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What is the George Mason University Guaranteed Admission Agreement (GAA) Letter of Intent?

The GAA Letter of Intent is a formal declaration by students from Virginia Community Colleges or Richard Bland College who wish to secure guaranteed admission to George Mason University. This letter signifies the student's commitment to fulfill the necessary requirements outlined for GAA admission.

Who is eligible to apply for the GAA program?

Eligibility for the GAA program requires applicants to graduate from a Virginia Community College System or Richard Bland College with an Associate degree (A.A., A.S., or A.A.&S.). Additionally, students must meet specific academic criteria and deadlines as set forth by George Mason University.

What are the important deadlines for GAA applicants?

Applicants must apply online for admission by the required GAA deadlines: March 1 for fall admission and October 1 for spring admission. It's critical to also submit the GAA Letter of Intent by these dates. Furthermore, students must ensure that their final transcripts are submitted by the last day of their first semester at Mason.

What GPA is required for GAA admission?

To qualify for GAA admission, applicants must present a cumulative grade point average of 2.85 or higher. This GPA must be maintained both at the time of application and upon graduation from their current college. The GPA is calculated based on official transcripts from the Virginia Community College System or Richard Bland College.

How many transferable credits are needed for GAA eligibility?

Applicants must earn a minimum of 30 transferable credits with grades of A, B, or C. These credits should be applicable to the Associate degree being pursued at the community college. Any repeated courses will only consider the higher grade, while courses transferred from other institutions do not count towards the 30-hour requirement.

Are there specific writing and math requirements?

Yes, applicants must demonstrate proficiency in college-level writing and mathematics. To fulfill this, students need to complete specific courses at their current institution or meet equivalent AP or IB standards. These requirements should be completed before applying to George Mason University.

What happens if coursework was completed outside the Virginia Community College System or RBC?

If any coursework was taken outside of the VCCS or RBC, students are still required to maintain a minimum GPA of 2.85. However, only coursework completed within the past five years will impact this GPA calculation. Older coursework will not be considered in this context.

What acknowledgment must applicants provide when submitting the GAA Letter of Intent?

Applicants must acknowledge that they have reviewed the Guaranteed Admission Agreement and certify their eligibility based on its criteria. It is crucial to understand that prior academic suspensions or felony convictions will disqualify them from GAA admission.

Filling out the George Mason University Guaranteed Admission Agreement (GAA) Letter of Intent can be a straightforward process. However, several common mistakes can lead to complications in admission. Awareness of these errors can help applicants navigate the procedure more effectively.

One frequent mistake is failing to submit the GAA Letter of Intent by the required deadlines. Applicants must provide this document alongside their transfer application. The deadlines for submission are crucial: March 1 for fall admission and October 1 for spring admission. Missing these dates could jeopardize an application.

Another mistake involves misunderstanding the GPA requirements. Applicants must present a cumulative grade point average (CGPA) of 2.85 or higher both at the time of application and upon graduation from a Virginia Community College System (VCCS) college or Richard Bland College (RBC). It's essential to ensure that grades are correctly calculated and verified through official VCCS or RBC transcripts, as any discrepancies may lead to disqualification from the program.

Additionally, some applicants overlook the necessity of submitting two official VCCS transcripts. The first transcript must be received by the Office of Admissions no later than March 10 for fall admission or October 10 for spring admission. The final transcript, which reflects graduation, also has a specific deadline. Inadequate attention to these transcript requirements can result in lost opportunities.

Another common error is not completing the required coursework prior to applying. Applicants must demonstrate proficiency in college-level writing and mathematics, which can be achieved through specific courses or advanced placement exams. Failing to complete these courses at a VCCS college or RBC, or misunderstanding the acceptable alternatives, can hinder the admission process significantly.

Lastly, a lack of due diligence regarding course equivalencies is also prevalent. The Admissions Committee requires that any courses taken at other colleges or universities must be equivalent to Mason’s requirements. Therefore, researching these equivalencies using Mason’s Transfer Equivalency database or consulting with a transfer counselor beforehand is advised. Neglecting to do so may lead to wasted effort and disappointment when courses do not meet set criteria.

By being mindful of these common mistakes, applicants can better prepare themselves for a successful submission of the GAA Letter of Intent to George Mason University.

The George Mason University (GMU) Guaranteed Admission Agreement (GAA) Letter of Intent is accompanied by several other forms and documents that are crucial for the admission process. These documents assist applicants in understanding their responsibilities and requirements. Below is a list of commonly used forms and documents in conjunction with the GAA Letter.

• Transfer Application Form: This form collects personal and academic information from transfer students to initiate the admission process at GMU.
• Official Transcripts: Applicants must submit official transcripts from their previous institutions to verify completed courses and grades, which play a vital role in admission decisions.
• Graduation Application: VCCS or RBC students must apply for graduation before transferring, ensuring they are eligible for the guaranteed admission.
• GAA Agreement Document: This document outlines the terms and conditions of the Guaranteed Admission Agreement, including academic requirements and obligations for maintaining eligibility.
• English Composition Requirement Form: This form verifies that incoming students have met the prerequisites for English courses, essential for fulfilling GMU's core curriculum.
• Math Core Requirement Form: Similar to the English requirement form, this document confirms that students have completed necessary math courses to satisfy GMU's quantitative reasoning standards.
• AP/IB Score Report: For students using Advanced Placement (AP) or International Baccalaureate (IB) coursework to fulfill admissions requirements, the corresponding score report must be submitted.
• Transfer Equivalency Evaluation Form: This form allows students to assess whether their previously earned credits can transfer to GMU and apply towards fulfilling degree requirements.

Each of these forms and documents plays a significant role in ensuring a smooth transition for students transferring to George Mason University. By carefully preparing and submitting them, applicants can enhance their chances for successful admission under the GAA program.

The George Mason University Guaranteed Admission Agreement (GAA) Letter of Intent closely resembles several other legal documents. These documents share common goals, such as establishing admission criteria and confirming understanding between parties. Here are five documents that are similar to the GAA Letter:

• Transfer Admission Agreement: Like the GAA, this document outlines the conditions under which a student from a community college can transfer to a four-year institution. It specifies required coursework and minimum GPA, ensuring students understand what is necessary for a smooth transition.
• Lateral Transfer Application: This form allows students currently enrolled at one institution to transfer to another. Similar to the GAA, it sets forth academic prerequisites and deadlines for submission, making clear the expectations for prospective transferees.
• Conditional Admission Agreement: This document provides terms under which a student may be conditionally accepted into a program. Just like the GAA, it details the requirements that must be fulfilled for the admission to become permanent, such as maintaining a certain GPA or completing specific courses.
• Letter of Intent for Graduate Programs: This letter is used when a student intends to enroll in a graduate program. It articulates the student's commitment and expectations, mirroring the GAA's focus on outlining criteria for successful admission into George Mason University.
• Articulation Agreement: An articulation agreement outlines the transfer policies between two institutions, ensuring that credits earned at one institution will be recognized by another. It serves a similar purpose as the GAA by clarifying course equivalencies and requirements for students planning to transfer.

When filling out the George Mason University Guaranteed Admission Agreement (GAA) Letter of Intent form, there are several important dos and don'ts to keep in mind. Following these guidelines can help ensure a smooth application process.

• Do ensure you meet all eligibility requirements before starting the form. Familiarize yourself with GPA requirements and course completion criteria.
• Do submit the GAA Letter of Intent along with your transfer application by the specified deadlines: March 1 for fall admission and October 1 for spring admission.
• Do carefully read through the entire form before submitting. Mistakes can lead to delays or a denial of your application.
• Do provide accurate and complete information for your full legal name, gender, date of birth, and contact details to avoid any complications.
• Don't wait until the last minute to submit your documents. Transcripts must arrive by March 10 for fall admission and October 10 for spring admission.
• Don't assume past coursework meets equivalency without verification. Utilize Mason’s Transfer Equivalency database or consult a transfer counselor.

There are several misconceptions surrounding the George Mason University (GMU) Guaranteed Admission Agreement (GAA) Letter of Intent. Understanding these misconceptions can provide clarity and assist students in navigating the application process more effectively.

• Everyone is eligible for the GAA program. Many students believe that all applicants from Virginia Community Colleges or Richard Bland College automatically qualify. However, eligibility is contingent upon specific criteria, including GPA and the completion of certain required courses.
• It is acceptable to apply after finishing the degree late. A common misunderstanding is that students can apply for GAA admission whenever they finish their degree. In reality, fall applicants must graduate by May, and spring applicants by August or December to meet the deadlines. Late graduates won’t be considered for admission in the intended semester.
• Only students with perfect grades are admitted. While a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.85 is required, this does not mean students must achieve straight A's. A mix of B's and C's is acceptable as long as the GPA criterion is met.
• Transferring credits from any institution is easy. Some believe that any transfer credit will automatically fulfill GMU’s requirements. In fact, only courses from regionally accredited colleges with equivalent content and grades of A, B, or C will satisfy specific GAA requirements.
• There is no need to consult with Mason advisors. Many applicants think they can navigate the process independently without guidance. However, it is highly encouraged to use GMU’s Transfer Equivalency database and connect with transfer counselors for the most accurate information regarding course equivalencies.
• Courses completed before the five-year window do not matter at all. Some applicants overlook their previous coursework from beyond the five-year limit. While this older coursework does not affect the GPA calculations for admission, it can be useful in demonstrating overall academic history or improving a personal statement.

• Know the deadlines: Be mindful of the application deadlines—March 1 for fall admission and October 1 for spring admission. Ensure all documents, including the GAA Letter of Intent, are submitted on time.
• Maintain your GPA: A cumulative grade point average of 2.85 or higher is required both at the time of application and at graduation. This will be confirmed through your official transcripts.
• Check your transferable credits: You need at least 30 transferable credits from a Virginia Community College or Richard Bland College, all with grades of A, B, or C. Note that courses from other institutions may not count toward this requirement.
• Complete necessary courses: Ensure you complete the required English composition and mathematics courses before applying. This is crucial for meeting Mason’s core requirements.
• Understand the implications of past academic issues: Be aware that previous academic suspensions or felony convictions may disqualify you from GAA admission, so it's essential to provide an accurate history in your application.