In 2007, Mason was the first public university in the Commonwealth of Virginia to consider students without standardized test scores as part of their application process.
Since then, we continue to take a holistic approach to reviewing each application with great care, and offer Score Optional consideration to show our commitment to student achievement and to demonstrate we value students holistically beyond standardized test scores.
Students do have the opportunity to decide if they would like to submit standardized test scores as a component of the application process.
Some students may believe the SAT or ACT test scores do not adequately reflect their level of academic achievement and/or predict their potential, or may not have access to standardized testing this year. These students are not penalized for selecting Score Optional consideration.
Please read the following information carefully to help decide if the Score Optional process is appropriate for you.
General Guidelines
We know that grade point average, class rank, and curricular options vary widely between high schools. Your academic performance in the classroom is the most important factor in our review of your application.
- It is recommended that you maintain a competitive, cumulative high school grade point average for Score Optional consideration. Our middle 50% of accepted students have cumulative grade point averages of 3.3 – 3.9 on a weighted 4.0 scale (grades 9 – 11).
- You should demonstrate evidence of consistent, strong performance in a challenging academic curriculum by having taken a robust selection of college preparatory, honors, Advanced Placement, International Baccalaureate or Dual Enrollment courses.
- Strong leadership, motivation and intellectual curiosity should be demonstrated in your extracurricular, work, or service experiences.
Additional Requirements
Students who apply Score Optional and whose native language is not English are required to submit results of an English language proficiency exam to the Office of Admissions.
Students who apply Score Optional to computer science and engineering majors within the College of Engineering and Computing will be considered if they have completed four years of high school mathematics courses. One course designated as a higher level than Algebra II must be completed by the senior year. All math courses must be completed with grades of B or better.
NCAA Division I Student Athletes
NCAA Division I athletic recruits are eligible to be considered for admission to Mason under the University’s score optional policy. Student athletes will not be required to present an ACT or SAT score to be reviewed for admission.