Frequently Asked Questions About Joining the Honors College for Current Mason Students
The Honors College is a place where students are highly motivated, perpetually learning, and inquisitive. Here, we ask questions that allow us to engage with our world in meaningful ways. Current George Mason students looking to join the Honors College may have questions. This page should serve as a resource for students who may still have questions regarding the process.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Honors College?
An enhanced opportunity for the most motivated students from all majors at Mason.
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Curriculum. The Honors College offers an enhanced alternative general education curriculum comprised of small, highly interactive seminar-type classes.
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Programming. The Honors College offers co-curricular programming to help students excel academically, connect socially, and pursue the things they care about most.
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Support. You will receive additional support from an Honors College advisor, help navigating your transition, and extra help if you run into challenges along the way.
What distinguishes the Honors College curriculum?
We focus on inquiry-based, civic, and experiential learning.
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Research. 100% of Honors College students begin conducting individual research their first semester. 44% conduct research with a faculty mentor before graduating.
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Civic learning: All Honors College students take a civic learning course, and our curriculum emphasizes putting significant questions in their broader social and historical context. Over a dozen nonprofits are chosen to partner with us each year.
- Experiential learning: Students may participate in hands-on classes that develop professional skills. Dozens of companies, nonprofits, and government institutions have partnered with students in our classes. Additionally, many students have the opportunity to participate in campus-focused experiential learning with the Early Identification Program, through Peer Mentorship programs, and more.
What is the value of the Honors College experience?
Learn with a community that inspires you to do your best.
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At George Mason: Honors College student graduation rates are 32% higher than the national average. Before graduation, 80% of Honors College students are in registered student organizations, with over half in leadership roles; 63% participate in service work; 73% have internships.
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In Grad School: Honors College grads attend the most prestigious graduate, law, and medical schools, from Harvard to Stanford and from UVA to University of California.
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Top Careers: Honors College grads work in leadership positions in every industry and field - in law firms, health systems, corporations, and the government.
How does Honors College curriculum relate to Mason Core?
The Honors College curriculum is an alternative to the Mason Core.
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Substitute Mason Core credits you already have. You will be able to substitute Mason Core Exploration credits you already have for some of the Honors College seminars
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Be excused from the remaining Mason Core Foundation and Exploration Requirements. Instead of taking these, you’ll take the Honors College seminars.
How will my credits transfer?
The Honors College will evaluate the classes you’ve taken and award appropriate credit. The Honors College Planning Form is available to assist you in understanding where you stand in terms of the Honors College requirements and Mason Core requirements.
- Credit from before George Mason. After admission, the Honors College will evaluate transfer, AP/ IB, and dual enrollment credits to determine if they can be used as substitutes for relevant Honors college curriculum requirements.
- Mason Core credits. Students may use Mason Core Exploration courses to substitute for up to 4 of the 7 required Honors College seminars.
- Natural science and math. You will take the same science and math classes you would otherwise take, but will have optional enhanced H-sections available for certain classes.
- Other George Mason credits. Admission to the Honors College does not impact your progress towards fulfilling major/minor requirements nor any extra elective credits you have earned.
The chart below demonstrates common substitutions the Honors College accepts for students who transfer into the College.
Reading the Art
Identity, Community, and Difference
Contemporary Social Issues
Reading the Past
How do I apply?
Apply if you have a 3.5 cumulative GPA & will have completed at least 24 credits at Mason this semester.
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Letters of recommendation. Request a recommendation from a George Mason professor or advisor. Letters of recommendation are not required but will be reviewed if submitted. The recommender portal is on the application and on our website.
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Complete our application online. Apply online at honorscollege.gmu.edu/admissions/current-mason-student
If I am admitted, how can I connect with the Honors College and my peers?
Interested students can apply to join Honors College leadership. Information about opportunities and events can also be found in the weekly Honors College newsletter.
- Honoring Our Community
- Honors College Recruitment Team
- Honors College Connects
- Honors College Student Advisory Board
- Honors College Peer Mentors
- Honors College Communications Team