Welcome to Mason!
Congratulations on your admission to Mason. Here are some frequently asked questions from admitted freshman students. Also, feel free to contact the Mason Office of Admissions if you have additional questions.
Connecting with Admissions
What visit options does the Office of Admissions offer?
Admissions is offering on-campus and virtual information sessions and tours. We also have a virtual campus tour that is accessible online at any time. Please check our Visit and Explore page often as more opportunities will continue to be added. Registration is first come, first served.
How do I request a virtual meeting with Mason Admissions?
Locate and contact your admission counselor using our Meet Your Counselor directory.
Costs, Fees, and Financial Aid
Financial concerns are making it difficult to pay my deposit. I'd like to attend Mason. What should I do?
Please reach out to your Admissions Counselor and we would be happy to assist you.
I've paid my enrollment deposit, what comes next?
Congratulations! We look forward to welcoming you to Mason. You can find all your steps for enrollment on our Next Steps for Admitted Students checklist.
My family's financial situation has changed since submitting my Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Can Mason help me?
Please reach out to the Mason Student Services Center (MSSC) to schedule an appointment for assistance.
Where can I find online information for the Student Accounts Office?
Student account information is available on Mason's Student Accounts website.
Records and Transcripts
What is the deadline to submit my Immunization Record form?
All incoming students must submit the Immunization Record form. The Student Health Services Immunization Page can tell you more about the immunization requirements
When will my transfer credit be evaluated?
If you have taken college-level credit either as credit by exam (ex. AP, IB) or as High School Dual Enrollment, your transfer credit will be evaluated should you be admitted and once you submit your enrollment deposit to Mason.
Information regarding transfer credit can be found on our Transfer Credit Policy page.
Deferment
How does Mason handle deferrals?
Students wishing to defer to Mason may submit a deferral request after submitting their enrollment deposit.
I'm considering taking a "gap year" between high school and college. How will this affect my entry into Mason? Who should I contact?
Mason defines a gap year as a year between high school and college when a student takes no classes and earns no credit at another institution.
If this sounds like your situation, and you are planning to attend Mason upon completion of your gap year, please request a deferral to a subsequent start term.
How will deferment impact my merit scholarships?
If you are deferring from the semester to a subsequent semester for any reason, Mason will honor your merit scholarship package according to the terms presented in your acceptance letter. You will, however, need to re-file your Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).
Please reach out to your Admissions Counselor for assistance.
Academics
When can I meet with my academic advisor?
Students generally meet with academic advisors during their Orientation session. You will be assigned an advisor during Orientation, and your advisor looks forward to meeting with you then.
What do I do if I want to change my major? How do I declare a minor?
Please contact your Admissions Counselor and we can help you make that change.
Important note: some programs have selective credit/course requirements and may require additional classes or a different application process. Your advisor can help you chart the best course of action.
How does a college class schedule differ from a high school class schedule?
Your schedule in college is going to be vastly different from your high school schedule, and you will not be in class for the same amount of time every day.
Classes will also vary in length. For example, you may have one class that meets twice a week for 75 minutes and another class that meets once a week for three hours.
As a current student registering for classes, you will use a system called Patriot Scheduler, which will help you generate possible schedules based on the classes you choose. It makes the registration process easy. You will learn how to register for classes at Orientation.
Where can I find information about Orientation?
The Office of New Student and Family Programs website has more information about Orientation.
What are the plans for current and future semesters regarding COVID-19?
Please refer to our Safety, Emergency, and Enterprise Risk Management website for the most up-to-date information.