George Mason a safe school?

[Anonymous]

In response to PP, I get the sense that a number of schools that previously felt like commuter schools have changed in just the last 5 years due to more kids applying to more schools- GMU and UMBC included.

[Anonymous]

I get the feeling DCUM parents look down on "commuter schools" based on their idealized memories about their college experience decades ago. Just back off and let your kid decide. If they're ok with living at home and going to GMU, so be it.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I get the feeling DCUM parents look down on "commuter schools" based on their idealized memories about their college experience decades ago. Just back off and let your kid decide. If they're ok with living at home and going to GMU, so be it.

GMU stopped being a commuter school in 2011 when the Carnegie Foundation reclassified it as primarily residential. https://www.insidenova.com/news/fairfax/changes-at-gmu-lead-to-designation-as-primarily-residential-institution/article_5acea37e-98d7-5091-9796-90f3ac439160.html

[Anonymous]

We are out of state but DC was born in FFX and attended FFX schools in elementary. DC has a high gpa in a small private HS school due to sheer hard work. Has some honors and two APs. DC is a solid hardworking, motivated student. GMU is DC’s first choice (applied EA test optional); liberal arts focus Is that profile a likely for GMU? TIA

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:We are out of state but DC was born in FFX and attended FFX schools in elementary. DC has a high gpa in a small private HS school due to sheer hard work. Has some honors and two APs. DC is a solid hardworking, motivated student. GMU is DC’s first choice (applied EA test optional); liberal arts focus Is that profile a likely for GMU? TIA

Yes--sounds like a good fit.

[Anonymous]

I am guessing OP is not from Nova. There is nothing close to community college about George Mason, academically and culturally speaking. Arguably, if you are from Nova and your child attends any of the DC schools, they could commute from home as well. George Mason is a safety school only when it is seen in the context of UVA, Virginia Tech, and William & Mary. But it is well-regarded for many concentrations and its students see a good amount of success in their careers.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I get the feeling DCUM parents look down on "commuter schools" based on their idealized memories about their college experience decades ago. Just back off and let your kid decide. If they're ok with living at home and going to GMU, so be it.

GMU stopped being a commuter school in 2011 when the Carnegie Foundation reclassified it as primarily residential. https://www.insidenova.com/news/fairfax/changes-at-gmu-lead-to-designation-as-primarily-residential-institution/article_5acea37e-98d7-5091-9796-90f3ac439160.html

Obvious that OP still thinks it is.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:We are out of state but DC was born in FFX and attended FFX schools in elementary. DC has a high gpa in a small private HS school due to sheer hard work. Has some honors and two APs. DC is a solid hardworking, motivated student. GMU is DC’s first choice (applied EA test optional); liberal arts focus Is that profile a likely for GMU? TIA

Yes--sounds like a good fit.

I agree. My DD went to Mason. Happy to answer any questions. Has your DC applied to the Honors College program? I don't know much about it because my DD wasn't in it but a family friend finished it last year. He got many benefits including housing with other Honors students. I don't know if you apply straight away for it or if GMU offers it back but it is worth your time investigating. Good luck. BTw DC lived in the dorms all four years and had roommates from all over the world. Great experience.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:OP should use term safety. Post sounds like campus might be dangerous.

This. OP is confused. Also OP needs to know that at 3.5, anyone would be lucky to get in to GMU. Certainly GMU is not a safety.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:We are out of state but DC was born in FFX and attended FFX schools in elementary. DC has a high gpa in a small private HS school due to sheer hard work. Has some honors and two APs. DC is a solid hardworking, motivated student. GMU is DC’s first choice (applied EA test optional); liberal arts focus Is that profile a likely for GMU? TIA

Yes--sounds like a good fit.

I agree. My DD went to Mason. Happy to answer any questions. Has your DC applied to the Honors College program? I don't know much about it because my DD wasn't in it but a family friend finished it last year. He got many benefits including housing with other Honors students. I don't know if you apply straight away for it or if GMU offers it back but it is worth your time investigating. Good luck. BTw DC lived in the dorms all four years and had roommates from all over the world. Great experience.

Thank you to the two PPs who replied. DC did submit the separate essay to apply to the honors program. Regardless of honors, DC really wants to attend because of GMU’s robust school of government program. They seem to do well with internship placements in the DC area. I realize the other major WDC area schools do as well, but academically and socially GMI seems like a better fit for DC.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I get the feeling DCUM parents look down on "commuter schools" based on their idealized memories about their college experience decades ago. Just back off and let your kid decide. If they're ok with living at home and going to GMU, so be it.

GMU stopped being a commuter school in 2011 when the Carnegie Foundation reclassified it as primarily residential. https://www.insidenova.com/news/fairfax/changes-at-gmu-lead-to-designation-as-primarily-residential-institution/article_5acea37e-98d7-5091-9796-90f3ac439160.html

Obvious that OP still thinks it is.

Well then she is old and quite wrong. My kids lived in the dorms all four years. Had regular college experiences. Used the university's jitney buses to get downtown DC, Fairfax for shopping and dining, and to the Manassas high tech campus for computer related courses. Both had paid internships all three summers (even my UVA kid didn't get PAID internships) and were hired by FAANG before graduation. Go and tour all five campuses. Oh wait, one is in Korea.