Mason Admission Requirements
- 7/10 Overall Rating
- 4 Year
- Fairfax, VA
-
3.7 3 reviews
Mason Admission Overview
Mason admission requirements are summarized from last year's class. Last year Mason admitted 87.5% of applicants. Enrolled freshmen typically had about a 3.68 GPA (A-) and SAT 1160-1360 / ACT 25-30. Mason is test-optional, so you choose whether to send SAT or ACT. Those figures describe last year's class, not a score you must hit.
Data Source, IPEDS 2025 survey for academic year 2024/2025
Mason is test-optional for 2026-27. You choose whether to send SAT or ACT.
Mason Acceptance Rate
Admission Rate & Difficulty
Acceptance rate Share of applicants offered admission last year.
Admission Standards Measure of enrolled testers' SAT/ACT scores vs. other colleges.
Applicant Competition Measure of this school's acceptance rate vs. other colleges. A low acceptance rate indicates high competition.
Very Low
Admission difficulty for George Mason University
Acceptance Rate
The Mason acceptance rate is 87.5%. Last year, 22,074 of 25,234 applicants were admitted. That is the 25th lowest acceptance rate in Virginia.
Admission Selectivity
How hard is it to get into Mason and can you get accepted?
Mason is an easy school to get into, admitting most applicants. You have a very good chance of acceptance if you meet last year's profile. Getting an offer is relatively likely compared with more selective schools, but last year's class still posted a strong academic profile.
George Mason University typically attracts "A-" average high school students with an average GPA around 3.68. Most incoming freshmen graduate in the top half of their high school class. 20% of those admitted chose to enroll.
Data Source, IPEDS 2025 survey for academic year 2024/2025
Mason GPA
GPA of enrolled freshmen
Avg. High School GPA The average high school GPA for incoming freshmen on a 4.0 scale.
3.68Typical High School Grades Letter grade on a 4.0 scale for last year's average, not a cutoff.
A-Average GPA (4.0 Scale) 3.68
Average GPA
Enrolled freshmen at Mason typically have around a 3.68 GPA (A-) on a 4.0 scale. That is last year's class average, not a cutoff. Enrolled students typically have very good grades in high school. Mason is test-optional. If you withhold SAT or ACT, GPA carries more weight.
29% of enrolled freshmen had a 4.0. The school ranks #14 in Virginia for highest average GPA.
See additional colleges accepting applicants in the 3.7 GPA range.
Competitiveness by GPA Ranges
Share of last year's freshmen in each GPA range, compared with the rest of the class.
GPA Data Source, Peterson's Data 2024
Mason Test Policy
Test Submission Requirements
George Mason University is score-optional for first-year applicants. SAT or ACT scores are not required. You may self-report scores for review, and if you apply with scores, official reports must arrive from the testing agency before the first day of class. Score-optional applicants to computer science and engineering should complete four years of high school math, including a course above Algebra II, with grades of B or better.
Cycle: 2026-27. Source: https://www.gmu.edu/freshman/requirements/score-optional
Mason SAT Scores
SAT scores of enrolled freshmen
SAT Range The middle 50% of enrolled testers who sent SAT. The maximum score is 1600.
1160-1360Freshmen who sent SAT Share of enrolled freshmen who submitted SAT scores. This is enrolled testers, not all applicants.
19%25th Percentile Scores
- Reading 580
- Math 580
- Composite 1160
75th Percentile Scores
- Reading 680
- Math 680
- Composite 1360
Average SAT
Enrolled testers at Mason typically score around a 1260 SAT (middle 50% 1160–1360) out of 1600. That is last year's class, not a cutoff. The average SAT of enrolled testers is about the 83rd percentile nationally. Mason ranks #9 in the state of Virginia for highest average SAT composite score.
SAT Range (25th-75th Percentile) 1160 to 1360
SAT policy
Mason is test-optional. You choose whether to send SAT. If you send a score, it is considered.
View other colleges which accept students in the 1260 SAT score range.
Data Source, IPEDS 2025 survey for academic year 2024/2025
How SAT scores compare with last year's enrolled testers
This table compares SAT ranges with last year's enrolled testers and the school's acceptance rate. It is not a personal chance of admission. If you withhold SAT, skip this table.
Data Source, IPEDS 2025 survey for academic year 2024/2025
Mason ACT Scores
ACT scores among enrolled freshmen
ACT Range Mid-50 ACT composite among enrolled testers who sent ACT. The scale tops out at 36.
25-30Freshmen reporting ACT Percent of enrolled freshmen who reported ACT. Counts enrolled testers, not the full applicant pool.
2%25th Percentile Scores
- English 23
- Math 22
- Composite 25
75th Percentile Scores
- English 31
- Math 27
- Composite 30
Average ACT
Incoming testers at Mason typically have around a 27 ACT (mid-50 25–30) on the 36 scale. That reflects last year's enrolled testers, not a cutoff. That average sits near the 85th percentile of ACT takers nationwide. Mason places #11 among colleges in Virginia for highest average ACT composite.
ACT Range (25th-75th Percentile) 25 to 30
ACT policy
You may apply to Mason without ACT. A score you do send is still reviewed.
See colleges with similar ACT profiles in the 27.0 ACT score range.
Data Source, IPEDS 2025 survey for academic year 2024/2025
How ACT scores compare with last year's enrolled testers
This table compares ACT ranges with last year's enrolled testers and the school's acceptance rate. They are not your individual odds. If you leave ACT off your application, you can skip this table.
Data Source, IPEDS 2025 survey for academic year 2024/2025
Estimate How You Compare
See how your GPA and scores compare with last year's enrolled testers. You can mark that you will withhold scores.
Open the Mason chances calculatorApplying
Admission Statistics
Admission and enrollment rates by gender are detailed in the table below.
Data Source, IPEDS 2025 survey for academic year 2024/2025
Application Requirements
What are the requirements for admission to George Mason University and what student information is used for admission decisions?
Test scores: school admissions site, 2026-27. Other fields: IPEDS 2025 survey for academic year 2024/2025
Fall 2027 Application Deadline
Applications Due
Feb 1, 2027Days left to Apply
154Applicants have 154 days left until the Fall 2027 term applications are due on Feb 1, 2027.
Application Fee
The cost for prospective students to apply to George Mason University is $70.
Data Source, IPEDS 2025 survey for academic year 2024/2025
Credits Accepted
Data Source, IPEDS 2025 survey for academic year 2024/2025
Admission summary
Mason is test-optional for 2026-27. Last year it admitted 87.5% of applicants. Enrolled freshmen typically had about a 3.68 GPA (about an A- average). Send SAT/ACT if you are at or above this campus mid-50 (1160-1360); otherwise withhold. Mid-50 scores, where shown, are enrolled testers, not cutoffs.
Data Source, IPEDS 2025 survey for academic year 2024/2025
Other Colleges to Apply To
Students applying to George Mason University often consider these colleges
Data source: NCES / IPEDS https://nces.ed.gov/collegenavigator/?id=232186.
GPA calculator: George Mason University GPA calculator.
Last updated: August 2026