Questions About the Admissions Process

What are the steps in the admission process?

Applicants must first fill out and complete the application through the portal and click sign up. Start your application under Degree-Seeking for a master's, certificate, or accelerated master's program. Start your application under Nondegree for nondegree studies.

You will be prompted to enter your name and email address. Once you have done so, hit submit, and an email with your username and a link to create a password will be sent to you. Follow the prompts to create and confirm your new password. Your application portal will now be set up with the option to start a new application.

Please upload and submit all application materials, including the application fee. Your application will then be processed; you will be notified if you are missing any required materials. This may come from masongrad@gmu.edu or schargr@gmu.edu.

Once we have all of the required materials, your application will be reviewed by our admissions committee, and an admissions decision will be made. It can take 4-6 weeks to make a decision once all of the materials have been received, however this timeline can vary based on when you submit your application within a cycle. You can always check the status of your application in the portal.

How do I check my application status?

To check your application status, you can log into the application portal. "My Applications" will show the completeness of all your started applications. If the application has not been submitted, it will be less than 100%. If it has been submitted, it will show as 100%. If you click on an unsubmitted application, you will be able to finish the application.

Please note: your application will be reflected as 100% complete once submitted, even if we still require additional materials; such as your letters of recommendation, transcripts, test scores, etc. Please reference the checklist for missing items once you have submitted your materials. Your application will not be reviewed until we receive all of the required materials.

When will I get the final admissions decision? How do I find it?

Applicants to our master's and certificate programs will be notified to view their admission decision via their application portal in approximately 4-6 weeks after the application has become complete, meaning that the Schar School has received all application materials.

Please note: the decision timeline can vary based on when an application is submitted in the cycle.

Are there different types of admission? Could I be provisionally admitted?

Yes, you could be admitted provisionally, meaning that we may require you to maintain a minimum GPA or require you to take a specific course as part of your curriculum. If you were to be admitted provisionally, the conditions would be outlined in your letter of admission.

For what terms are master’s and certificate students admitted to the Schar School?

We accept applications for both Fall and Spring terms to most of our programs. Applications for Organization Development and Knowledge Management, MA and the National Security and Public Policy, MPP Cohort programs are only accepted for Fall.

What is the deadline to apply for admission?

All of our deadlines are listed on our admissions websites. All program applications are reviewed on a rolling basis, and students are strongly encouraged to submit applications in advance of these deadlines. Deadlines listed on websites other than those specifically for the Schar School may not be updated if deadlines are extended. To find the current deadlines, please check our admissions websites.

I see there is an application fee. If I want to apply to more than one program at a time, do I have to submit separate applications and pay more than one application fee?

Yes, applicants must submit a separate application, including an application fee, for each program to which they apply. It is due at the time of application and is not refundable.

What if my test scores or letters of recommendations are not submitted by the application deadline?

We strongly encourage students to plan ahead and get their test scores and letters submitted ahead of the deadline. For things applicants cannot control - i.e. scores and letters - it is okay if they arrive within a few days of the deadline. We encourage all materials to be received by the deadline, but an application will not be reviewed until all required materials have been received.

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How do I accept my offer of admission?

You’ll confirm your intent to enroll by submitting the enrollment deposit through the application portal. Once in the portal, please follow these steps:

1. View your decision letter

2. Click on “confirm your intent to enroll”

3. Accept your offer and make the enrollment deposit

I was recently admitted; how much is the tuition deposit?

The tuition deposit is $300 and is credited towards your tuition. It is not an additional fee.

I was recently admitted; what are my next steps?

We have made a next steps checklist with what to start doing once you have been admitted. The first step is to confirm your intent to enroll and pay the enrollment deposit.

When should I register for classes?

Newly admitted students may register once they have submitted the enrollment deposit, activated their account, and received advice from their academic advisor. The academic advising team is here to help you as you prepare to begin coursework. We highly encourage students to register early to ensure students have the widest variety of coursework and modality.

Are there orientation sessions for new students?

Yes. The Schar School hosts a graduate student orientation before each semester to help new students transition successfully. This is typically held within a week of classes starting. Students will receive more information when available via email.

Can I defer my offer of admission?

Students who are accepted to Schar School certificate and master’s programs are eligible for a one-time deferral of their admission to the following fall or spring semester. Admitted ODKM and NSPP Cohort students may only defer to the following fall semester. You can defer by following these steps:

1. View your decision letter

2. Click on “confirm your intent to enroll”

3. Select term in which you would like to defer

Please note: the Schar School does not admit students for the summer term, if you would like to defer – select only Spring or Fall terms.

I already accepted and made my enrollment deposit, now I would like to defer, can I still defer?

Yes, if you have already made your deposit, you can still defer to a future term. The enrollment deposit will apply to that term. Please note that the enrollment deposit is nonrefundable.

Have a question that isn't answered on this FAQ page? Contact the Schar School's Office of Graduate Admissions at schargr@gmu.edu - we're here to help!