Government and International Politics

The following factors are considered when reviewing applications for admission:

• Completed online application and application fee. Mason accepts the Common Application and George Mason University’s Undergraduate Application for Admission. The Office of Admissions reviews both applications equally and without preference. If you have any questions about the applications, please contact our office at 703-993-2400.
• Certified official, original transcripts from all secondary schools as well as official results from any leaving certificates or university entrance exams taken. A certified English translation must be submitted for any documents not already in English. All application materials are property of George Mason University and will not be returned to the applicant, nor shared with another individual, institution, or organization under any circumstances.
• Official scores from SAT or ACT. International students have the option to submit SAT or ACT scores with your application or apply Score Optional. Score Optional Consideration allows for highly qualified students to be evaluated without standardized test scores. More specific information regarding Score Optional Consideration can be be found at the bottom of our Freshman Admission page.
  • Applicants to Computer Science or Engineering majors may be considered without SAT or ACT scores if they have completed four years of high school mathematics course. One course designated as a higher level than Algebra II must be completed by the senior year. All math courses must be completed with equivalent grades of a B or higher.
• Verification of English language proficiency. Non-native English-speaking applicants are required to meet the University’s English Proficiency requirement. Please visit the English Proficiency requirements page for more detailed information.
• Secondary School Report (PDF) and counselor recommendations. We suggest sending two (2) letters of recommendation, one from a high school counselor and one from a teacher. There is no special recommendation form and letters can be submitted electronically or via e-mail to [email protected]. Applicants who have been out of school for more than five years are not required to submit this form.
• An optional, but strongly encouraged Personal Statement or Essay of approximately 250 words explaining to the Office of Admissions why YOU want to attend university study. Tell us about yourself and your experiences that have led to this decision. Submit your statement online when prompted during the online application process or within the Common App.
• Resume for any applicant with gaps in enrollment.