Insights on Mason for Potential Incoming Freshman

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:If you live in NOVA, GMU might be nice in the sense that your kid can come one easily whenever he wants (which could be helpful).

This seems like a negative. The kid should be developing independence not running home frequently.

It was a distinct positive for our kid

[Anonymous]

My son will be in that same department at CNU. He really loved the small department that is growing with the new school. He met many professors at the open house on admitted students day, and felt really comfortable there. He loved CNUs campus and vibe, and the location. We are already registered with the disability office. We toured GMU and it’s probably better overall but it is larger and close to home and those were negatives for our son.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:GMU has great job opportunities with the proximity of so many companies. My cousin went there for computer science and had a job lined up by the start of his senior year. He’s had no trouble applying for, and getting, jobs up the ladder and improving his career as well. GMU has great job connections.

I served on an advisory board for GMU computer science and was very impressed woth the faculty who met with us and the large companies on the Dulles toll road and I-270 monthly to ask what needs the companies had and matched students up accordingly. My DD had internships all 3 summers and a permanent job lined up very early

GMU is VERY well connected not only with major US tech companies, but also with small-local/midsize-regional tech companies. Very strong tech job placement both for CS and for ECE, including placement to jobs in other tech metros (e.g., Austin, Boston, RTP, Silly Valley). Many locals dismiss GMU more than they ought to.

[Anonymous]

NP- any thoughts on GMU for poli sci / government type degree. I have a non-stem kid considering the school.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:NP- any thoughts on GMU for poli sci / government type degree. I have a non-stem kid considering the school.

I'm a NP. Our DC will attend GMU Schar School starting Fall 2024. DC had gotten into some higher ranked schools but chose GMU because DC really liked the GMU honors college and Schar School. The Schar School professors seem genuinely interested in engaging with the students and helping them to succeed. They have programming to develop students' practical knowledge (such as site trips to DC) and potential for internships. The admissions office had some "spotlight" dates when the campus tour would be followed by a presentation by the Schar School.

Another thing I noticed is that the vibe seems collaborative and supportive. Even after the scheduled programming, current students spent time answering questions and providing tips. It was the right fit for DC.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:If you live in NOVA, GMU might be nice in the sense that your kid can come one easily whenever he wants (which could be helpful).

This seems like a negative. The kid should be developing independence not running home frequently.

OP here. I agree with that. Good to have him close enough where coming home can be accomplished in a few hours if necessary, but don't want to encourage that as a frequent practice. Its important that he develop independence whether its on campus 30-40 minutes away, or 3 hours (CNU is about 2 1/2)

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:My son will be in that same department at CNU. He really loved the small department that is growing with the new school. He met many professors at the open house on admitted students day, and felt really comfortable there. He loved CNUs campus and vibe, and the location. We are already registered with the disability office. We toured GMU and it’s probably better overall but it is larger and close to home and those were negatives for our son.

We attended admitted students day in April and had a chance to speak with the CS department head. Is your son and incoming freshman? What type of HS is he coming from? Anything you can share regarding the disability office and what supports they will provide?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:If you live in NOVA, GMU might be nice in the sense that your kid can come one easily whenever he wants (which could be helpful).

This seems like a negative. The kid should be developing independence not running home frequently.

OP here. I agree with that. Good to have him close enough where coming home can be accomplished in a few hours if necessary, but don't want to encourage that as a frequent practice. Its important that he develop independence whether its on campus 30-40 minutes away, or 3 hours (CNU is about 2 1/2)

My DS just finished his freshman year at GMU and he lived on campus, although we are 30 minutes away. He rarely came home to spend the night, but we would occasionally see him for a meal or to pick up something he needed from home (like his winter coat). It was convenient to have him close to home for doctor/dental appointments. He has ADHD/HFA and sees his doctor every month or so for checkups and refills. I’m very proud of him and I think he made the right choice of school. His other options were VCU, UMW, and JMU. He made Dean’s list both semesters at GMU and seems happy.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Our DC was just admitted off the waitlist to GMU’s computing and engineering school. He is committed to CNU for comp sci, and is deciding if he should rescind that commitment and go to Mason.

He is an IB student in a very diverse FCPS school, and has had an IEP since 5th grade for ADD (inattentive). He came up through the FCPS AAP program, taking high school math since 7th grade. His grades have spanned the spectrum from A’s to the occasional D, with his biggest challenges around writing.

He’s especially bright, but struggles with executive functioning. We believe Mason’s Executive Functioning program (at additional cost) would really help him navigate the college academic experience.

He chose CNU over VCU (and two OOS schools with substantial merit) because he thought the smaller school and the opportunity to know his instructors and they know him, would be a better environment. Theres a lot we like about CNU, and not to overemphasize “rankings, but it doesn’t have the reputation - overall and in Comp sci - of Mason. Mason also has a large internship network, which is critica in a technical field.

He would live on campus at GMU and Although smaller, we expect CNU would be more of a “traditional” college experience than Mason, as the latter has a fair number of commuters. However, he’s never really been interested in the experience, and is more focused on what his degree will provide. That said, we (and he) believe he needs to build his social skills and friend base, as he struggled “finding his tribe” in high school.

Anyone with experience at Mason (or CNU for that matter), I would welcome your input as we try to make this decision.

GMU stopped being a commuter campus in 2010/2011 when the Carnegie foundation reclassified it as primarily residential. All freshmen live on campus unless they have filed a waiver and it was accepted. Yes, many of the grad students commute but go look at all of the dorms available for undergrad (My DS's second year was like a hotel room, with full, nice private bath and kitchen). My DS lived on campus all four years. His roommates were OOS and international. He had a great four years. Game Design major. Anything computer is terrific there. Be sure to visit the tech campus out near manassas. AMA

I’ve read about the Carnegie designation, but wondering exactly what the criteria are for that. US News states that GMU only has 6200 undergrads on campus, among 27000 total. That’s not a lot though in comparison to about 5k total at CNU, it’s more than comparable. Also, I understand that a lot of students live in off-campus housing nearby.

Did your DS do the Game Design major that’s arts/fine arts focused? I believes there’s that (BFA) along with a Game Design concentration within the CS major.

j




DS did the BFA major. Those that entered the program knowing how to code gravitated to the CS major. BTW, GMU has 40 different types of dorms, townhouses, housing 6100 students. DS was concerned he wouldn't get an campus dorm the last year but did. Some of his friends moved off nearby but he wanted to stay. I was very impressed with all of the facilities. So much is new therefore state-of-the art.

Very helpful information, thank you.

With 6200 students in on campus housing, did that make the campus feel a little bit smaller - at least when the commuter students head home? CNU is about 5,000 students, so I'm thinking the smaller number of on-campus residents could make an obviously large school feel a little smaller (not a bad thing for my DC). This could be specially so since there are several campuses where some local students attend outside of the main Fairfax campus.

Are you familiar with the off-campus housing options? Are they near the main Fairfax campus?


Are you local and did your DS come home much on weekends?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:If you live in NOVA, GMU might be nice in the sense that your kid can come one easily whenever he wants (which could be helpful).

This seems like a negative. The kid should be developing independence not running home frequently.

OP here. I agree with that. Good to have him close enough where coming home can be accomplished in a few hours if necessary, but don't want to encourage that as a frequent practice. Its important that he develop independence whether its on campus 30-40 minutes away, or 3 hours (CNU is about 2 1/2)

My DS just finished his freshman year at GMU and he lived on campus, although we are 30 minutes away. He rarely came home to spend the night, but we would occasionally see him for a meal or to pick up something he needed from home (like his winter coat). It was convenient to have him close to home for doctor/dental appointments. He has ADHD/HFA and sees his doctor every month or so for checkups and refills. I’m very proud of him and I think he made the right choice of school. His other options were VCU, UMW, and JMU. He made Dean’s list both semesters at GMU and seems happy.

That's an amazing success story. Congratulations to you and your DS! Our son initially chose CNU over VCU, and also had Hofstra as an option with substantial merit. Hofstra has a well-regarded program for LD/neurodivergent kids, but it was still very expensive even with merit, and was a bit far away at almost 5 hours with New York traffic.

Your scenario would be a dream for us and our DC. With his ADHD/HFA, what kind of supports have been available to him at GMU? Have you found them helpful?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:NP- any thoughts on GMU for poli sci / government type degree. I have a non-stem kid considering the school.

I'm a NP. Our DC will attend GMU Schar School starting Fall 2024. DC had gotten into some higher ranked schools but chose GMU because DC really liked the GMU honors college and Schar School. The Schar School professors seem genuinely interested in engaging with the students and helping them to succeed. They have programming to develop students' practical knowledge (such as site trips to DC) and potential for internships. The admissions office had some "spotlight" dates when the campus tour would be followed by a presentation by the Schar School.

Another thing I noticed is that the vibe seems collaborative and supportive. Even after the scheduled programming, current students spent time answering questions and providing tips. It was the right fit for DC.

Thanks! Will check out the Schar tour dates.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:If you live in NOVA, GMU might be nice in the sense that your kid can come one easily whenever he wants (which could be helpful).

This seems like a negative. The kid should be developing independence not running home frequently.

OP here. I agree with that. Good to have him close enough where coming home can be accomplished in a few hours if necessary, but don't want to encourage that as a frequent practice. Its important that he develop independence whether its on campus 30-40 minutes away, or 3 hours (CNU is about 2 1/2)

My DS just finished his freshman year at GMU and he lived on campus, although we are 30 minutes away. He rarely came home to spend the night, but we would occasionally see him for a meal or to pick up something he needed from home (like his winter coat). It was convenient to have him close to home for doctor/dental appointments. He has ADHD/HFA and sees his doctor every month or so for checkups and refills. I’m very proud of him and I think he made the right choice of school. His other options were VCU, UMW, and JMU. He made Dean’s list both semesters at GMU and seems happy.

This is so good to hear, as our DS with the same profile will be attending GMU in the fall. I’m so glad your DS’s first year was a success!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Our DC was just admitted off the waitlist to GMU’s computing and engineering school. He is committed to CNU for comp sci, and is deciding if he should rescind that commitment and go to Mason.

He is an IB student in a very diverse FCPS school, and has had an IEP since 5th grade for ADD (inattentive). He came up through the FCPS AAP program, taking high school math since 7th grade. His grades have spanned the spectrum from A’s to the occasional D, with his biggest challenges around writing.

He’s especially bright, but struggles with executive functioning. We believe Mason’s Executive Functioning program (at additional cost) would really help him navigate the college academic experience.

He chose CNU over VCU (and two OOS schools with substantial merit) because he thought the smaller school and the opportunity to know his instructors and they know him, would be a better environment. Theres a lot we like about CNU, and not to overemphasize “rankings, but it doesn’t have the reputation - overall and in Comp sci - of Mason. Mason also has a large internship network, which is critica in a technical field.

He would live on campus at GMU and Although smaller, we expect CNU would be more of a “traditional” college experience than Mason, as the latter has a fair number of commuters. However, he’s never really been interested in the experience, and is more focused on what his degree will provide. That said, we (and he) believe he needs to build his social skills and friend base, as he struggled “finding his tribe” in high school.

Anyone with experience at Mason (or CNU for that matter), I would welcome your input as we try to make this decision.

GMU has a wait list?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Our DC was just admitted off the waitlist to GMU’s computing and engineering school. He is committed to CNU for comp sci, and is deciding if he should rescind that commitment and go to Mason.

He is an IB student in a very diverse FCPS school, and has had an IEP since 5th grade for ADD (inattentive). He came up through the FCPS AAP program, taking high school math since 7th grade. His grades have spanned the spectrum from A’s to the occasional D, with his biggest challenges around writing.

He’s especially bright, but struggles with executive functioning. We believe Mason’s Executive Functioning program (at additional cost) would really help him navigate the college academic experience.

He chose CNU over VCU (and two OOS schools with substantial merit) because he thought the smaller school and the opportunity to know his instructors and they know him, would be a better environment. Theres a lot we like about CNU, and not to overemphasize “rankings, but it doesn’t have the reputation - overall and in Comp sci - of Mason. Mason also has a large internship network, which is critica in a technical field.

He would live on campus at GMU and Although smaller, we expect CNU would be more of a “traditional” college experience than Mason, as the latter has a fair number of commuters. However, he’s never really been interested in the experience, and is more focused on what his degree will provide. That said, we (and he) believe he needs to build his social skills and friend base, as he struggled “finding his tribe” in high school.

Anyone with experience at Mason (or CNU for that matter), I would welcome your input as we try to make this decision.

GMU has a wait list?

of course it does. Just like any other4 year institution. I know if at least a dozen kids who were rejected. https://www.gmu.edu/admissions-aid/waitlist

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Our DC was just admitted off the waitlist to GMU’s computing and engineering school. He is committed to CNU for comp sci, and is deciding if he should rescind that commitment and go to Mason.

He is an IB student in a very diverse FCPS school, and has had an IEP since 5th grade for ADD (inattentive). He came up through the FCPS AAP program, taking high school math since 7th grade. His grades have spanned the spectrum from A’s to the occasional D, with his biggest challenges around writing.

He’s especially bright, but struggles with executive functioning. We believe Mason’s Executive Functioning program (at additional cost) would really help him navigate the college academic experience.

He chose CNU over VCU (and two OOS schools with substantial merit) because he thought the smaller school and the opportunity to know his instructors and they know him, would be a better environment. Theres a lot we like about CNU, and not to overemphasize “rankings, but it doesn’t have the reputation - overall and in Comp sci - of Mason. Mason also has a large internship network, which is critica in a technical field.

He would live on campus at GMU and Although smaller, we expect CNU would be more of a “traditional” college experience than Mason, as the latter has a fair number of commuters. However, he’s never really been interested in the experience, and is more focused on what his degree will provide. That said, we (and he) believe he needs to build his social skills and friend base, as he struggled “finding his tribe” in high school.

Anyone with experience at Mason (or CNU for that matter), I would welcome your input as we try to make this decision.

GMU stopped being a commuter campus in 2010/2011 when the Carnegie foundation reclassified it as primarily residential. All freshmen live on campus unless they have filed a waiver and it was accepted. Yes, many of the grad students commute but go look at all of the dorms available for undergrad (My DS's second year was like a hotel room, with full, nice private bath and kitchen). My DS lived on campus all four years. His roommates were OOS and international. He had a great four years. Game Design major. Anything computer is terrific there. Be sure to visit the tech campus out near manassas. AMA

I’ve read about the Carnegie designation, but wondering exactly what the criteria are for that. US News states that GMU only has 6200 undergrads on campus, among 27000 total. That’s not a lot though in comparison to about 5k total at CNU, it’s more than comparable. Also, I understand that a lot of students live in off-campus housing nearby.

Did your DS do the Game Design major that’s arts/fine arts focused? I believes there’s that (BFA) along with a Game Design concentration within the CS major.

j




DS did the BFA major. Those that entered the program knowing how to code gravitated to the CS major. BTW, GMU has 40 different types of dorms, townhouses, housing 6100 students. DS was concerned he wouldn't get an campus dorm the last year but did. Some of his friends moved off nearby but he wanted to stay. I was very impressed with all of the facilities. So much is new therefore state-of-the art.

Very helpful information, thank you.

With 6200 students in on campus housing, did that make the campus feel a little bit smaller - at least when the commuter students head home? CNU is about 5,000 students, so I'm thinking the smaller number of on-campus residents could make an obviously large school feel a little smaller (not a bad thing for my DC). This could be specially so since there are several campuses where some local students attend outside of the main Fairfax campus.

Are you familiar with the off-campus housing options? Are they near the main Fairfax campus?


Are you local and did your DS come home much on weekends?

remember that most of the commuter students are grad students so our kid didn't notice any commuter traffic. He had his world of friends in his major and from a LLC dorm. yes, we looked at the nearby townhouses but couldn't afford a car so stayed with the dorms all four years. One of his roommates had parents buy him a townhouse several miles off campus but to share would have meant a car and we couldn't swing it. His roommates were from all over and some international. There is a Greek presence (some 40 frats and sororities?) but DS didn't participate. The honors program is great