Also, it might vary with which part of GMU they are applying to. Admission to GMU Engineering is a different applicant pool with different expectations than for admission to GMU in the arts & humanities,

Admission is unlikely absent improvement in grades and good test score. Planning for alternatives, and setting expectations accordingly, makes sense under the circumstances. There are endless alternatives, exploring them now may be helpful. One to consider might be the community college to 4-year pathways available in Virginia, as well as other Virginia schools which are less selective in admissions, e.g., Longwood, Marymount, and Radford. If you expand your horizons out of state, your options are essentially unlimited.

Anonymous wrote:DC has special learning needs (IEP). Currently in 10th grade, and grades are not looking great. GPA is about 3.0, with just a few ECs. I know it’s too early to think about college, but in our case it’s important to know now whether they have a realistic shot at GMU with these grades. (If not, we may be moving from VA—long story, family logistics.)

Has anyone’s child had similar stats and been able to get in? The other option would be CC, but socially GMU would work much better for them.

P.S. Also if you have any ideas what can be done now to improve chances of admission, other than academics (we are already doing everything we can). SSL hours? Any specific ECs? ANy feedback is appreciated.

The average GPA at GMU is a 3.68. Only 10% score below a 3.25. There’s a chance, but it’s probably small.

Definitely get in. Probably a scholarship who knows. In terms of selectivity GMU isn't even JMU which isn't even VT which isn't UMDCP which isn't WM which isn't UVA which isn't GTown which isn't JHU which isn't Harvard. Relax.

Mine did not get in with 3.0. However, last year I think some of the local high schools made agreements with Mason for direct entry for students with 3.0. Ask your counselor which high schools are a part of this program.

Op, talk to your school’s college counselor and ask to see the Naviance graphs. We did exactly as you did for our DD a number of years ago and she did well at GMU. It did take her 5 1/2 years to graduate because we and disability services put her on a reduced schedule for most of her time there. But in the end she flourished. She got great internships and was employed before graduation and has been a success there. Not to alarm you, but it has gotten tougher to get in - so be sure to talk to your counselor. Here are the stats. The 75th percentile enrolling at GMU last fall had a weighted 3.99, the median a 3.70 and the bottom 25% had a 3.42. On the other hand, about 80% of applicants get in. Good luck. https://research.schev.edu/rdPage.aspx?enrollment&rdReport=Enrollment.B10_FreshmanProfile

Look at GMU’s common data set (Google for it)

It will tell you exactly what they care about. If they care about demonstrated interest, do that.

FWIW, you may want to run Net Price Calculator for McDaniel outside of Bmore. They are really great with supports, accept lower gpa & are not too far (and can connect w public transport)

DC has special learning needs (IEP). Currently in 10th grade, and grades are not looking great. GPA is about 3.0, with just a few ECs. I know it’s too early to think about college, but in our case it’s important to know now whether they have a realistic shot at GMU with these grades. (If not, we may be moving from VA—long story, family logistics.)

Has anyone’s child had similar stats and been able to get in? The other option would be CC, but socially GMU would work much better for them.

P.S. Also if you have any ideas what can be done now to improve chances of admission, other than academics (we are already doing everything we can). SSL hours? Any specific ECs? ANy feedback is appreciated.