George Mason University: Acceptance Rate and Admissions Statistics

George Mason University is a public research university with an acceptance rate of 86%. Located in Fairfax, Virginia, George Mason's 677-acre main campus is situated just 15 miles from Washington, D.C. Students can apply using the Common Application or George Mason University's online application. Students interested in being considered for the honors college or merit scholarships must apply by the Early Action deadline.

Considering applying to George Mason? Here are the admissions statistics you should know, including average SAT/ACT scores and GPAs of admitted students.

Acceptance Rate

During the 2018-19 admissions cycle, George Mason University had an acceptance rate of 86%. This means that for every 100 students who applied, 86 students were admitted, making GMU's admissions process less competitive.

SAT Scores and Requirements

George Mason requires that most applicants submit either SAT or ACT scores. The university has a test-optional policy for students who meet the following criteria: maintain a competitive high school GPA (above 3.5), have consistently high grades in the most challenging coursework offered at your high school, and demonstrate strong leadership in extracurricular or work activities. During the 2018-19 admissions cycle, 72% of admitted students submitted SAT scores.

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This admissions data tells us that most of GMU's admitted students fall within the top 35% nationally on the SAT. For the evidence-based reading and writing section, 50% of students admitted to George Mason scored between 560 and 660, while 25% scored below 560 and 25% scored above 660. On the math section, 50% of admitted students scored between 550 and 660, while 25% scored below 550 and 25% scored above 660. Applicants with a composite SAT score of 1320 or higher will have particularly competitive chances at GMU.

Requirements

George Mason does not require the optional SAT essasy section or SAT Subject tests. Note that GMU participates in the scorechoice program, which means that the admissions office will consider your highest score from each individual section across all SAT test dates. While George Mason is test-optional for certain students, the following applicants must submit SAT or ACT scores for admission: computer science and engineering applicants, home-schooled applicants, and those applicants applying as Division I athletes.

ACT Scores and Requirements

GMU requires that most applicants submit either SAT or ACT scores. The university has a test-optional policy for students who meet the following criteria: maintain a competitive high school (above 3.5), have consistently high grades in the most challenging coursework offered at your high school, and demonstrate strong leadership in extracurricular or work activities. During the 2018-19 admissions cycle, 8% of admitted students submitted ACT scores.

This admissions data tells us that most of GMU's admitted students fall within the top 26% nationally on the ACT. The middle 50% of students admitted to George Mason received a composite ACT score between 24 and 30, while 25% scored above 30 and 25% scored below 24.

Requirements

Note that George Mason does not superscore ACT results; your highest composite ACT score will be considered. GMU does not require the ACT writing section. While George Mason is test-optional for certain applicants, the following students must submit SAT or ACT scores for admission: computer science and engineering applicants, home-schooled applicants, and those applicants applying as Division I athletes.

GPA

In 2019, the average high school GPA for incoming George Mason freshman was 3.65, and over 45% of incoming students had average GPAs of 3.75 and above. These results suggest that most successful applicants to GMU have primarily A grades.

Self-Reported GPA/SAT/ACT Graph

The admissions data in the graph is self-reported by applicants to George Mason University. GPAs are unweighted. Find out how you compare to accepted students, see the real-time graph, and calculate your chances of getting in with a free Cappex account.

Admissions Chances

George Mason University, which accepts over three-quarters of applicants, has a somewhat selective admissions process. If your SAT/ACT scores and GPA fall within the school's average ranges, you have a strong chance of being accepted. However, GMU has a holistic admissions process involving other factors beyond your grades and test scores. George Mason is looking for students who participate in meaningful extracurricular activities and have a rigorous course schedule with an upward trend in grades. Applicants also need to submit letters of recommendation from a school counselor and a teacher. The application essay is optional, but strongly recommended, as is the 250-word personal essay explaining why you want to go to college.

In the graph above, the blue and green dots represent accepted students. You can see most students with a 3.0 GPA or better were admitted, while most of those with a lower GPA were not. Most admitted students scored 1000 or higher on the SAT (ERW+M) or 20 or higher on the ACT. Higher test scores and grades improve your chances of getting an acceptance letter, and almost no students with "A" averages and competitive SAT scores were rejected.

All admissions data has been sourced from the National Center for Education Statistics and George Mason University Undergraduate Admissions Office.