative- research and inquiry can exist in unlikely places.

Option 1: George Mason University is Virginia’s largest public research university. As a Tier-1 research institution, every day, our faculty, staff, and students work to address unanswered questions, unresolved challenges, and problems that impact a wide variety of populations. In the Honors College, you’ll have opportunities to do this sort of work — and maybe even answer questions and solve problems that matter to you. Tell us about one question, challenge, or problem that you’d like to work to better understand or address during your time at Mason. Introduce this issue, and then explain why it matters to you and why it might matter to others. Feel free to be creative- research and inquiry can exist in unlikely places.

George Mason University is Virginia‘s largest public research university. As a Tier-1 research institution, every day, our faculty, staff, and students work to address unanswered questions, unresolved challenges, and problems that impact a wide variety of populations. In the Honors College, you‘ll have opportunities to do this sort of work -- and maybe even answer questions and solve problems that matter to you. Tell us about one question, challenge, or problem that you‘d like to work to better understand or address during your time at Mason. Introduce this issue, and then explain why it matters to you and why it might matter to others. Feel free to be creative- research and inquiry can exist in unlikely places.

Students are eligible for the direct admissions program if they attend one of eight high schools and have a grade point average of 3.25 or higher. Students are guaranteed admission to George Mason University if they meet meet the .


✅ George Mason University has an acceptance rate of 90%.

Students who meet the direct admissions program requirements will receive the benefit of a streamlined admissions process and application, which includes an application fee waiver and does not require your student to submit an essay or letters of recommendation unless you are applying for the Honors College. You and your student can anticipate receiving correspondence directly from George Mason University by the end of January.

What is the early action acceptance rate at George Mason University?

Additionally, applicants who choose to apply via the Common App will be able to submit their . This gives them two George Mason essay prompts from which to make their case for admission. Depending on your grades, recommendations, and extracurriculars, this may be a bonus to applying via the Common App. If you feel like your would benefit from the ability to submit responses to two GMU essay prompts, then consider applying via the Common App.

Join the conversation about about George Mason University in the

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.

George Mason Essay Guide 2023-24

“We are incredibly proud and excited for our high school students to have the opportunity to earn direct admission to college and thankful for this partnership with George Mason,” said Dr. Francisco Durán, Superintendent, APS. “This program is part of our shared commitment to increase post-secondary access for all students. College application processes can be complex and too often serve as an added barrier, particularly for those who are first-generation college-going students. Our shared goal with George Mason is to increase opportunities for more students to attend college and pursue their dreams.”

How to Write the George Mason University Essays 2024-2025

In recent years, George Mason began partnering with schools in northern Virginia on direct admission to provide students at area high schools with higher potential enrollments of first-generation college students with a simpler pathway to gaining college admissions. Creating a process with fewer barriers to admission, such as a waived application fee, and no required essays or recommendations, will help more students pursue their dreams of earning a college degree. The four participating APS high schools are among 24 local high schools participating. Schools were selected based on higher percentages of students receiving free or reduced-price meals.