george mason essay prompts

George Mason Essay Guide 2023-24

George mason supplemental essays 2023-24.

College essays play an important role in the admissions process, just as they do at George Mason University . While there is only one George Mason essay (in addition to the Common App personal statement), students should take their time writing a stellar response. Naturally, students with strong responses to the George Mason University essay prompts have a better chance of standing out among a large pool of candidates. 

GMU is the largest public university in Virginia . The campus is diverse and students from every state and 130 countries make up the student body. While the acceptance rate is relatively high, applicants will still want to put their best work forward when applying. And, since there aren’t multiple George Mason University essay prompts to respond to, applicants have one chance to make it count. 

Without various George Mason University essay prompts to respond to, students will need to carefully choose how to write the George Mason supplemental essay. To write any successful college essay, you need to do some research on the school and its unique qualities. 

So, before we jump into writing the George Mason essay, let’s check out some GMU quick facts. 

George Mason Admissions: Quick Facts

George mason university quick facts.

• George Mason Acceptance Rate: 90% – U.S. News ranks George Mason University #51 on its Top Public Schools list. 
• 1 (~250 word) “Optional” Essay – This essay is optional for students who submit standardized test scores. However, this essay is required for students applying as score-optional.
• George Mason Application: Students may submit their application via the Common App or the Mason Exclusive Online Application . Make sure you have met all of the application requirements prior to applying. 
• Early Action: November 1
• Regular Decision: February 1 
• George Mason Essay Tip: There aren’t multiple George Mason University essay prompts. So, this “optional” George Mason essay is your only opportunity to share who you are and why you belong at GMU. Even if you are submitting test scores, GMU strongly recommends all applicants submit a George Mason supplemental essay.

Does George Mason require supplemental essays?

Technically, there are no required George Mason University essay prompts. However, there is one optional, school-specific essay. GMU Admissions refers to it as “an optional, but strongly encouraged personal statement.” If you want to submit the strongest application possible, you’ll want to consider the George Mason essay a principal feature of your application. 

While your other application requirements are important, none allow you to communicate who you are in your own words. The George Mason essay allows you to share your unique personality, writing style, and motivations for attending GMU.

Now, you may be thinking that without multiple George Mason University essay prompts to respond to, the GMU application will be simple. On the contrary, you’ll still want to give yourself a head start on the George Mason essay. If there were various George Mason University essay prompts, you’d have more opportunities to make your case for admissions. However, with only one short essay, it’s got to really count!

How many essays does George Mason require?

There is only one “optional” George Mason essay. However, the Common App writing requirements state that the optional George Mason essay is required for applicants who apply as score-optional. (GMU is test-optional , so students are not required to submit their standardized test scores). Either way, we encourage students to write the George Mason essay, whether they are submitting standardized test scores or not. 

Additionally, the Common App could be considered to have two George Mason essay prompts: the Common App personal statement and the GMU college-specific essay. While GMU does not require students to submit their Common App personal statement, you can still choose to do so. However, if you choose to apply on the Mason Exclusive Online Application, you won’t have multiple George Mason University essay prompts: there will be only one. 

What are the George Mason supplemental essays?

Now, you’re probably wondering: what are the George Mason University essay prompts? Well, the George Mason essay is considered a why this school essay. You’ve likely seen various versions of this prompt when applying to other institutions.

Below is the George Mason supplemental essay prompt:

George Mason University Supplemental Essay Prompt

What is your motivation for pursuing higher education? Why do you believe George Mason University is the right institution for you?

GMU recommends applicants use this George Mason essay to “tell us about yourself and your experiences that have led to this decision.” This can be a trying task as applicants only have approximately 250 words to use in this George Mason essay. And, without other George Mason University essay prompts to share more about yourself, this may seem like a daunting task. However, we’ll get some tips on how to do so shortly. 

Additionally, applicants who choose to apply via the Common App will be able to submit their Personal Statement . This gives them two George Mason essay prompts from which to make their case for admission. Depending on your grades, recommendations, and extracurriculars, this may be a bonus to applying via the Common App. If you feel like your application narrative would benefit from the ability to submit responses to two GMU essay prompts, then consider applying via the Common App. 

George Mason Essay Prompts 

The George Mason supplemental essay asks applicants to answer a complex question for many: why do you want to go to college? Many students may consider college to be the obvious next step, not even questioning it. However, for others, and many first-generation students, the opportunity to go to college could be at the forefront of their minds. No matter which group you fall into, you’ll need to unravel the question and figure out your motivation behind attending a higher education institution. 

Here’s the George Mason essay prompt one more time: 

Successful responses to the George Mason essay prompts will be specific and personal. Take some time to brainstorm each question of the George Mason supplemental essay prompt. When doing so, consider personal anecdotes, experiences, or values that have led you to seek out higher education. The best responses to the GMU essay prompts will be meaningful and personal, so allow yourself to dig deep when considering your essay theme.

The second part of the prompt is a standard why this school essay. Here, successful responses to the GMU essay prompts will show that you’ve done your research on specific offerings at GMU. Take some time to look through the website and course offerings . Learn about the campus culture and student organizations. Additionally, take a look at the university’s mission and values. Mention the aspect of the university that most calls your attention. And, most importantly, demonstrate why it’s important to you. 

As if doing all those things in about 250 words wasn’t challenging enough, you’ll also need to demonstrate why you’d be a great addition to the GMU community. This can be done through the anecdote you share, a value you hold, or an academic interest or curiosity you’ve explored. Be intentional with each word you use in this essay, and make sure that you’ve responded to each part of the George Mason essay prompt. 

Is George Mason hard to get into?

Generally speaking, George Mason University is rather accessible to most students when it comes to gaining admissions. The GMU acceptance rate is 90%, which is among the highest admissions rates in the nation. You may feel like this takes the pressure off of responses to the George Mason essay prompts. However, just because the university has a high acceptance rate, doesn’t mean you should slack when it comes to your George Mason essay! Writing an impressive essay should be an important part of your “how to get into George Mason University” strategy. 

GMU boasts an inclusive environment. In fact, referencing their high acceptance rate, GMU Admissions states, “We proudly accept nearly 90 percent of undergraduate applicants, because we believe in inclusivity over exclusivity.” This stance may be refreshing to many high school students, as prestige certainly isn’t the most important aspect of a school when it comes to finding your perfect fit. Visit campus or take a virtual tour if you are wondering if GMU is the right fit for you. If you visit early and fall in love with the feeling of the campus, it might even be something to reference in your George Mason essay!

Students applying to GMU will be evaluated holistically, meaning that admissions officers are carefully looking at each of the George Mason application requirements. So, while it’s important to meet the George Mason essay requirements, it’s equally important to get letters of recommendation. Even though GMU has a high acceptance rate, this doesn’t mean applicants should neglect the GMU essay prompts or complete the other George Mason application requirements. In fact, your essay and application can play an important role in gaining scholarships and financial aid . 

Does George Mason care about essays?

Since the George Mason University essay prompts are optional, you may be thinking: do George Mason University admissions officers even care about my essay? The simple answer is yes! George Mason University admissions carefully considers every part of an application. The George Mason essay is a wonderful opportunity to share more of yourself with admissions officers. Use the George Mason University essay prompts as opportunities to share your experiences, values, personality, and writing style with admissions. 

Well-written responses to the George Mason essay prompts will bolster your application. Additionally, the research and reflection you do while writing your George Mason essay will allow you deeper insight into your motivations and future career goals. Don’t minimize the power of reflecting on the important questions that George Mason essay prompts ask students. Learning more about yourself and your educational motivations is a wonderful side effect of writing meaningful responses to the George Mason University essay prompts. 

How do I make my George Mason essays stand out?

Now that you know admissions values the responses to the GMU essay prompts in their evaluation process, let’s look at how you can write your best George Mason essay. First of all, consider which application you’ll complete. If you choose to apply via the Common App, you’ll have two George Mason essay prompts to respond to—this gives you two opportunities to wow admissions officers. And, since you’ve probably worked hard on writing an impactful Common App Personal Statement, applying via this platform could be a wonderful way to share more about yourself as well as show off your writing chops. 

However, if you haven’t worked tirelessly on writing the perfect Common App personal statement, then you may benefit from responding to fewer George Mason essay prompts. Additionally, it will give you plenty of time to perfect your George Mason essay. 

Here are 3 tips for writing a strong George Mason supplemental essay: 

Get personal

Generic responses to George Mason essay prompts—or any college essay prompts —will always fall flat. Take this opportunity to truly reflect on the questions you’re asked. Brainstorm your most meaningful experiences. Then relate them to your motivations. Your George Mason essay should be unique to you!

Be specific

Along the same lines, be sure to get specific when responding to the GMU essay prompts. Particularly when it comes to the why this school essay aspect of the prompt. Mention specific offerings unique to GMU. This will require you to do some research on the school. Write about the aspect(s) that have most inspired you to apply. 

Start early!

Even though there aren’t various George Mason University essay prompts, that doesn’t mean you should leave your application to the last minute. Allow yourself the proper time to reflect, brainstorm, draft, edit, receive feedback, and draft again! Additionally, it might take some work to write an impactful George Mason essay in such few words. Give yourself plenty of time to do so!

More college essay resources from CollegeAdvisor

To guide students in crafting their most impactful application narrative, CollegeAdvisor has a variety of free resources for every step of your college journey. Whether responding to the GMU essay prompts, or other college essay prompts, choosing the topic can be the most challenging part of the process. Check out these college essay topics to help kick-start your brainstorming process. 

Another way to find inspiration for your own essays is by reading other college essays that worked. Additionally, since one of the George Mason essay prompts is the Common App personal statement, reading successful Common App essay examples will guide you in your journey to writing your best essays!

There are many facets to the college application process. Therefore, starting early and staying organized is the best way to have the most success with the least stress. Understanding college application deadlines is a crucial part of the planning process. You’ll want to understand important dates so that you meet not only the George Mason essay requirements but all the application requirements, in time. Likewise, getting professional guidance will help if you’re feeling overwhelmed. In addition to a library full of free resources, CollegeAdvisor has admission experts to help you along the way with personalized guidance. Reach out if you’re feeling overwhelmed!

George Mason Supplemental Essays – Final Tips

Remember that the George Mason essay is essentially a why school essay. Therefore, when planning responses to the George Mason essay prompts, reflect on your reasons for applying to GMU. Then do some research on specific programs and offerings only found at GMU. Carefully consider each sentence you write, as you don’t have many words to make an impact. Writing a successful George Mason essay will only add to your application narrative. So, even though they’re technically optional, give the George Mason University essay prompts the attention they deserve. 

Here are some final tips to keep in mind when writing your George Mason essay: 

Reflect on your experiences

The George Mason supplemental essay prompt asks students a big question: why do you want to go to college? While it may seem like an obvious question, it may be the first time you’ve been asked it. Consider your personal and academic experiences carefully before responding. What experience(s) have led you to seek higher education?

Make it meaningful

The George Mason essay should be impactful. Therefore, your topic doesn’t necessarily matter (as long as you answer the prompt fully). What matters most is that you’re writing about something that is meaningful to you and has impacted you greatly. Successful college essays are passionate—however, passion can’t be faked. So take this opportunity to get real with yourself, and put it on paper!

Grammar and mechanics matter

You certainly don’t want your essay to stand out in the wrong way. Nothing irks admissions officers more than reading responses to the GMU essay prompts that are full of grammatical and spelling errors. Therefore, make sure you edit your essay! Get another pair of eyes to read over your George Mason essay to ensure that it has no mechanical errors. 

Use this guide to round out your “how to get into George Mason University” plan and impress George Mason University admissions with your essay. And, remember that you’re not alone when it comes to the college journey. Get guidance from counselors, parents, classmates, and admissions experts to help you along the way!

This essay guide was written by Sarah Kaminski. Looking for more admissions support? Click here to schedule a free meeting with one of our Admissions Specialists. During your meeting, our team will discuss your profile and help you find targeted ways to increase your admissions odds at top schools. We’ll also answer any questions and discuss how CollegeAdvisor.com can support you in the college application process.

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How to Write the George Mason University Essay 2020-2021

This post has been updated! Check out our 2021-2022 George Mason essay guide.

George Mason University is the youngest and largest public university in Virginia. It is ranked #153 by US News & World Report and is the most diverse university in Virginia. In 1956, it was founded as a branch of the University of Virginia, going on to become an independent university in 1972. Four of the campuses—Fairfax, Arlington, Front Royal, and Prince William — are in Virginia, and the fifth is located in Songdo, South Korea (about 20 miles southwest of Seoul). The primary campus, the Fairfax location, sits on a 677-acre suburban location 15 miles from Washington D.C.

George Mason’s acceptance rate is slightly competitive at 81% . The middle 50% SAT range is 1120-1320 and 24-30 for the ACT. The university has 82 undergraduate degrees.

If you’re interested in living close to the booming hub that is Washington D.C. and attending an innovative public university, read on to learn how to answer GMU’s supplemental prompt. Want to know your chances at George Mason? Calculate your chances for free right now.

Want to learn what George Mason will actually cost you based on your income? And how long your application to the school should take? Here’s what every student considering George Mason needs to know.  

Optional Essay

Why do you want to go to college we know it is an excellent path to a career, but we want to hear more specifically about what you are hoping to gain from your time in college. tell us about yourself and your experiences that have led to this decision. (250 words).

Although this prompt is optional, we strongly recommend that you answer it. Your response to this prompt can help admissions officers learn things about you that they might not be able to glean from other parts of your application. 

This prompt is open-ended in nature and could be answered in several ways. In terms of length, 250 words is not a lot of room to capture your entire reasoning behind attending college. You might be tempted to simply write out a list of reasons motivating you to pursue higher education, but this approach will detract from your essay. Rather than writing about multiple disparate topics, try including 1-3 major-related reasons that go beyond the superficial. 

Avoid clichés like “I want to make my family proud,” “I want to become a smarter/better person,” or “I want to make the world a better place using my education.” These platitudes are generic and do not add personal value to your response. Instead, try brainstorming deeper into the reasons you wish to attend George Mason University. Your response should be extremely detailed with specific information that uniquely relates to you.

Instead of saying you want to make your family proud, think about a particular family member who has influenced your decision, and recount what specific interactions with them led you to want to attend GMU. For instance, an applicant might write about wanting to go to school to find a cure for a relative’s chronic disease.

Rather than saying “I want to make an impact on the world” think about what specific skills you want to gain and what specific contributions you want to make. What do you specifically want to learn how to do and why? A good starting point for this approach is browsing GMU’s website to see what opportunities there are for you to attain your goals.

For instance, an applicant might write about how learning to use geospatial technology will help them create a travel social media app where users’ feeds are algorithmically comprised of locations that they wish to explore. This is a good example of a specific goal that matches up with GMU’s offerings and shows , rather than tells, admissions officers that you want to make a difference.

Although this essay should mainly center on you and your personal reasons for wanting to go to college, it would be beneficial to include some specifics as to why GMU in particular is the university you want to attend. Mentioning GMU-specific offerings like classes, research projects, internship opportunities, and extracurriculars can add authenticity to your essay by creating a connection between GMU and you.

Here is an example of a potential response to this prompt:

“I will never forget how powerless I felt when my hometown’s river became polluted. For much of my childhood, Green River graciously hosted copious family picnics, summer fishing days, and school field trips. I spent countless hours on its banks picking wild geraniums for flower crowns as bullfrogs and crickets called to each other in the background. As my town became more industrialized, trash and chemicals tarnished our river. Town hall meetings and cleanup efforts were not effective, as there was a large scientific knowledge gap preventing families like mine from understanding how to resolve this issue. 

The opportunity to obtain the mental and physical tools to restore my childhood river greatly fuel my desire to pursue higher education. As an environmental science major at George Mason, I hope to find solutions that mitigate the issue of water pollution so that ecosystems like Green River can be saved. I want to create a biodegradable device that can filter and replenish the water by balancing pH levels and combating the adverse effects of harsh, man-made chemical products. GMU’s Mason Innovation Exchange program will afford me the interdisciplinary, collaborative space I need in order to solve water pollution issues both in my local community and in the larger global sphere. My motivation to get a higher education stems from my belief that I can make a positive difference for communities like my own. I know college will afford me the necessary resources to expand my scientific knowledge, allowing me to mitigate community issues.”

This response integrates a narrative-like feel with the author’s personal motivations. It demonstrates the applicant’s desire to attend college within the framework of GMU’s offerings. By taking this approach, you can humanize yourself in a way that allows admissions officers to gain a better understanding of who you are. This will make your application stand out and bolster your chances of gaining admission to GMU.

Want help with your college essays to improve your admissions chances? Sign up for your free CollegeVine account and get access to our essay guides and courses. You can also get your essay peer-reviewed and improve your own writing skills by reviewing other students’ essays.

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George Mason University Undergraduate College Application Essays

These George Mason University college application essays were written by students accepted at George Mason University. All of our sample college essays include the question prompt and the year written. Please use these sample admission essays responsibly.

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College Application Essays accepted by George Mason University

My confusing cultural identity hannah khan, george mason university.

“Aap meri choti shezadi ho, Hannah,” my Pakistani grandfather told me before I moved to the U.S. from Saudi Arabia. I was later able to translate his loving Urdu words into English: “You are my little princess, Hannah.” I am a...

Why I Want a College Education Hannah Khan

Looking down at the college preparation pamphlet laying on my dresser never seemed so dramatic, but with every word I read, and every page I turned, I could practically feel my future rushing towards me. As I approach the end of my high school I...

A City Swept from it's Feet Anonymous

Eyes were beginning to blur; muscles were beginning to convulse; thousands were shouting from excitement. Through all these distractions, my mind began to form a clear picture of what was taking place. I was on the final stretch of the 2013 Boston...

Honors Essay Nafi Ahnaf

My uncle, a father of two who works as a waiter at a Marriott hotel in Fairfax Virginia, had his identity stolen in late 2014 by someone in New York City. For the most part, our everyday lives are a series of passing decisions; in an ever-evolving...

Investigation Anonymous

Official time of death: 9:03 PM. Cause of death: Age.

Even if you live a healthy life and take plenty of vitamins, age will always be the final killer. However, recent studies have discovered a possible alternative to stretch life spans through an...

The Intriguing Humanity in the Israeli-Palestinian Conflict Anonymous

I sat in the ornate home of my teammate’s mom, an established Palestinian surgeon, when she said, “I wish someone had killed them all.” I just finished asking this woman how the Israeli-Palestinian Conflict impacted her life, and was shocked at...

Recent Questions about George Mason University

The Question and Answer section for George Mason University is a great resource to ask questions, find answers, and discuss the novel.

George Mason University

Academic Programs

• Art & Design
• Communication
• Computer Game Design
• Computer Science
• Conflict Analysis and Resolution
• Engineering
• Environmental Science
• Finance/Accounting
• Government/Political Science
• Health Science
• Liberal Arts
• Performing Arts
• Pre-Medicine
• Pre-Veterinary
• Social Science
• Visual Arts

Student experience

• Co-op/Internship Opportunities
• Community Service
• Disability Services
• Distance/online learning
• Intramural/Club Sports
• LGBTQIA Services
• Living Learning Communities
• Military/Veteran Services
• Night Class Offerings
• On-Campus Housing
• Online Courses
• ROTC Program
• Study Abroad
• Sustainability
• Undergraduate Research

Application information

Find out about requirements, fees, and deadlines

If you have not taken any college credit beyond dual enrollment in high school, you are considered a first-year student at George Mason University. In order to complete your application, you are required to submit your application, official high school transcript, and standardized test scores (if applicable, as we are a score optional institution). In addition, as a part of our holistic review, you may submit a personal statement, a secondary school report, as well as up to two letters of recommendation.

You are considered a transfer student if you have enrolled at a college or university after graduating from high school. You can apply to George Mason via our George Mason-exclusive application located on our website. In order to complete your application, we will need your official transcripts from all other institutions attended, as well as your high school transcript and official test scores, if you have earned under 24 transferable credits. 

Additional Information

Admissions office.

4400 University Drive , MSN 3A4 Fairfax , VA 22030-4444 , United States of America

[email protected]

Phone number

(703) 993-2400

For first-year students

Admissions website.

www.gmu.edu/freshman

Financial aid website

www.gmu.edu/financial-aid

Undocumented or DACA students

www.gmu.edu/financial-aid/eligibility/undocumented-daca-students

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Mastering the George Mason University Supplemental Essays: A Comprehensive Guide

When you're aiming to get admitted to George Mason University, one key element of your application that can set you apart is your essay. For the 2024 application cycle, George Mason University has introduced specific essay prompts that provide a unique opportunity to showcase your motivations and fit for the university. Let’s dive into these prompts and how to tackle them effectively.

Understanding George Mason University's New Essay Prompts

The supplemental essays for George Mason University are a crucial part of your application. You’ll need to address two questions:

What is your motivation for pursuing higher education?

Why do you believe George Mason University is the right institution for you?

The total word count for this essay is 400 words, so you need to be concise yet comprehensive in your response.

Approaching the First Prompt:

The first question, "What is your motivation for pursuing higher education?" asks you to reflect deeply on your personal goals and aspirations. Here are some tips for crafting a compelling response:

Self-Reflection: Start by considering your long-term career goals and personal development objectives. Why is higher education the pathway you’ve chosen to achieve these goals?

Real-World Examples: Use specific experiences – such as internships, volunteer work, or personal projects – that have inspired you to pursue higher education.

Future Aspirations: Connect your motivation to your future plans and how higher education will help you accomplish them.

For personalized guidance and feedback on this essay, consider using Sups AI . Sups AI provides brainstorming sessions and detailed feedback to help you refine your narrative. Thousands of students have already benefited from their expertise.

Approaching the Second Prompt:

The second question, "Why do you believe George Mason University is the right institution for you?" requires a focused and specific response. Here’s how to approach it:

Research: Delve into the unique programs, opportunities, and resources at George Mason University that align with your interests and goals.

Personal Fit: Explain why the campus culture, values, and community at George Mason resonate with you. Mention any campus visits or interactions with current students or faculty that have influenced your decision.

Contribution: Discuss how you plan to contribute to the George Mason community. What extracurricular activities, organizations, or initiatives are you excited to join or start?

Current students can be a valuable resource for obtaining insider knowledge about George Mason University. Sups AI offers one-on-one chats with current students, giving you a deeper insight into the campus experience.

Essential Tips for Writing Your Supplemental Essays

Be Authentic: Authenticity stands out. Write in your voice and share genuine stories and experiences.

Proofread: Always proofread your essays for grammar, punctuation, and spelling errors. Consider having someone else review your work for a fresh perspective.

Stay Within the Limits: Adhere strictly to the word count limit. It’s crucial to be concise while fully addressing the prompts.

Leveraging resources like Sups AI can significantly enhance the quality of your essays. With their tailored feedback and interactive sessions, you're more likely to craft standout responses that resonate with the admissions committee.

With these tips and resources, you’re now equipped to tackle the George Mason University supplemental essays with confidence. Good luck!

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CollegeVine's essay prompt database

Find your college’s application essay prompts for 2023-24

Latest essay prompts for the top 100 schools.

At CollegeVine, our goal is to make the college application process a little less stressful, so we’ve compiled the latest essay prompts for the top 100 schools in one easy, searchable database.

Also, every year we create free guides on “ How to Write X School’s Essays ” for the top 100 schools. In these guides, we give you tips and tricks on how to approach each prompt. As such, our prompt database also contains a link to each school's Essay Breakdown.

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